If you plan to buy roubles in Russia, you should take US dollars or euros to exchange, and only change money at banks, hotels and exchange bureaus. It is an offence to change money from street traders. It's illegal to pay directly for general transactions within Russia using foreign currency.
Russians don't face an outright ban on using dollars or euros, and non-sanctioned banks continue to do business in foreign currencies.
Bringing money into Russia
In that case, the best money to take is dollars or euros, since they are widely accepted at currency exchange places all around the country.
A dollar goes quite far in Russia, as it is currently one of the countries with the lowest cost of living in the world. According to Numbeo, a website that collects cost of living data from around the world, basic monthly expenses for an individual in Russia are around $854 USD.
The limits on foreign currency purchases remain effective until 9 March 2023: people may only buy the euros and US dollars received by banks' cash offices after 9 April 2022. There are no restrictions on sales of other foreign currencies.
29. Aug 22 (Reuters) - The Moscow Exchange (MOEX.MM) will ban the use of dollars as collateral to underwrite transactions, it said on Monday, as Russia seeks to cut dependence on currencies of nations that have imposed sanctions on it.
At the time of writing of this text, 100 rubles equals about $1.3 or €1.17, roughly the same as before, while the city has made great strides in the cheap-yet-relatively-decent coffee department. If this bill is burning a hole in your pocket, here's what it can get you in February of 2022.
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.
Expats in Russia will find the cost of living to be reasonable. Although Russia cannot be regarded as a cheap country to live in, as a whole, it is more affordable than many Western countries. An expat's cost of living in Russia, however, will highly depend on their lifestyle.
Life for expats in Russia is generally comfortable, with expenses such as groceries and utility bills being fairly inexpensive even in major cities such as Moscow. Outside of the major metropolitan areas, prices are even cheaper, with lower bills for food and transportation.
If you have a Russian debit card, for example, you can use it only within the territory of the Russian Federation. Payments won't go through in any other country. 2) Visa and MasterCard cards issued by banks from other countries DO NOT work in Russia either for paying or withdrawing from ATMs.
Expert's answer: The average income in Russia is about 400-500 USD per month, so this sum is enough to live in the country for at least one year.
The price of Combo meal in fast food restaurant (Big Mac Meal or similar) in Moscow is руб 386. This average is based on 43 price points. It can be considered reliable and accurate. Latest update: April 26, 2023.
At the beginning of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, McDonald's had over 800 restaurants across Russia with a total of 62,000 employees, "hundreds" of suppliers, and millions of daily customers.
Alcohol: Alcohol is relatively cheap in Russia - a pint of beer can be purchased for around 250 roubles ($4) and a glass of decent wine for 300 roubles ($5). Avoid the cheapest alcohol at shops, as counterfeit alcohol is not unheard of.
What is average wage in Russia? Average Wages in Russia increased to 65094 RUB/Month (831.576 USD/Month) in February 2023. The maximum rate of average wage for employees was 69278 RUB/Month and minimum was 0 RUB/Month. Data published Monthly by Ministry for Economic Development.
“A Big Mac costs 135 rubles in Russia and $5.81 in the United States.
Alternatively, you can buy Russian Roubles at a bank or currency exchange bureaus in Moscow. US Dollars and Euros are the best options to exchange - you may struggle to exchange other currencies. Make sure your notes are new looking, with no rips and tears, and don't forget to bring your passport to show.
The ruble has gained against the dollar after collapsing immediately after the Ukraine invasion. Moscow's anti-crisis measures — such as hiking rates to 20% — may have squeezed the currency too high. Its rally means Russia's income from dollar-linked oil and gas sales is falling, a likely hit to its economy.
Russia has managed to avert a currency crisis despite heavy sanctions. While the concept of the “weaponization of finance” is not new, it reached an unprecedented scale in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.