Russia’s iconic landmarks, diverse regions, and deep cultural heritage offer an unforgettable experience – but handling money in Russia and knowing how currency works is essential for avoiding complications. Whether you’re touring Moscow’s grand architecture, exploring Siberia, or shopping for souvenirs, knowing how to pay makes your journey smoother. This guide explains what currency to bring, how to get money and currency in Russia (Russian Ruble – RUB), tips for using cash and cards, and important dos and don’ts. With this knowledge, you’ll avoid hidden fees and navigate Russia’s payment systems with ease.
How to pay in Russia – cash or card?
In Russia, while cards are a widely accepted form of payment, for foreign travellers – foreign cards (Visa/Mastercard/Amex) basically do not work here. Hence paying by cash becomes a common form of payment for most visitors. The Russian ruble (RUB) is the official currency.
You can use cash for:
- Public Transportation: Buses, minibuses (marshrutkas), and some local trains may require cash.
- Street Vendors and Markets: Farmers’ markets and kiosks often prefer cash.
- Small Businesses: Family-run cafés, small shops, and rural eateries may not take cards.
- Hostels and Guesthouses: Budget stays, especially in smaller towns, may be cash-only.
- Tips and Gratuities: Cash tips are appreciated for guides, drivers, and hospitality staff.
- Rural Areas: Card acceptance can be unreliable outside big cities.
You can use card for:
- Hotels: Most mid-range and upscale hotels in cities accept cards.
- Restaurants: Many urban restaurants and cafés take Visa and Mastercard (local MIR cards are widely used).
- Retail Stores: Supermarkets, malls, and branded stores in cities accept cards.
- Car Rentals and Tours: Larger operators accept cards, though some may request cash deposits.
- Online Bookings: Domestic flights, hotels, and train tickets can be purchased online with cards that work in Russia.
What’s the best currency to take to Russia?
The Russian Ruble (RUB) is the official and only accepted currency in Russia. It is the best and only currency to use for any type of purchase in the country.
USD, EUR, or other foreign currencies are not accepted in shops, restaurants, or public transport. Even in tourist areas, direct payment with anything other than Rubles is not possible.
Where to get currency in Russia?
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Russia. They are:
- ATMs, or
- Currency exchange, or
- Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Russia
Visa and Mastercard transactions are commonly accepted for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Russia
If you’re withdrawing money in Russia from an ATM, ATMs usually do not accept foreign Visa, Mastercards, Diners, American Express and Discover cards. However, they do accept ChinaUnionPay (CUP) and Rupay cards.
Should I exchange money before travelling to Russia?
Due to evolving financial restrictions and limited access to Russian banking networks for international visitors, it’s best to bring cash – preferably EUR or USD – and exchange it inside Russia at official exchange bureaus or banks. Avoid black market exchanges.
ATMs are available throughout Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other cities, but many international cards no longer work in Russia due to sanctions. Confirm with your bank whether your card will function before you travel.
You likely won’t be able to obtain Russian Rubles (RUB) outside Russia at favorable rates, so bring foreign currency in cash and exchange it upon arrival. Be cautious of airport exchanges – city banks offer better rates.
Where to withdraw money in Russia
You can withdraw money in Russia at leading bank ATMs in the country. The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Russia are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Sberbank,
- VTB Bank,
- Gazprombank,
- Alfa-bank
- Rosselkhoz,
- PostBank,
- Ural bank, and
- Tinkoff.
For a detailed guide, read Cash and ATMs in Russia.
Where to exchange currency in Russia
In Russia, you can exchange currency via both official exchange bureaus (“obmenik”) and banks, which differ by reliability and rate competitiveness.
Exchange bureaus: Known as обменник , these are easy to find in Moscow and St. Petersburg – particularly near metro stations and shopping districts. They’re popular for fast, commission-free conversion.
Banks: Institutions such as Sberbank, VTB, Alfa-Bank, and VTB in central areas also offer exchange services during regular business hours – useful for those seeking insured transactions.
Airport desks: While available at major airports, they offer poor rates; best to change only a small amount upon arrival.
Pro Tip: Bring USD or EUR in clean condition, and exchange only a bit at the airport; get rates in city exchange bureaus instead.
You can find good currency exchanges in Russia using the ATM Fee Saver app – it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 160+ countries, including Russia. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: They have the highest fees and poorest exchange rates. Wait to get to the city to exchange cash.
Is carrying cash in Russia safe?
Carrying cash in Russia is relatively safe, particularly in large cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg. However, pickpocketing and card fraud can occur in crowded areas or tourist hotspots, so it’s smart to stay alert and avoid carrying large amounts.
To carry cash safely in Russia:
- Only bring enough for daily expenses and store extra cash in your hotel safe.
- Keep your wallet in a front pocket or use a zipped crossbody bag.
- Be discreet when handling cash in markets, train stations, or busy streets.
- Use ATMs located inside banks, shopping malls, or hotels for added security.
- Keep small bills for taxis, tips, or vendors who don’t accept cards.
- Credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, but cash is still needed in smaller towns or for minor purchases.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Russia
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
