Are US dollars still accepted for purchases in Russia? I have read mixed reports. We are taking a river cruise from St. Petersburg to Moscow. Should we bring US dollars?
How many dollars should we exchange foe rubles? Is their a problem using credit cards?
Thanks for your help and suggestions.
US dollars on Russian tour
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I'm sure most places will take USD for payment but THEY will determine the exchange rate and it will be in their favor. You'll lose lots of money paying in USD.
I always bring USD with me since I'm at a US Airport when I fly out and when I return. I use the dollars there. I don't think it's wise to leave home without any of your own currency.
You should not exchange dollars for local currency. Use ATM machines for the best exchange rate. Check with your bank for ATM fees and foreign transaction fees and find a bank or credit union that does not charge ATM or foreign transaction fees (or perhaps only charges 1% on the FTF).
I don't know of any problems using credit cards.
No, foreign currencies are illegal tender for businesses so use Rubles. A few street vendors well accept dollars or euros but they are not doing you a favor since they are not posting prices and your negotiations will result in higher prices than you would normally pay. A street vendor has a lot more experience extracting the maximum amount from visitors who do not know the realistic price of their offerings.
Exchanging money is easy in Russia, there are many exchange banks in the city center which offer much better rates than your bank does or the airport does. ATMs are everywhere also but not all cards work every time so don't depend on one card. It is better to use Rubles for small purchases because your back will charge a fairly high out-of-system fee plus a terrible exchange rate.
If you bring dollars, get new issue, unmarked bills from your bank. Any marks, ink stains, writing or wear will result in those being rejected in exchange banks. It is hard to find clean unmarked bills, $100 are the bills of choice for exchange, nothing smaller than a $20, because of the odd habit of people in the US of using money as note pads. Look at a $20 or $100 bill and see how most have some sort of ink markings on them.
If you much exchange damaged bills like that, the central bank will take them but for reduced value.