Way to Russia Talk Lounge

Zadj · Just Starting Joined: 01 Apr 2008 Posts: 1

Hi,

Can someone that is either in Russia, or has just returned, tell me what the current tourist exchange rates I can expect to get for British pounds, Euros and US Dollars.

I'm trying to work out what the cost difference is between taking hard currency, rubles, or a credit/debit card. I won't be relying on any one but it will help me decide how to split up the money.

My local bank will change pounds to rubles for £1 = 43.3. The market exchange rate is £1 = 46.8, so they are effectively charging 7.5% which I think is probably as good as I'm going to get, but I want to check anyway.

Thanks
Zadj

mentat · Frequent Guest Joined: 25 Mar 2008 Posts: 18

I'm not sure - are where special "tourist" rate, but in any bank you can expect such rates:
EU = 37.3 r
USD = 23.7 r

mister_wizzz · VIP Joined: 27 May 2004 Posts: 548

This question has already been treated several times, if you do some search you will find some answers.
Most of people are advised to bring 150 EUR in rubles for the first expenses (taxi, common transport etc...) and after get rubles on ATM machine using a credit card (better take two if you can).

7.5% of charge it is a lot, using an ATM the bank will charge you 2%. Actually I think in your case it is very expansive because it is not electronic money so the bank charge you for the "paper"

camarks · Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 7:18 am Post subject:

I haven't taken more than $50 cash (usually less) on my last few trips. I get Rubles from the ATM in the baggage claim area of SVO while waiting for my luggage. The rates I get using my debit (prefered) and credit cards this way is usually 2-5%. Just make sure you notify your card issuers about your travel plans, so that the Russian transactions are accepted. I've had vey little trouble this way, but reccommend you have at least two different cards (sometimes one is refused or not recognized) that you can use or take more cash as a back-up. I've never not been able to get money when I wanted it, but have had to try a second card a couple of times.