Exchanging money
cash
All payments conducted on the territory of Russia are in rubles. However, in many stores you may find the prices indicated in the foreign currency or so-called standard units, which are usually equal to the U.S. dollar.
Foreign currency can be exchanged for rubles at commercial banks, exchange kiosks, and hotels; generally at any place with the inscription “Обмен Валюты” (Currency exchange). Stay away from anyone approaching you offering to exchange money privately for a better rate – you will be scammed.
Credit Cards
Most hotels and larger stores in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other large cities now accept major credit cards. However, try to use cash as much as possible, since Russia is a champion of credit card fraud.
prices
Russia for a long time has been an affordable place to travel where you could get a lot for your money. With the global commodities boom that has made Russia flush with cash, it is no longer the case. Moscow has been named the world's most expensive city for the third consecutive year, according to the latest Cost of Living Survey from Mercer. However, if you determine to stay within the budget you can still do so by avoiding shopping in touristy expensive malls, taking public transportation instead of cabs, or even better, walking. Moscow museums and other attractions are still relatively inexpensive, so you can still enjoy your stay in Russia's capital without breaking the bank. And Go To Russia can also save you money on airlines and train tickets, hotel accommodations and apartment rentals.
Sample of Average Moscow Prices:
| Domestic Beer | $1-2 |
| Imported Beer | $4-5 |
| Non-pirated compact disc | $30-60 |
| Movie Theatre ticket | $10 |
| Taxi (city center, day/night) | $15-20 / 20-35 |
| Subway fare | $1 |
| Lunch at a Western-style pizza chain | $35-60 |
| Weeknight at the Marriott Grand | $650-1000 |
| Big Mac Value Meal at McDonald's | $3 |
| A cone of ice-cream | $1 |
tipping
Tipping is becoming more common. Usually, you tip when the service is great about 15%. A 10% tip at a restaurant would be more common, unless you enjoyed your service very much and want to leave more.
atm
ATMs are widely available in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities. Also, you may use Russian or western banks:
Raiffeisenbank Austria
4 Romanov Perulok, Building 4
Phone: 745-9820
Fax: 745-9821
Bank Austria Creditanstalt
10/2 Bolshaya Dmitrovka Ul., Building 4
Tel: 933-6300/01
Fax: 933-6302
American Express
21A Sadovaya-Kudrinskaya Ul.
Tel: 755-9024
Fax: 755-9004
Cashes traveler's checks, holds mail and has an American Express ATM in the lobby.
Western Union
Many Moscow banks will receive a wire transfer. Call Western Union at 797-2194 to find out which is the closest.
