Money: cash, travelers' checks, ATM machines in Russia

Ruble is the monetary unit of Russia. There are ruble tickets of 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 rubles. Also there are coins of 1, 2, 5 rubles and 1, 5, 10 and 50 kopecks.

Ruble is the only legal meaning of payment on the entire territory of the Russian Federation. According to Russian laws, it's illegal to pay for services and goods in foreign currency, except authorized retail establishments. You can change foreign currency into rubles in banks or at special exchange offices. Old and discolored $, £, Euro bills and coins will not be accepted at most banks and exchange offices. Some banks accept old and tired bills with 3-10% commissions. Also more frequently you will have to pay in cash, as travelers' checks and credit cards are not accepted widely, though in big cities there appear supermarkets and restaurants welcoming credit cards.

If you you bring traveler's checks (American Express is widely spread), you will need to find a local bank which accepts these checks. Beware though that you will be charged a commission varying from 1% (at the official Amex office) to 4% for this transaction. Major hotels or Amex suggest locations for obtaining cash advances on credit cards.

ATM or Credit Card Advance machines accept PLUS or Cirrus ATM networks, Visa, EuroCard/MasterCard. American Express debit/credit cards are not accepted. Depending on a Russian bank that maintains a cash machine, you may be charged 1 - 4% fee in overcharges. You can also cash credit cards at most exchange offices without using an ATM machine: all you need is your card and a valid passport. Standard fee for this service is 3-4%. Additionally, there is a network of Western Union agents in Ekaterinburg and Russia that disburse money wired from abroad.

Important: you will need to present your passport for any currency operation at exchange offices!