by Mark
(Winston Salem)
I read on this site that you need cash in Russia. Do you have any tips on finer points?
It's a bit unnerving for me due to lack of experience, and knowing I have a lot of cash on me in Russia for the first time.
So; Do you recommend any particulars, like a given pocket to use? Do you just use a wallet for example or are you using a method and other item for secure carrying of the cash?
Also do you feel I may raise any unwanted attention if I only have a carry on bag, and no suitcase? It crossed my mind and I do not wish for anyone to dump out or go thru my carry on. As it will be packed tight.
Any idea what I may expect? Especially thru customs and clearing myself smoothly in and thru Moscow, and continuing airports? I have not left my own state in ten years, and have never been farther than Canada from N.C.
Thanks as I'm a newbie on travel completely. And she and I may leave Stavropol and vacation in Romania for 2-3 days. If we do I have to clear back into Russia x 2 in 1 trip.
Bob's Comments:
Things have changed a little since I first wrote that you need to pay for everything with cash. The last several times I was there a lot more places took credit cards. But the advice still holds. EVERY place takes cash, and there is no currency conversion fee as there is when you use a credit card.
THAT BEING SAID, you still need to bring cash. During travel (i.e. from U.S. to Russia) I always carried all my cash in one of those under-the-garment pouches.
Google "Lewis N. Clark RFID Waist Stash". I would link to a site, but if I did the link address could change and break the link. It looks like a flat version of a fanny pack. You wear it inside the waistband of your pants. During the trip I put all my cash there except for that which I would need to spend during the trip.
ALSO, in order to simplify customs, make sure to not bring so much that you will need to return with more than $3000 (you can bring in more than $3000, just make sure that by the time you are leaving it's down to $3000 or under). Customs agents can stop you and ask to see your cash, and if it's over $3000 it could become complicated. No one ever asked to see my cash for my two trips to Russia, but I have been searched TWICE in Ukraine (both times I was cleared).
Once in Russia/Ukraine I always left my money (except for what I needed each day) in my hotel/apartment (well hidden). Of course you could still carry it in your under-garment pouch if you didn't feel like you could find a safe place to leave it.
I don't think the lack of a checked bag would arouse attention, but airport security and/or customs randomly search carry on bags. Just do your best to pack in a way that would best enable you to repack if needed. I don't know any way to minimize chances of a search.
I don't know for sure this really makes a difference, but one thing I've always done is to place the most "interesting" things (things that customs and/or security would most want to see) right on top such that it is the first thing they see if they open the bag.
Comments for How to carry Cash and Other Travel Questions
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