10 HANDY Russian phrases for banks & ATMs
How to exchange your currency to Russian rubles? Where's the nearest ATM? We’ve put together some handy simple phrases – with them, you'll be able to withdraw cash, exchange currency and check the rate without any fuss!
1. Где здесь ближайший банк с пунктом обмена валюты? [Gde zdes blizhayshiy bank s punktom obmena valyuty?] – Where is the nearest bank with currency exchange?
When you need to exchange cash. Look for signs saying ‘Обмен валют’ (‘Currency Exchange’) inside any bank.
2. Какой сегодня курс доллара? [Kakoy segodnya kurs dollara?] – What is the U.S. Dollar exchange rate today?
Always check the official rate set by the Russian Central Bank before exchanging.
3. Сколько рублей я получу за 100 юаней? [Skolko rubley ya poluchu za sto yuaney?] – How many rubles will I get for 100 yuan?
A direct question that gives you the exact amount. Much clearer than just asking the rate.
4. Есть ли комиссия? Сколько комиссия? [Yest li komissiya? Skolko komissiya?] – Is there a commission? How much is the commission?
Important! Some exchange offices charge hidden fees. Ask upfront to avoid surprises.
5. Где здесь ближайший банкомат? [Gde zdes blizhayshiy bankomat?] – Where is the nearest ATM here?
When you urgently need cash. ATMs in Russia can be found in almost every shopping mall, at train stations and near or in bank branches. Note, only ‘Union Pay’ and ‘Mir’ cards are accepted in Russia.
6. Можно снять наличные? / Как снять деньги? [Mozhno snyat nalichnye? / Kak snyat dengi?] – Can I withdraw cash? / How do I withdraw money?
If the ATM interface is in Russian and you don't know what to press. You can often switch the language, but this phrase will help you ask passersby or staff for assistance.
7. Я хочу обменять доллары / евро на рубли. [Ya hochu obmenyat dollary / evro na rubli] – I want to exchange dollars / euros for rubles.
Tell this directly to the cashier at the exchange office. The buying and selling rates differ, so ask exactly how many rubles you'll receive.
8. Мне нужны мелкие купюры / крупные купюры. [Mne nuzhny melkiye kupyury / krupnyye kupyury.] – I need small bills / large bills.
Ask if you need cash for tips, markets or taxis. In Russia, exact change is often appreciated, so small bills can be very useful.
9. Моя карта заблокирована. Что делать? [Moya karta zablokirovana. Chto delat?] My card is blocked. What should I do?
If the ATM rejects your card or shows an error. In Russia, you can call your bank using the number on the back of your card – there's usually a toll-free number.
10. Я хочу оформить российскую карту ‘Мир’, как это сделать? [Ya hochu oformit rossiyskuyu kartu ‘Mir’, kak eto sdelat?] – I want to apply for a Russian ‘Mir’ card – how do I do that?
Useful if you're staying longer or want to avoid exchange fees. Many banks (eg. ‘Sberbank’, ‘VTB’, ‘Alfa-Bank’) offer ‘Mir’ cards to foreigners with a valid passport and migration card. Some can even issue one on the spot.
And remember, you can always plan your dream trip to Russia on the ‘Discover Russia’ portal!
