Question: I have clients going to Russia for three+ weeks, two of which will be river cruising. We are actually wondering about how many rubles they should actually take with them for small restaurants, tips, taxis, trains, mall museums, etc.;  Which credit cards are most widely accepted? Should they take any US dollars? Is it better to take a small number of rubles from home and then exchange once in Moscow?

Answer: Credit cards will be accepted in several, more expensive places and, like in America, ATMs are scattered all over and easy to access. Keep in mind, that credit card might not be acepted in Russia smaller towns. When you make a credit card purchase or ATM withdrawal the transaction will be made in Russian rubles at the official rate for that day. It is a good idea to bring some US dollars with you, but not too much; just enough to last until you find an ATM close to your hotel. Just ask your tour guide about where to find the nearest ATM machine. There are two important moments to consider regarding currency exchange in Russia. First, if you do not want to be ripped off-do not exchange currence at the airport. The exchange rate that was offered in Sheremetevo airport was 23 rubles for 1 USD while the official rate was 29 rubles per dollar. So, If I had exchanged $100 I would loose about $20 or 600 ubles. Second, the banks have policy about the foreign  paper bills. The US dollars that you or you client is exchanging have to be brand new. If it is not brand new, they might chargeg you a comission and giveyou less rubles for your USD .

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