Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AT M S
The easiest way to get cash in Moscow and
St. Petersburg is from an ATM. The
Cirrus
(
&
800/424-7787;
www.mastercard.com)
and
PLUS
(
&
800/843-7587;
www.visa.
com) networks span the globe; look at the
back of your bank card to see which net-
work you're on. Most Russian ATMs accept
both. Be sure you know your personal iden-
tification number (PIN) before you leave
home, and be sure to find out your daily
withdrawal limit before you depart. Also
keep in mind that many banks impose a fee
every time a card is used at a different
bank's ATM; that fee can be higher for
international transactions than for domestic
ones. On top of this, the Russian bank from
which you withdraw cash may charge its
65
own small fee. For international withdrawal
fees, ask your bank. To limit these charges,
take out as much money as you're comfort-
able with at once.
You can also get cash advances on your
credit card at an ATM. Credit card compa-
nies try to protect themselves from theft by
limiting the funds you can withdraw out-
side your home country, so call your credit
card company before you leave home. And
keep in mind that you'll pay interest from
the moment of your withdrawal, even if
you pay your monthly bills on time.
TRAVELER'S CHECKS
Few places in Russia accept traveler's
checks outside major hotels and restau-
rants, and those that do usually accept
What Things Cost in Russia [Rubles]
Taxi from airport to center of Moscow
1,000-3,000
Bus ride within the center
25
3
Double room at Moscow's Ritz Carlton (very expensive)
21,000
Double room at St. Petersburg's Angleterre (expensive)
12,000
Double room at Moscow's Volga Hotel (moderate)
4,500
Double room at St. Petersburg's Bed and Breakfast
(inexpensive)
1,700
Lunch for one, no wine, at Moscow's Taras Bulba
(moderate)
400
Lunch for one, no wine, at Moscow's Kitezh (expensive)
600
Dinner for one, no wine, at St. Petersburg's Idiot
(inexpensive)
350
Dinner for one, no wine, at Moscow's Il Patio (moderate)
700
Dinner for one, no wine, at St. Petersburg's Lucky Shot
(expensive)
1,200
Dinner for one, no wine, at Moscow's One Red Square
(very expensive)
1,800
Glass of wine in a café
200
Glass of soda in a café
60
Cup of espresso
60
Admission to Hermitage Museum
350
Mariinsky Theater ballet ticket
350-1,500
