Russian Rubles

Doola

I'm travelling to Russia for a short break in a couple of weeks. I was looking into buying some Rubles before I left, just to have some on arrival into Russia, however it
1) seems that my bank (BOI) do not sell Rubles (or at least its not an option on the online order form)
2) I've seen that its better to get your rubles after you arrive in the country (better exchange rate etc).

Just wondering if anyone has any experience of this?
I like having the security of having some cash - but I assume ATMs are widely available, so it should be OK to take the chance to just get some when I arrive?

Thanks

fdevine

Just hit an ATM at the airport when you arrive.

I like to have a small amount of cash anywhere I go too but have nearly always been advised to get it from an ATM on arrival. Hungary was the last place I needed local currency and it was so easy. I would expect that airport ATMs in particular have multi-language options.

Don't use an FX counter.

Fred Swanson

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Vic_08

Airport ATMs are a bad idea unless you know the local banks and regs. In many places the ATMs in airports are run by specialist banks or FX companies that add on extra charges or awful exchange rates to catch out unwary foreigners.

Fred Swanson

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Fann Linn

In 1986 I went to the old USSR. I took over dollars and exchanged some legitimately in their banks. The rest I changed in the back of taxis and pubs at black market rates as the need arose.

Just something for the OP to consider, but bear in mind the penalties if caught.

Fred Swanson

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