Way to Russia Talk Lounge

Ania · Guest

Hello Everyone!

I am going to visit Moscow for a month. The accomodations part of my trip is taken care of. I want to know how much money one should bring with them? I do plan to go out not everyday, but often. I also want to know whether there are ATM's in Moscow to get money, and whether one should bring American express travelers checks or just cash and your atm card.

Oh also, what about credit cards- Amex, MC, Visa-?

Thanks to everyone in advance.

UsualSuspect · Guest

Ania,
Start with $500.00 US. Make it a mix of cash (pristine notes only, no ink stains, tears etc etc) and Visa Travel Money. Take a "Cirrus" type bankcard as a backup. Moscow is full of major banks and there are ATM's around. Go to a small town though....and you'd best take cash or exchange some for roubles.

With your accommodation sorted your expenses are limited to your imagination. Transport via the Metro was 25 (or 20?) roubles for five trips (that's 15 cents US per trip). The Kremlin and some museums will cost you a lot (have a look at how much Russian citizens are charged by comparison). If you stick with beer, vodka and the local Cognacs (Kanyak) you'll be OK. Go for imported stuff and you'll pay through the nose.......Olmecha tequila was like $43 US for a bottle.....A truly good bottle of vodka was only about $5 US...

I didn't go club hopping or anything, just sightseeing and eating and stuff and I think $500.00 should see you OK even for day trips to one of the Golden Ring towns. Trains are cheap (despite the price hikes).
Throw in some more if you want to bring back an ornate Samovar or something. And remember.......money kept as close as possible to the skin, and RETAIN THE RECEIPTS WHEN YOU EXCHANGE CASH!!!

Anyone else care to answer? I was last in Moscow 9 months ago and do my travelling now to Siberia direct.....

Regards
UsualSuspect

Ania · Guest

Dear UsualSuspect!

Thanks for the info, I very much appreciate it. I am very nervous to go, because I haven't been to Russia in 5-6 years. But at the same time very excited:)

Thanks again,

Ania

Bender · Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2003 12:31 am Post subject:

hey , thanks for the info, i am excited as well. i have not been to russia for 28 years! and this is my age.

Ania · Guest

Hi Bender!

Are u Russian? Or u just want to visit the country? When r u going? What r u planning to see?

Ania

Pa-Shock · Guest

Wanna meet?
here some info about me: www.pashok.nm.ru
I work at an Internet center, so it might be useful for you.
We are also trying to organize a homestay network in Russia, so I'm
doing some reseach about that and you can help me.

Pasha from Moscow.

Bernie · Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2003 8:49 pm Post subject: Anita

Are you available to help me? I am a teacher and will be in Moscow only 3 days, Nov 28 and Dec 6 & 7 2003. I do not speak Russian at all and need to get aroud with a helping hand. Email me at bosorio98@yahoo.com perhaps you know of someone who would like to make some money while showing Moscow around

Elwood · Just Starting Joined: 29 Oct 2008 Posts: 8

ATM's are easy to find and use in Moscow. Though, I would shop around for fee free.. or fee refunded checking accounts and start one up as a backup / emergency atm with a little money in it.

Last time in Russia my bank ( Bank of America ) thought it was suspicious that charges would come from Russia and turned my card off. BOA customer service aside.. it was a unpleasant experience since I only had a $10 bill in my wallet with some writing on it that no bank would exchange so I could get a phone card to call my bank with! uggh.

They aren't kidding when they say only new clean bills. No tears, no writing or marks on them of any kind. and of course latest generation.

Hope you enjoy your trip. I'm doing the same thing.. A month in Moscow and will be arriving middle of next month. Can't wait to have New Years in Red Square!

Hope you have a great time also.

camarks · Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2008 1:40 am Post subject:

The information above is good. Make sure you notify any banks whose cards (ATM or credit) you plan to use in Russia so you won't have problems. There is still no guarantee that a charge from Russia won't be refused so it is good to have a couple of options for back-up. Don't bother with travelers checks.

danbrew · Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2008 2:49 am Post subject:

Avis

hello everybody Smile

i just wanted to make some corrections cons. some costs e.g. transport Smile

it's not certainly 25 roubles per 5 trips, it's closer to 19 roubles per 1 trip Smile

i also doubt $500 is enough for going out often when you're planning to stay for a month or so in moscow Smile

e.g. i've recently been to one night club and it costed about 2500 roubles per night per person Wink

generally if you wanna go to a good restaurant and have a good dinner you will start from 1500 roubles per person (not including alc.)

as for New Year's Eve at the red Square i would say you're guys hmmm brave ones )))) it's always overcrowded with drunken people and offers little opportunities to get warm or.. other necessary stuff lol

for further assistance and help if needed you can contact me via msn or email.

vox16 · WayToRussified Joined: 01 Jun 2006 Posts: 322

[quote="Avis"]hello everybody Smile

i just wanted to make some corrections cons. some costs e.g. transport Smile

it's not certainly 25 roubles per 5 trips, it's closer to 19 roubles per 1 trip Smile

i also doubt $500 is enough for going out often when you're planning to stay for a month or so in moscow Smile

e.g. i've recently been to one night club and it costed about 2500 roubles per night per person Wink

[quote]

Things were much cheaper in 2003 ( nice resurrection of a thread? )

Paul Holmes · VIP Joined: 12 Apr 2005 Posts: 969

The way the economic crisis is happening, prices will 2003 again.

Avis · Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 3:36 pm Post subject:

Paul Holmes · VIP Joined: 12 Apr 2005 Posts: 969