How to use cash and cards in Russia.

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10 years ago it was almost impossible to imagine life in Russia with electronic payment. People prefer paying cash, credit and debit cards were not popular at all. Today more and more Russians prefer to pay by cards and even small towns today have cash and ATMs. Anyway there are still some shops, cafes, parings, taxi and other services where you can pay only cash. That is why it is better to have some cash with you all the time. If you live and work in Moscow 5000-10000 rubles will be enough.

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There are also some facts you need to know about paying by card in Russia. Sometimes even in big markets and stores paying by card can be refused because of inner technical problems. Sometimes in restaurants waiter can search cards' terminal for 5-10 minutes, or such electronic terminal can have problems with Wi-Fi or have low energy so you have to wait while they charge it. So cash in Russia is something you need to have with you all the time.

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Some things you can pay with the help of phone applications (electronic payment directly from your card). For example, for Taxi services. Such applications you can easily download in your Apple or Google store. Russian good Taxi services are   «Yandex Taxi» and «Get Taxi». Just tap in search engine and you will find them. We also have «Uber» and «Wheely». With the help of your phone you can also pay for official city parking - just download application «Moscow parking». Food delivery, Internet and other necessary facilities are also available.

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A few words about ATMs. There are a lot of myths that they can take (confiscate) your cards. In fact such cases are rare enough. But if suddenly one of them takes your card you can get it back by calling the phone number of the bank which is written on the ATM. Specialist of the banks should help you with this problem.

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And what about money exchange.

If you need to change money there are two ways - both legal. Official way - in the banks, unofficially - in the streets local exchange shops. In the bank you have 100% guarantees that you will not get false banknotes. All banks are today under governmental control and they are afraid to loose licenses, so there are no problems with exchange. On the streets there is always a risk but the changing course is better. For example for 1 dollar USD in Russian bank if you get 65 rubles in city local exchange spots you can get for 1 dollar 66-67 rubles. The commission of the bank is always high. So the choice where to change is up to you. We advise to change large amounts in the bank. 

 

Finally don't care a lot of money with you because in Russia as in all other countries there are thieves and burglars. Good luck and have a great stay in Russia.