Russian River Cruise

[LoftyLottie]

Has anybody been on one in recent years. I have a question on money.......................................

[jno]

"take some"

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.

[LoftyLottie]

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.

[jno]

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.

[Nibble]

Here you are lottie, @ PO

http://www.postoffice...cy/currency-converter

Yes, they do rouble there, form today



Choose currency

Currency Russian
Today's rate (equivalent to £1) 44.795
Rates quoted for online orders only

[jno]

Martin Lewis rate checker

http://travelmoney.moneysavingexpert.com/

[LoftyLottie]

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.

Thanks for your answers.

[LoftyLottie]

So I can tip in Euros or dollars then jno? That is if Euros are worth anything in two weeks time ;o(. Perhaps I should get some dollars as well.

[jno]

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.

[LoftyLottie]

Don't think I will be buying many souvenirs - I have a houseful of souvenirs from Russia, jno. (including one recently retired one!)

[jno]

ah yes, but have you got six of them, one fitting inside another?

[LoftyLottie]

No, one is quite enough thanks! ha, ha. But I do have a couple of sets of wooden ones!!

[237SJ]

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)

[LoftyLottie]

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.

[237SJ]

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.

[LoftyLottie]

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

[LoftyLottie]

Never every fancied a cruise on a big liner, but a small ship on Russian waterways appeals. :o)

[237SJ]

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)

[jno]

I wonder if the drowned villages are still there - just churches poking out of the water. Depends which waterway you're on, I suppose

[LoftyLottie]

Got one of those at Rutland Water jno!

[dzug2]

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.