Russia: Payment methods & tips

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Travel money:

Prepaid Travel credit card

in Swiss francs (CHF)

For ATM cash withdrawals
For cashless payments in shops, restaurants, hotels, and online

ATM Search

Banknotes

in local currency

For minor expenses on arrival in country of destination

Local currency / ISO Code

Russian ruble RUB

Further Information

Import local currency
unlimited; USD 10'000.00 (equivalent) or more must be declared

Import foreign currency
unlimited; USD 10'000.00 (equivalent) or more must be declared

Export local currency
USD 3'000.00 (equivalent) and more must be declared; higher amounts than USD 10'000.00 (equivalent) only if declared upon entry or received by bank transfer in Russia (proof required)

Export foreign currency
limited to USD 3'000.00; USD 3'000.00 and more must be declared; higher amounts than USD 10'000.00 only if declared upon entry or received by bank transfer in Russia (proof required)

Credit cards

Payment by credit card is relatively common. For more detailed information, please contact the credit card issuer.

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Useful tips from our experts:

Credit cards are recommended for car rentals. Prepaid cards are generally accepted for payment but not for reservations. Please check the possible payment methods with the car rental company in advance.

Keep exchange and transaction receipts.

For reasons of safety, it is advisable not to exchange cash over the amount needed immediately.

Currency exchange or purchase on black market punishable by law.

Money is to be exchanged only at official points such as banks and exchange offices.

Practical Information:

Time difference with Switzerland

+ 1 h (Kaliningrad); + 3 h (Moscow, St. Petersburg); + 3-12 h (extreme east of the country)

National language

Official language

Russian

Language capabilities

English and German

Capital

Moscow (Moskwa)

Country code for calling Switzerland

8 (wait for dialing tone) 10 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

Voltage

220 volt / adapter required for 3-pronged plug

Travel documents for Swiss citizens

Passport still valid 6 months or more after end of stay with visa.
The tourists cards given with the entry are essential to leave the country.
Find out in advance about the documents necessary to obtain a visa.
Travellers who want to visit one or several CEI States must request a visa for everyone of them (transit passengers also).
Tourists must register with police upon arrival. These formalities are settled by the hotel for package travel.
Exit permit required. In general, the permit is issued together with the entry visa (if not, it has to be obtained at least 2 days before departure at one of the Intourist agencies on site).
Health insurance protection valid in Russia strongly recommended.

Swiss Embassy / Consulate

Moskau, Serpov Pereulok 6
Tel. +7 495 258 38 30

Opening hours

Banks

9.30 - 19.00/21.00 h (Mon - Fri)

Stores

8.00/9.00 - 19.00/20.00 h (Mon - Sat)

Driving

Swiss driver's licence (possibly with Russian translation) in principle accepted. International driver's licence recommended, because it is more easily understandable for car rental services and authorities.
Minimum age for car rentals: 23 to 25 (varies by company).
CH sticker, first-aid kit, bright signal jacket, fire extinguisher and breakdown triangle mandatory.
Blood alcohol limit: 0.0 ‰.

Health situation

Do not drink tap water.
Vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, polio and measles recommended.

Other information

Travelers are advised to carry with them their passport or a photocopy thereof (must include page with visa).

Security

Travelers who wish to travel to this country are advised to inquire about current traveler safety prior to departure.
Malgrado l'aumento delle misure di sicurezza esiste sempre il rischio di attacchi terroristici.
Avoid demonstrations and large crowds.
Beware of purse snatching, pick pocketing and auto break-ins.
Avoid nighttime driving.

Special legal regulations

Photographing military installations and public buildings (airports, bridges etc.) is prohibited.
Very strict laws to fight illegal drugs.

Travel advice for Russia.