The Rouble is the national currency of Russia, with one Rouble = 100 kopeks. Rouble notes come in denominations of Rbl1000, 500, 100, 50 and 10, and coins available as Rbl5, 2 and 1. Foreign currency should only be exchanged at official Bureau de Change outlets and banks, with all transactions having to be recorded on the currency declaration form, which is issued on arrival in the country. It is also recommended that visitors retain all receipts from currency exchanges. Bureaus are widespread and can usually be found in hotels and large shops, and unspoiled US Dollars are the easiest form of currency to exchange in most places. It is illegal to exchange currency in unofficial outlets or settle accounts in hard currency.

Travellers cheques are accepted in most places, but actual cash is preferred. Again, the easiest currency to exchange is US Dollars.

Most major worldwide credit and debit cards – including American Express, Diners Club and Visa – are accepted by larger shops, hotels and restaurants, though again actual Roubles are preferred. ATM’s are available in most large towns. See:

Visa: http://www.visa.com/atms/ 

MasterCard: http://www.mastercard.com/cardholderservices/atm/ 

The import and export of local currency is illegal, but there is no limit on the import of foreign currency – though amounts over $3000 (or equivalent) must be declared. Exporting foreign currency is allowed up to the amount that was declared on arrival.

Currency Converter: http://www.xe.com/ucc/