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Currency Guide

Currency & Payments in Russia

VISA and Mastercard issued outside Russia don't work. Here's exactly how to handle money during your trip.

Important

VISA, Mastercard, RuPay, and Amex cards issued outside Russia are blocked. Apple Pay and Google Pay only work with Russian cards. Cash and the Yoomoney card are your main options.

Cash — Your Main Option

  • •Carry USD or EUR in cash — exchange at the airport or city banks
  • •City banks offer better exchange rates than airport kiosks
  • •ATMs dispense rubles — look for ones that accept UnionPay or Mir
  • •Keep small bills (100–500 RUB) for taxis, street food, and tips
  • •You can exchange up to $10,000 USD without declaring at customs

Yoomoney Tourist Card

Get a Yoomoney card before your trip. It's a Russian digital wallet that lets you load money online and pay via QR code at millions of locations — restaurants, shops, metro, and museums.

  • •Apply online before departure — takes 5 minutes
  • •Load money from your Indian card (USD/EUR/INR accepted)
  • •Pay by QR code at any store or restaurant — no card needed
  • •Works everywhere in Moscow and St. Petersburg

Quick Tips

  • •1 RUB ≈ ₹0.95 (check current rate before your trip)
  • •Tipping: 10% is appreciated at restaurants, not expected at cafes
  • •Most hotels accept cash only for incidentals — keep rubles handy
  • •Souvenir markets prefer cash — small denominations are best
  • •Don't rely on your Indian bank card — carry a backup plan