My wife and I have planned a trip to Russia. When in Russia can you use US dollars or should I convert it into rubles. Tom
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
I went to St Petersburg about two years ago, and the only foreign currency merchants/taxi drivers would accept is Euros, but gave a lousy rate. I used rubles for all purchases, ATMs are plentiful in the city center; Citibank ATMs were the easiest to use.
Posted by
San Leandro, CA, USA
632 posts
Think ATM....US Dollars are not as acceptable as they were when the Ruble was a soft currency.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Bring a minimum amount of dollars. Russian officials are infamous for finding ways to relieve tourists of their foreign currency. Although they're not quite as prevalent as in the West, you shouldn't have much trouble finding an ATM.
Making the whole issue somewhat more complicated, it's technically illegal to export rubles. In theory, that means you have to spend or convert all your left over currency before leaving. In practice, though, this isn't really enforced.