Currency

The official currency of Moscow, like the rest of Russia, is the ruble. You’ll find notes worth 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, 2000 and 5000 rubles and coins worth 1, 2, 5 and 10 rubles, and 1, 5, 10 and 50 kopeks (100 kopeks = 1 ruble). Bear in mind that smaller shops and kiosks may not be able to break larger notes, so it’s always worth keeping the smaller ones.

Credit cards are widely accepted at most larger chain hotels, restaurants and shops, however it’s best to keep cash for everything else. Note also that while chip and pin cards are accepted, cards that require a signature may be rejected.

Talking about tips, in Moscow it usually takes 5-15% on top of the bill. The exact amount is determined by a bunch of factors, and among them: the quality of service, the type of institution (a simple cafe, an expensive hotel, an elite restaurant), the opinion of the guest.