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General
The currency is the ruble, which was re-valued (1,000 old rubles
equal one new ruble) in 1997. The current rate is approximately
31 rubles per dollar / each ruble is worth approximately $.03. There
are currently 5-, 10-, 50-, 100- and 500- ruble notes in circulation.
The coins are 1 kopeika, 5 kopeks, 10 kopeks, 50 kopeks, 1 ruble,
2 rubles and 5 rubles (100 kopek equals 1 ruble).
 All payments
in Russia are officially made in rubles. However, in many shops
you may find the prices indicated in U.S. Dollars or "conditional
units" (usually equal to U.S. Dollars). This became common
after the financial problems of 1998. Many shops catering to tourists
as well as companies selling major items (such as cars, real estate
and computers) quote their prices in U.S. Dollars. The conversion
rate is either posted (commonly at a slightly high rate) or understood
to be the bank rate.
Some private vendors, such as kiosk sellers, guides and taxis may
accept payment in U.S. Dollars or in rubles, although there generally
is no meaningful price difference.
Obtaining and Spending Money
It is best to bring at least a few days worth of money in cash,
as occasionally communications networks handling ATM and credit
card transactions are not available (as elsewhere in the world).
Currency Exchange Bureaus
As many Russians keep their savings in U.S. Dollars it is very easy
to find exchange bureaus throughout Russia. Banks and small currency
exchange bureaus offer very good rates; hotels and casinos are generally
more expensive. Many exchange bureaus will also convert euros and
other currencies, although often the rate is not as good as for
U.S. Dollars.
Bring pristine U.S. Dollar bills. You will have easier time changing
money if your banknotes are absolutely clean. Only bring the newer
versions of the $5, $20, $50 and $100 bills (with the larger, off-center
faces) as few places will accept the older versions.
Don't change money on the street. Unlike during Soviet times, there
is no advantage to dealing with an unofficial vendor (and consequently
there is considerable incentive for the moneychanger to take advantage
of you).
ATMs
Bank machines are common and convenient in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Other large cities also have them but many times there are restrictions
on foreign cards. They usually offer services in multiple languages,
and some give out U.S. Dollars or local currency... In smaller towns
and villages they are often difficult to find or non-existent.
Credit Cards
In Moscow and St. Petersburg more and more shops, restaurants and
services take credit cards (Visa/MasterCard are more accepted than
American Express; Discover, Diners Club and other cards are rarely
accepted).
Most upscale establishments will accept credit cards, but beyond
these it is pure random.
Travelers’ Checks
Some banks (such as Sberbank) will cash AMEX travelers' checks,
but they are not particularly convenient.
Tipping
Tipping is increasingly expected at better restaurants and for personal
services. Tip 10-15% depending on service (unless already included).
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