We will be taking a cruise with Intrav on the waterways in Russia. We have been told that credit cards are OK but US currency is not supposed to be accepted. Intrav suggests taking $700 US per person which is much more than we usually spend. I don't think I want that much cash in my cabin. Any suggestions would be apreciated. All meals are included but some are on land and drinks would be extra. <BR>Thanks much <BR>Everett

Just returned from Russia. We kept money in a money belt, on us most of the time. We heard horror stories about money stolen, but had no problems. You can exchange US dollars at banks. The currency rate is posted. We did not find that Visa was accepted commonly (although it was in Moscow). Have fun, we had a great time!

If you'll be here in Moscow you'd take money from your card in cash machines or in bank offices. Some shops in the center accept cards, but still there are not many of them. I don't think you'll need so much money, if you're not going to eat at expensive restaurants or buy a ton of souvenirs. <BR> <BR>Dollars could sometimes be accepted by small traders or in small private shops or by taxi drivers. It's not legal for them, but it's not criminal from your side so don't worry. But you can get better price for roubles. Take only new banknotes (after 1990) and in good condition. If you're going to pay in dollars sometime, take enough small banknotes since the prices are considerable lower here, at least on the land. <BR> <BR>Have a nice trip, <BR>Konstantin

We took a cruise on a riverboat last year: Moscow to St. Pete. The cash deal is only for purchases on the boat. So, drinks, wine at meals, or their overpriced souvenirs need dollars. Other than that, rubles or dollars work fine elsewhere. Buying with rubles was sometimes less expensive at food, craft stalls. You can't take any rubles out with you, so budget towards the end.

Credit cards are problem, unless you are thinking in using them at ATM's which are all over the place in St.Pete and Moscow for cash advances. As for exchanging $$ OR Rubles back to $$ (same places accept both transactions), there seems to be a an exchange place (bank or exchange counters), on every corner in St.Pete and Moscow (some even open 24/7), so shop around for best rate, month ago in St.Pete was 28.35rubles for $1. Try not buying anything on boat since you will probably pay at least 10x, buy on land and bring it a board. Also if You will be bringing over $500 in cash make sure you declare it and get declaration stamped by customs (keep it - you will need to show when you exit Russia), if you do not You will only be allowed to leave with no more than $500. And above note about Dollar bill is true - they must be ones after 1990, and unmarked, good quality (marked, or ripped bills will not be accepted even by banks). Looking past the little inconveniences Russia is really nice and worth the trip.

What about going to your bank and buying rubels before you leave? You would get a good exchange rate and wouldn't need to wory about carying credit cards or having your dollars rejected?

You cannot buy rubles outside of Russia.

The best way of handling cash is not to handle much of it! ATMs are everywhere in Moscow and St. Petersburg, every metro station has one. You can use your american ATM card with no problems. Most ATMs will give you roubles, some will give you a choice of roubles or dollars. Hey, it is very safe, convenient and there is no surcharge.

My how things have changed! I was in Russia 7 years ago, in St. Pete and Moscow, and a cruise, and I used dollars all but two times, had to have rubles for McDonalds! I remember declaring cash on the way in, but don't remember declaring it on the way home, and no one checked my cash either (course I was very hung over going home, but that's another story!). If you do use dollars for transactions, be sure to check your change-I was given useless currency a couple times. Have a wonderful time, it's a beautiful country.