Question

[Satellite 1]

One last thing... have your girl exchange the money for you. When the fat old lady with the mole on her lip tells you that the small rip in your $50 bill is going to cost you $30, you'll just nod and say "OK. Spaaseeeva balshoooeeeea." (and that's how it'll sound to her.) But your girl will say (in that sexy Russian pissed off girl voice (that is so common when dealing with "customer servants" in Russia)) "No. You will give us the full $45 back."

Slim is starting to understand the power your ladies have in Russia to get things done without you getting ripped off. Just imagine how much you would save if you let your ladies handle all of your transactions in Russia from buying fresh meat to renting an apartment!

[Cam 0]

Funny that this subject is going on now. I was just in Russia a few weeks ago and got questioned heavliy about the 100's that I had. One place refused them. Then we had to go to a government bank. You can't miss them they have the Green signs. They did exchange them but not before some serious scrutiny. You can also order from your bank Rubles. I did this on my second trip to Russia. Not sure why I didn't do it the 3rd and 4th time (no one has ever said I was smart). Make sure you get the best 100's before you go there. And using the ATM as well works. Good luck

What US bank orders rubles for you?

[Satellite 1]

What US bank orders rubles for you?

I wonder too, similarily, what airport in the USA has rubles at the currency exchange? I can attest to no rubles in SFO or LAX, but I was just looking. And has anyone encountered the newly released 5000 ruble note?

http://english.newslab.ru/news/197451

[Austin_Volgograd 0]

New $20's won't work?

I took only $20s (about $500 cash), and my ATM and credit cards. This worked best for me, going to Volgograd and Moscow. I don't like flashing $100s, even if it is only at the exchange office.

[travlnmannn 0]

Hey Cam. I dont know when your leaving but if you happen to have Bank Of America you can get it in one week like I did. Not sure about Chase because I haven't had to buy any from them yet. Just talk to your bank that you use. Have an awesome trip.

[Cam 0]

Hey Cam. I dont know when your leaving but if you happen to have Bank Of America you can get it in one week like I did. Not sure about Chase because I haven't had to buy any from them yet. Just talk to your bank that you use. Have an awesome trip.

Cool, I'm leaving Oct. 4. Try to get to Bank of America tomorrow or Thursday. My bank is Wells Fargo I'll try them first.

Thanks

[Neonred 3,446]

What kind of exchange rate will a local bank in the US give? I'm guessing it's not going to be any better than even the rate at the airport.

And now due to the weak dollar/strong ruble the rate is about 26.7 to the dollar.

[Cam 0]

What kind of exchange rate will a local bank in the US give? I'm guessing it's not going to be any better than even the rate at the airport.

And now due to the weak dollar/strong ruble the rate is about 26.7 to the dollar.

Not much I can do about weak dollar and strong ruble. But this way I won't get charged for a wrinkle in my bills.

[Neonred 3,446]

Just curious about the rate thru a US bank versus the going rate in Russia. Got to believe it won't be very good. I screened my bills carefully before traveling and didn't have much trouble.

Another point about the cost of visiting Russia. Since last year with about a 10 percent decrease in the exchange rate and 9 percent Russian inflation it costs a fair amount more for time spent visiting.

[workin4somethin 0]

Terminal E at the airport in Atlanta usually has rubles, but they keep them in the back office rather than out front; so you have to ask a manager instead of the window clerks. When I went through there last month, you could buy rubles at 23.5 to $1; and the going rate in Moscow was 26.5 to $1. <-- That's a difference of about 11.5%.

[Marc and Olga 0]

I did the BofA exchange before I left but my saving account, which I used to save for my trip, is with Bank of America, I think I got around 28р to $1, in March.

If they ask how you want it, tray not to get too many 1000р! They asked me if I wanted a mix but it was VERY difficult (and not very wise) to try to "break" a 1000р! Hindsight is 20/20!

If/when I go again, I'll be doing the "search for the newest $100 bill" route.

I left the USA with about $40 and 33,000р! Again hindsight says that was WAY too much!

in Korea, I was a little hungry so I had to exchane some of that to Korean Won IN THE AIRPORT, that exchange was around 900 to $1, the approximate exchange for that is 1000 - $1. Even if I wasn't hungry the internet machines worked on Won ONLY so....I was kind of stuck, and $0.50/3 minutes, I did leave with some interesting suveniers (Won, Roubles, and the teeny Kopeks )

Edited September 20, 2006 by Marc and Olga

[slim 1,514]

I still say that getting some Euros is a good way to go too. If you have a layover somewhere (in Europe) Euros will get you on the internet or a nice tasty sandwich. And since you're going to Russia, you better get a beer or two to get you started.

When you get Roubles, get them in 100P notes. They're easier to spend, and you can carry a lot of them with no problems.

If you're going to Korea..... be sure to get some bulgogi, some kim-bap and some soju. I don't care what the exchange rate is... it's worth it! (Getting 900 won for $1 is a rip! I can't believe how much the dollar has fallen now. When I was there in 99 it was almost 1300 won/dollar.)

[rushter 0]

33,000 rubles! Wow.

My last trip I had 200 bucks in my pocket and my atm cards.

That's it. I would never use taxi's there, too risky and too much $$$. Buses and mini-buses always.

Btw, Wachovia also does Russian currency exchange.

[Cam 0]

33,000 rubles! Wow.

My last trip I had 200 bucks in my pocket and my atm cards.

That's it. I would never use taxi's there, too risky and too much $$$. Buses and mini-buses always.

Btw, Wachovia also does Russian currency exchange.

Don't know where a Wachovia is around here. Went to Wells Fargo they gave me a phone number to call. So I just asked for a few brand new $100's and some new $20's You would think a bank would have tons of new bills, you would be wrong. She kept handing me bills, I kept handing them back. So I got a few good bills and will take my ATM card.

[akdiver 3]

All:

There are two kinds of currency - convertible and not convertible. This refers to how well they are accepted outside of their country. The US dollar is the most convertible currency on the planet. Other convertible currencies include the Euro, British Pound, and others. Exchange rates for such currencies vary, but not to extremes, and are generally somewhere in the neighborhood of published rates and generally acceptable values.

Non-convertible currencies are generally not too well accepted outside of their home countries (expensive money changer services aside) and the rates you get will vary wildly. Generally speaking, the rule here is that the further away you are from the country, the worse the rate is. As an example, when I was in Kenya, the going rate for the Tanzanian Shilling was about 50% of face value - and that is right next door!!

In short, get your rubles close to their home (i.e. Russia) and save some money - more or less.

Good luck!

AKDiver