Money, Moscow

Miscellaneous: Before we went to Moscow there was much debate at work as to whether you needed to take cash dollars, or euros, or whether Sterling would be OK. Honestly, I never understand why people get so worked up about this kind of thing. Maybe there is some kudos to be had in making out you're going to a place that is so backward that they've never heard of debit cards. Or maybe there's some fear that for some bizarre reason US dollars will be the only currency anyone wants. Well, this might have been the case in Russia 30 years ago, but trust me, withdrawing rubles from an ATM with a Visa debit card and using them to buy stuff is no problem at all...

Miscellaneous: If you want to get the best rate for your money - bring cash! Nearly all exchange offices change USD or EUR. The following most acceptable currency is GBP, then CHF, JPY. There is lots of competition on changing money, so check the best rate from http://www.rbc.ru/cash/ (only in Russian) and head directly to the office to change - please note that the rates change constantly and sometimes I have not received the rate quoted few hours later – minimum sum to change may apply. The EUR has now in many places similar buy/sell spread than USD, so if you live in euro zone (or have cash in EUR) take EUR, not USD if you need to change in your own country as the buy/sell spread bigger in west than in Russia and usually a commission levied unlike in Russia. Unlike before I have not had show my passport (October 2004) to change money and you may not been given receipt if you do not specifically ask. Again bring only pristine condition banknotes and without any writing (which is common in GBP).

Miscellaneous: ATMs and Plastic money: they are the most convenient way to take your money abroad. You get lots of benefits and (almost!!) no problems. You'll get lower exchange rate than if you were to exchane your cash, and you will pay lower commissions than if you came up with a travel cheque. But, above all, you'll get safety And, even more than that, you can pay in many shops by a plastic card. Though not in all of major shops... So look at the doors when entering! So, I am always travelling with my ATM cards in my pocket. And Moscow there are plenty of ATM machines: in banks, in major shops, hotels, and in every subway station. But, however, here are some important rules to keep in mind: 1) Do use Electron/Cirrus/any other debit card for withdrawals, as any other thing will be considered a cash advance, 2)Try to take out money few times but in bigger sums so as not to accumulate fees, 3) If you loose you card call the issuing company and you bank, too, to block the card.

Miscellaneous: Check your money in your country, you cannot get roubles out of Russia. Count your money as you have to declare all your money at the customs.