Way to Russia Talk Lounge

pauley · Just Starting Joined: 14 Aug 2003 Posts: 3

Today I tried to pre-buy some Rubles in Los Angeles, and was told Rubles are "restricted currency" meaning not-tradeable in the U.S.

Interesting, eh?

Question: The "official" exchange rate is 30:1 (30 rubles/dollar) but...

Can better rates be had among the currency traders in St.Pete?

Thanks-in-advance...

pauley

WayToRussia · Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2003 5:08 pm Post subject: Currency

The best rates are at the official currency exchanges in the center of the city. Don't use the dealers outside.

Brent · Lounge Lizard Joined: 05 Jul 2003 Posts: 91

You should have no problem exchanging your dollars for rubles. Just look for a sign that says "Обмен валюты" and that is a currency exchange.

Charlie · Guest

Yes, the currency is restricted, which means you aren't going to find any exchange places at your local airport.
When you arrive at the airport in Russia (Moscow or St. Petersburg, I assume), they have cashiers there where you can change money. At St. Petersburg last time I was there, they even had automatic money changer machines to use while you wait for your baggage to come through. Do not change too much there, however, as the rate may well not be the best (prices for everything are never the best at any airport anywhere). Same for your hotel, that's about the worst rate possible.
There are plenty of exchange houses everywhere out on the streets. Use those. Make sure your currency is in good shape. Many of these joints and the banks will not accept ragged currency or currency with graffitti on it. The newer and crisper the better.
As the site administrator noted, DO NOT change money on the street. This isn't the old Soviet days, you aren't going to get some killer deal. You will most likely get ripped off or robbed instead.