Can they be bought outside Russia now? If so, where are exchange rates most favorable?

En route to Moscow on 3 May I thought to buy Rubles at the airport in Atlanta, but I found the exchange rates were much too high to be realistic. I decided to wait and use an ATM at Sheremetyevo-2 instead upon my arrival to add to my "pocket money" Rubles.



The exchange rate is very good right now re: U.S. dollars. and has been for a month that I've been in Barnaul.

Thankyou Stanj..



as I'm leaving June 28th, I will change my euros in Russia!

You are a month early.



July 1 the Ruble becomes a fully convertable currency and will be traded on markets. Several years ago the export restrictions on the Ruble were dropped so some exchange offices in Europe and the US keep a stock at none-too-great rates. Currently on the street; 26.50 R to the dollar and 34.5 Rubles to the Euro.

The dollar is fast losing favor as a reserve currency here with recent changes in the currency basket held by the central bank shifting more to the euro and merchants have all pretty much changed over to the euro for pricing comparisons. The dollar looks to take further slides according to forex traders I share brews with in the evening.

My income is based on dollars bur expenses here is local so I've lost 20% of my buying power since January if inflation and dollar slide are combined.