ARGO TRAVEL   Travel Tools   Tips and advice   Exchanging currency

It is very often many accidents take place during currency exchange. You have probably read this yet.

It seems you also know that it is strictly prohibited to change money somewhere on the streets or near the exchange offices. That is exactly true! Do not do this. For safe exchange there are a lot of licensed banks in the city. Ask guide and he will tell you all the details of exchanging and also he will tell you the banks, where the exchange rate is the most beneficial for you (but in fact it differs not so much).

Also you should not exchange huge sum of money at hotels or airport. It will be more expensive. Most of banks works till 6 p.m., so plan your money exchange beforehand.

In according to Russian law you must show your passport during the exchange. So, before giving your passport to your hotel for registration, you should exchange some money first, since it could take some time to get your document back. Or, just ask your guide to exchange cash for you.

It is true that there is a lot of cash in Russia. But it is also true that they like brand new bills - fresh, crisp, unbent, unwrinkled. Bring here only very high quality bills. Bills that are wrinkled, written on, have markings that don't belong, have wear marks or are in an old condition are not good bills to bring here (during the exchange or even payment their price is at least 10% lower). You can make a special order for new bills from your bank at home.