Street Currency Exchange Tricks
Shortchanged Exchange Rates
In Russia, especially near train stations or in areas like Moscow's Tverskaya Street, unlicensed exchangers offer better rates than banks but use misdirection to give fewer rubles (RUB) than owed or counterfeit bills. For instance, exchanging 100 USD at a quoted rate of 75 RUB per USD might result in only 7,000 RUB instead of 7,500 RUB, with the exchanger claiming a fee not mentioned upfront.
- Exchange money only at Sberbank or Aeroflot-affiliated booths in airports or hotels.
- Use a currency converter app to verify rates and count bills immediately.
- Avoid exchanges on the street by sticking to official signs and asking for a receipt in Russian.
ATM Skimming Devices
Across Russia, criminals install skimming devices on ATMs in busy areas like shopping centers or metro stations, capturing card details. In Moscow, this often happens at ATMs near Red Square, where a user might withdraw 5,000 RUB but have their account drained later due to cloned cards.
- Inspect ATMs for loose parts or skimmers before use, especially in less-monitored spots.
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
- Opt for contactless payments or apps like Sberbank Online to minimize cash withdrawals.
Public Transport Pickpocketing
Crowded Metro Distractions
In Russia's metro systems, such as in Moscow or Saint Petersburg, thieves work in teams to bump into tourists and steal wallets or phones in crowded cars. For example, during rush hour on the Moscow Metro's Circle Line, one person might drop a newspaper to distract while another lifts items from a backpack, targeting items worth up to 10,000 RUB.
- Keep valuables in front-facing pockets or money belts, especially on lines like the Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya.
- Travel during off-peak hours if possible and stay aware of your surroundings.
- Use RFID-blocking wallets and report suspicious behavior to metro staff using the emergency button.