Money, Currency and credit cards usage in Russia
Notes: RUR: 10, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000
Coins: RUR: 1, 2, 5, 10, 50
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques usage during a TV production in Russia:
Most hotels and restaurants in big Russian cities accept credit cards. To clarify: Visa and Mastercard are in use almost everywhere in Russia, but American Express is not popular at all. In Moscow and Saint Petersburg it’s possible to withdraw cash from an AmEx card. Doing so in the regions may result almost impossible. Cash payments are very popular in Russia. When planning a TV production somewhere outside the city area in Russia – try brining as much cash as possible with you. Customs norms and regulations for brining the cash into the country – on this page. Or ask your fixer to facilitate some Russian cash.
Dollar notes should preferably be dated after 1993 and be in good condition. The exchange of travellers cheques into US dollars is difficult. When filming in rural areas of Russia for production purposes we highly recommend taking cash roubles. Keep in mind that 5000 bills are not welcome in small shops in small towns. ATMs exist in all major cities, be aware of charges for cash withdrawals.
General information about Russian Banks:
Bank: 0930-1730 Mon-Fri
Office: 0900-1800 Mon-Fri
Shops: 0900-1900 Mon-Sat
Inform your bank before you travel to Russia to avoid having a temporary stop on your card. Be aware you may be charged for cash withdrawals.
Sanctions against Russian banks. Payments to Russian private accounts.
Information actual as of August 2020. Sanctions only refer to Russian state-owned companies. At the moment private banking accounts are not under sanctions. Some banking institutions like Sberbank are under sanctions, but this only refers to their investment foundations and accounts held by Russian state-owned companies. SWIFT payments to private accounts or to accounts that belong to Russian TV production companies of any form of ownership can be sent without restrictions.