Russia — Currency & Money

The currency is the Russian rouble (RUB). Since March 2022 Visa, Mastercard and Amex issued outside Russia do not work anywhere in the country — no ATMs, no card terminals, no online payments. Bring physical USD or EUR cash and exchange at bank branches (Sberbank, VTB, Tinkoff) or licensed exchange booths; declare amounts over USD 10,000 at customs. Chinese UnionPay cards issued abroad sometimes work; the domestic Mir card is the only reliable option for foreigners staying longer.

Tipping is 10% in restaurants (often already added as "service"), RUB 100–200 for taxis and hotel staff. Apple Pay and Google Pay do not work.