The local currency is roubles. The exchange rate depends upon the rates of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation and the bank where you’d like to change money. All the banks of St. Petersburg offer their services for the cash advance transactions. The most popular credit cards to do it are Visa, MasterCard/Eurocard and American Express (commission is from 1 to 4%). With traveller’s checks we advise you to bring American Express as they are accepted practically everywhere (commission is from 1 to 5%). You can also get cash at the bank machines which can be found in different places. Be aware of the fact that plastic cards as the way of payment is not really widely spread in St. Petersburg. Plastic cards are accepted mainly by major hotels, restaurants and stores. Most of the shops in St. Petersburg accept only cash in roubles.
