Holiday in Russia

polford

What would be the best bank or Credit card to use while in Russia.

Metro bank charges the least it seems. I don't have any of the specialized cards though .

TBeckett100

Post office platinum, though I'm not sure I'd want to swipe anything in Russia.

SW17

Metro Bank cards are charge free within Europe, which is to say within SEPA countries. Don't think Russia is in SEPA, so there would be some charges for using Metro Bank cards (1.9% on purchases, 1.9%+£1 on cash withdrawals), though probably lower than charges on many other cards.

Halifax Clarity would probably be the choice if you are looking to use a credit card. There are also prepaid cards, don't know so much about them but see Kalixa Pay being recommended here frequently.

NiftyDigits

polford wrote: »

What would be the best bank or Credit card to use while in Russia.

Metro bank charges the least it seems. I don't have any of the specialized cards though .

Russia is not within the EEA(SEPA), so Metro Bank will levy a 1.9% conversion charge plus £1 for ATM withdrawals.

Halifax Clarity would be best.
Kalixa Pay(Prepaid) is it's equal for when it comes to purchases.

Pincher

25 years ago, I just exchanged US$ with a taxi driver.


The official rate is £1 = RUB85. I suspect you can get £1= RUB100 or more.


With the Roubles collapsing, a lot of people will be desperate to get some hard currency. Traditionally, US$ is better for doing deals with.

polford

Pincher wrote: »

25 years ago, I just exchanged US$ with a taxi driver.


The official rate is £1 = RUB85. I suspect you can get £1= RUB100 or more.


With the Roubles collapsing, a lot of people will be desperate to get some hard currency. Traditionally, US$ is better for doing deals with.

Very TRUE!

Pincher

I have both the Saga Platinum and the Post Office Platinum.
They seem to have the same Irish bank behind them, and both claim no fees overseas.


Very interested in knowing how it works in Russia.


There is an interesting scenario with the Amex Everyday Cashback card. No annual fee, 5% cashback on £2,000 in the first three months. So if you paid £1,000 for hotel and restaurant (easily done for two people), and get £50 cashback, how much in charges would it be? If the charges are roughly £50, you could say it's fee free overall.

Faith177

When i went to Russia in 03 they would rip your arm off for a $ they prefered them over RUB tbh

NiftyDigits

Pincher wrote: »

I have both the Saga Platinum and the Post Office Platinum.
They seem to have the same Irish bank behind them, and both claim no fees overseas.


Very interested in knowing how it works in Russia.


There is an interesting scenario with the Amex Everyday Cashback card. No annual fee, 5% cashback on £2,000 in the first three months. So if you paid £1,000 for hotel and restaurant (easily done for two people), and get £50 cashback, how much in charges would it be? If the charges are roughly £50, you could say it's fee free overall.

SAGA card differs in the way that you can withdraw cash without being charged interest, as long as you pay the full statement amount.
There is a 2% ATM withdrawal charge.

AmEx off the top off my head, have a 3% forex charge and a £3 ATM withdrawal fee.
Not everyone accepts AmEx.

franklally

We were in Russia at the end of October and took roubles and our caxton fx card and that worked perfectly well.
You will find little to buy such as souvenirs and also because of the falling rouble everything was very reasonably priced - so you may not need as much spending money as you think.
I think it's a myth about traders being happy to take currency such as dollars in 2014- I cannot think of any situation where a tourist would not use the rouble or debit/credit card.

I'm very jealous - it's a wonderful country to visit :T