Credit/debit cards issued in Russia are widely used in major Russian cities, including most hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions, supermarkets and other shops. ATMs are easy to find, predominantly in bank outlets.
The 2022 exit of Visa and MasterCard from the Russian market resulted in increased use of the Russian Mir payment system in the Russian Federation and beyond at a time when their combined penetration accounted for 70% of the Russian consumer credit card market.
Under the restrictions, clients of banks in Russia cannot withdraw more than $10,000, or the sum's equivalent in euros. Sums beyond that amount can be only withdrawn in rubles at a rate set out by the central bank.
Non-resident legal entities may not withdraw cash in US dollars, euros, British pounds, or Japanese yen; there are no restrictions for other foreign currencies.
While Russians often still prefer paying by cash or using the local card payment system (called MIR), card acceptance is quite widespread and you should be perfectly fine with your Visa or Mastercard.
But Visa, Mastercard or American Express cards issued abroad will no longer work at shops or ATMs in Russia. Clients will no longer be able to use their Russian cards abroad or for international payments online either.
Credit/debit cards issued in Russia are widely used in major Russian cities, including most hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions, supermarkets and other shops. ATMs are easy to find, predominantly in bank outlets.
You can also get money at ATMs using your credit or debit cards. NB: If you plan to withdraw money from a prepaid card or debit or credit card or to use it for payment in Russia, you may wish to notify your bank about purchases in Russia, to avoid the bank blocking transactions.
How much cash can I bring to Russia 2022? You are entitled to import/export unlimited cash into Russia, but sums over $10000 should be declared at customs. This applies to all foreign currencies and to rubles, with the exact quantities varying slightly from currency to currency.
To use a Russian ATM you'll need a PIN. If you don't usually use one - because you use an American-issued magnetic stripe card for example - then you can ask your home bank to have one issued for the card before you travel.
Cash over $10000
If you try to leave Russia with more than $10000 in cash and no stamped customs declaration, you are likely to run into difficulties unless you have official documentation proving that the money has legally been earned by you in Russia.
What options do they have for payout? Western Union has suspended its operation in Russia across all channels, effective March 24, 2022. Pending payments that have not been picked up by the receiver in Russia will be refunded back to the sender from March 25, 2022.
Their moves have hobbled the country's economy and cut off Russian citizens and companies from the global financial system. Among the debit and credit cards issued in Russia, Visa and Mastercard cards accounted for 74% of payment transactions in the country in 2020, according to the Nilson Report, a trade publication.
Do I really need cash? No! Unless you're traveling far off to the countryside, the overwhelming majority of establishments in Russia will accept debit or credit card. Sometimes you might get charged a small fee for card transactions, so you should check with your local bank before departure.
Yes, your debit card and credit card are accepted internationally! If your ATM card is linked to a checking account, it can also be used at ATMs internationally.
If you withdraw money from an international ATM with your regular debit card, you'll be hit with 3 different fees: Your bank's fee for using an ATM outside of their network (usually $2.50-5 USD) The ATM's fee (usually $3-5 USD) An international conversion fee (usually 1-3% of the transaction)
Paying with your debit card is almost always cheaper than withdrawing money from it.
What you can bring into Russia: Money: Any currency and travelers cheques if the total value does not exceed 10000 USD. Otherwise, you will need to declare the amount, so when you leave the country you can prove that you are not taking money out of Russia. The money on your bank card doesn't have to be declared.
How much do you tip in Russia? Restaurants & Cafes: 10% of the bill is customary, with 100 RUB being the average tip for a light meal and anything from 300-1500 RUB for dinner.
Tips are common in Russia but are usually smaller than in the US. For a good experience in a restaurant, a 10% gratuity is considered a generous tip. If you have booked one of our private tours and would like to give some gratuity to your guide, the recommended amount is $25 for every 8 hours of work.