we were told if you were exchanging money with one of the the dishonest locals that the police are in on it with them. They get your dollars then the police man will walk up to you and ask you what are you doing. You would have to say nothing since it's illegal to exchange dollars for rubles on the street and then you would be left with no cash and sent on your way with the police man and the other man splitting the money you just gave him. Most everyone does exchange money on the street with the "mafia" men but you have to know the right ones to exchange with. Not many poeple use the banks there. But being from another country you're better off getting a few less Rubles on the dollar in a real bank, than trying your luck at exchanging on the street. Even the locals have been known to get ruffed up by them and their money stolen, nothing you can do about!
Exchange money in the real banks only! It's easy just have to have your passport.









