Rubles to Euros or CH Francs
#3
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Join Date: Mar 2003
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Oh crap! Didn't have time in St. Petersburg to get rid of them. But I thank you for the information. Maybe I will meet some Russians in Zermat who could exchange them. Or is that against the law?
#5
Join Date: Jan 2003
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Most of the information regarding Russian rubles on the Internet is out of date. As of July 1, 2006, the Russian ruble has become fully convertible, meaning (among other things) that legally banks can exchange the Russian ruble as they would any other major currency. It still is problematic in some currency exchanges or banks to do this (and the rate often is pretty bad). In Geneva, try UBS and in Paris, try SocGen.
That does not mean that many banks inventory Russian rubles. Specifically in the US, Bank of America does inventory rubles in some locations (and can supply them quickly). We are still recommending to clients to convert their currency into rubles (or use an ATM) when they arrive in Moscow or St Petersburg, and to use the excess rubles when paying down their hotel bill at the end of the trip.
Incidentally, starting January 1, 2007, prices in Russia will be advertised only in Russian rubles, not US$, Euros, or conditional units (a blended rate).
As for private transactions, we generally recommend against doing them, and I know many people who would be surprised if approached.
That does not mean that many banks inventory Russian rubles. Specifically in the US, Bank of America does inventory rubles in some locations (and can supply them quickly). We are still recommending to clients to convert their currency into rubles (or use an ATM) when they arrive in Moscow or St Petersburg, and to use the excess rubles when paying down their hotel bill at the end of the trip.
Incidentally, starting January 1, 2007, prices in Russia will be advertised only in Russian rubles, not US$, Euros, or conditional units (a blended rate).
As for private transactions, we generally recommend against doing them, and I know many people who would be surprised if approached.