It's been a few years... but I think you can change dollars and euros without too much trouble. You'll probably get food and drink on board, so you might just need to change small amounts for souvenirs. I think restaurants and shops take credit cards.
Things may have changed since I was there, though.
Hi jno. Thanks for that. I know that you pay for all the extra on board (Drinks, etc.) at the end of the cruise by debit or credit card and have been advised to take cash in euros, but that tips are expected in roubles. Was wondering where to get euros as they say don't get them until you are in Russia and we are being met at the aiport and taken straight to the ship.
pretty sure I got euros here, though maybe things have changed. Make sure all notes are crisp and clean and uncreased, they can be fussy. I never knew anyone in the whole wide world refuse a tip in dollars, but maybe someone will. You should find money changers along the way (especially Moscow and St Petersburg). There may be some at the airport too. You might just be able to ring the cruise line and ask, to get up-to-date advice.
Sorry, meant to say don't know where to get 'Roubles' as they say not to get them in the UK as you get better value if you exchange Euros for them in Russia. I suppose I can get some at Moscow Airport. I shall be getting Euros at the local post office in crisp notes of low denomination.
oh, sorry, yes, might as well get roubles there. Ship's staff or tour guides will know the best places; chances are all the passengers will be in the same ... er ... boat.
Just seen this. If you have no alternative currency, always tip in Dollars. Always, always. They`re appreciated the world over (much more than Sterling or Euros)
237SJ. Thanks - would it be better to get dollars rather than Euros when I go to the PO? It seems that the majority of passengers might well be US citizens anyway.
Well I haven`t been on a cruise but when I tip whether it`s from one side of the world to the other, Dollars are always the best currency without a doubt.
I'll get dollars then. Extra spending on ship is paid for at the end of the cruise and on the days we are in St Petersburg or Moscow we will have access to cash machines. Apparently in some of the smaller villages only Roubles will be accepted in cafe's etc., or for souvenirs. Thanks
I`ve lost count of the amount of times room service people have come into my room in places like India and West Africa with a handful of pound coins and asked me if I can give them some Sterling notes in exchange. That is one of the reasons dollars are so popular - they are notes so they can be exchanged in banks for the local currency (unlike foreign coins)
I don't see any reason to get euros and then change them into roubles in Russia - double conversion costs. If you are going to take some currency just for the purpose of changing it to roubles take ££. Be aware that all BdeC charge commission so do your sums carefully
There are ATMs - yes - but they are unreliable and may not work with your card
Noone but noone on the cruise I was on took dollars. But there were no Americans so maybe that's not surprising
You are not going to need small notes for tips - you tip in one go at the end of the cruise, not as you go along. And ashore you are not going to need to.