Exchanging rubles

We think that the best option is to exchange money downtown, at an official currency exchange office, and there are plenty of them in Moscow and Saint Petersburg. If you have booked a guided tour with us, your guide will gladly tell you where you can exchange money, and help you select a place with a good rate.

All purchases in Russia are made in the local currency, which is the ruble. Transactions in dollars or euros are not allowed. However, you can always pay with a debit or credit card, as they are accepted everywhere in Moscow and almost everywhere in Saint Petersburg. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other electronic contactless payment systems work in the majority of the supermarkets, however, we would recommend carrying around a small amount of cash for minor purchases in small stores. It is also important to note that the most popular payment systems in Russia are Visa and MasterCard, sometimes the shops accept Maestro cards, but American Express is the least accepted card in Russia.

Here are some simple rules that we advise you to keep in mind when exchanging currency:

1. A lot of tourists exchange currency right after they arrive, in the airport. We decidedly do not recommend doing this, since you will lose money on the exchange rate difference. The same thing goes for the hotel - the exchange rate is usually not favorable at all.

2. Check the official exchange rate. For example, on the website of the Russian Central Bank.

3. In exchange offices, ID will only be requested if you want to exchange an amount of money greater than 500 euros.

4. Most exchange offices are open 7/7 7-20pm. Use Google Maps to find offices open 24 hours a day, if necessary.

5. Always count the banknotes given to you.

6. Do not buy rubles before you leave for Russia if you do not want to pay a large commission.

7. You can also exchange currency in the vast majority of banks. You will not find branches of your own bank in Russia, but if you prefer to exchange your currency in a branch, it is possible without any danger. The exchange rate will probably be less advantageous than in an exchange office: you can always check it on the Internet beforehand.

8. Never exchange currency with individuals. This type of currency exchange is often practiced by scammers.