The national currency of Russia is the ruble (₽). All prices are listed in rubles, and payments are accepted only in this currency.
Russian Ruble (RUB)
Banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, and 5000 rubles. Coins are issued in denominations of 10, 5, 2, and 1 ruble.
Currency Exchange
A wide range of currencies can be exchanged in Russia. Website: https://www.cbr.ru/eng/currency_base/daily/
Where to exchange money in Russia
You can exchange currency at exchange counters in airports or at branches of Russian banks in cities. Keep in mind that rates and fees may vary depending on the location. Rubles can also be withdrawn from ATMs that support UnionPay.
Cash, Bank Cards, and Contactless Payments
Cashless payments are widely accepted in Russia, although cash is still used. Note that Visa and Mastercard systems are not supported in the country. However, UnionPay cards can be used. The Mir payment system is widely used in Russia. For users, Mir cards function much like other international cards. In large cities, WeChat Pay and Alipay can be used for payments. Some major retail chains and businesses accept these systems.
Opening a Russian Bank Account
You can open an account at a branch of a Russian bank such as Sberbank, VTB, Alfa-Bank, or T-Bank. You will need to complete an application and provide documents confirming your identity, place of residence, and legal stay in Russia.
Tipping
There is no law in Russia requiring tipping. It is always up to the customer. As a rule of etiquette, 5%–10% is customary. If the service exceeds expectations, you may leave more — up to 15%.