Is it safe to withdraw cash in Russia or not?
My local guide advised against using street-side ATMs at night, especially in outer districts. I stuck to machines inside malls or bank branches and had no problems. Russia’s cities are safe in parts, but inconsistent - know where you’re standing.
I stayed in Kazan and used an ATM inside a shopping center around 8:30 PM. Felt very secure - CCTV, staff nearby, and reliable service. Cashless payment is growing, but I liked having rubles for smaller vendors.
In Saint Petersburg, I withdrew rubles at a VTB ATM outside a metro station. A few locals around, but I kept my transaction quick. Most ATMs work fine with international cards, but you’ll want to be cautious in quiet neighborhoods.
In Moscow, I used a Sberbank ATM near Tverskaya Street just after 11 PM. It was well-lit and located near a 24-hour convenience store. ATM safety at night in Russia is okay in central zones, but you should avoid secluded or poorly lit areas.