I'm off to Moscow next week for 4 days. Do they accept British pounds there or am I better off with US dollars

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Rodriguez

The power point outlets are 2-pin ones the same as Spain. In newer buildings, they are the same as the Dutch sockets but you can pick up an adapter that fits all of them for a couple of quid before you go (I got mine from Sainsburys, avoid buying them at the airport as they pull your pants down over the price). You don't need a voltage converter as their voltage is the same as ours.

vdv_desantnik

they officially only accept Rubles as it is a criminal offence to make transactions in any other currency unless you are in a beriozka shop where you can spend sterling or US$. Unofficially, they may allow you to spend $ under the counter. If you need to change money only do it in an exchange shop or bank, scammers offer a great rate but give you large denomination notes that nowhere will take, or give you forgeries / out of circulation notes. Either that or they will rob you outright!

Vladimir ILL

EUROS - that's all they want

havetowait

I think the current standard of currency in Russia is the Euro. You can call your passport office and they'll give you more information.

squirrel squirrel

You'll get a better exchange rate using Sterling than dollars, thanks to the week dollar. If you have to deal with locals using a foreign currency, don't worry, they will know how/where to convert it to rubles. If you do use dollars, make sure there are no stray marks, no tears, strong creases and not prior to 2000. Most street exchanges won't take them, and the banks will give you a lower rate of exchange.

As to power - they use 220 with the two prong, like most of continental Europe.

Obama Happends

Foreign currencies accepted only on black market.
You will need Russian money to make purchases or use credit card. Now, I would recommend to take Euro, not USA dollars. Many people will afraid to take falling US dollars

Orla C

Russia is part of Europe, and while the Euro isn't an official currency there, Euros might be better.

But you can probably access your bank account in your own country on the ATMs in Moscow. I could do this in Prague and Budapest.

KATÐ¯

US dollars are widely accepted in big cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg. But it would definitely be better if you get some rubles, to be able to pay for things like museum tickets, food and cab rides.
Leave the British Pounds home :)

Margarita

In all state shops and markets they take Russian rubles only. You can change any currency at the Airport just right after your departure. In the private shops and markets you can pay &, $ and Eure. Also you can use a credit card (at the state shops).

pinata

The best thing is you take Euro (or Swiss Franken perhaps the other wretch they don't take)
Greetings from Hamburg, Germany
Heinz

18_Inch_Guns!

Probably best to take Russian Kopeks

Global Surveyor

Watch out for the Polonium 210 or Russian vodka. They are both the same thing.

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