Currency exchange operations

The Russian rouble is the official currency in Russia. To exchange currency, you can go to bank branches and currency exchange offices located near the arrival points and hotels for participants, or exchange currency prior to your trip in your country of residence.

Largest banks in Russia:

• Sberbank: sberbank.ru
• VTB: vtb.com
• Gazprombank: gazprombank.ru

Please note the following restrictions when exchanging currency:

• Identification is required for transactions exceeding RUB 40,000. Participants must present their passports for such exchanges
• Cashless foreign currency CANNOT be exchanged for cash in roubles if the currency is on the bank cards of Mastercard or Visa payment systems issued outside of Russia. In addition, roubles cannot be withdrawn in cash using these cards.

Bank cards

Given the existing restrictions on the use of foreign bank cards in Russia, we recommend that you carry cash with you for the entire stay in Russia.

Cards of the Mir and UnionPay payment systems work in Russia without restrictions in any currency.Participants are encouraged to apply for a card or bring with them an existing card of any of these payment systems, if possible.

Please note that the UnionPay payment system only recently began working in Russia, so there could be selective problems with transactions using the cards of this payment system.