Currency Exchange & Transfers: how it works in Russia — first-hand

From real experience

• Transstroybank (TSB) is currently the primary option for physical currency exchange in Moscow. Use their official Telegram bot to check cash availability at specific branches. Reservations are possible for 2-4 hours. Be aware that the exchange rate is higher than the official rate, and branch inventory can be inconsistent.
• To exchange less common currencies like Georgian Lari for Russian Rubles in Moscow, consider contacting the main Sberbank office at Vavilova, 19. This location has historically handled such exchanges.
• To exchange RUB to CHF in Moscow: Sberbank offers good rates, but CHF must be pre-ordered in person at a branch the day before. Note that Sberbank only provides 1000 CHF banknotes. Kamkombank also offers good rates; currency can be reserved by phone for 3 hours. Kamkombank typically doesn't hold its own CHF; availability depends on client deposits, usually 1000-1500 CHF at a time. It's crucial to call and verify availability before visiting. Check Banks.ru for current rates.
• There is no currency exchange office directly at the Bulgarian Consulate located on Mosfilmovskaya Street in Moscow. However, there are multiple banks with currency exchange services in the vicinity, particularly in the Shuvalovsky complex on Indira Gandhi Street.
• As of June 1st, visa application fees in Russia can be paid with a debit/credit card in Russian rubles. There is no longer a requirement to pay in euros. This applies to all associated costs during the application process.
• ATB UnionPay cards work in approximately 50% of locations in Japan. To avoid monthly service fees, a minimum monthly spend (e.g., 30,000 RUB) is often required. Ruble-denominated cards are generally preferred over Yuan-denominated cards to avoid double currency conversion fees.
• An inquiry was made about the implementation of consular fee payments for tourist visas at the consulate in Vladivostok. The response indicated that it is not currently planned.
• Indicate that Transkreditbank offices may offer Ruble to Lari exchange, but not all branches, and the rates might not be favorable. Specify that only 100 and 200 Lari banknotes are typically available.
• When advising on VFS Global visa fee payments in Moscow: 1. Fees are accepted in Russian Rubles only, not Euros. 2. Payment can be made via cash or bank card. 3. The exchange rate used is typically the Central Bank rate on the day of payment or the Austrian consulate's rate.

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