Money
 The currency unit of Russian Federation is called Rouble (Rubl'). Small change unit is called Kopeck (Kopeyka). Russian Roubles can be:
- 1-, 2- and 5-Rouble coins and
- 10-, 50-, 100-, 500-, and 1000-Rouble banknotes.
Unfortunately, Russian financial system is still far from perfect and most payments have to be made in cash. However, shops accepting credit cards (VISA, Eurocard/Mastercard etc) are gradually growing in number.
Even though officially no payments can be made in Russia in any currency units other than Rouble, you may notice that in many places prices are marked in provisional (equivalent) currency units (y. e. - uslovnaya edinitza) that are normally equivalent to one American Dollar. (US$1) But the actual payment has to be made in Roubles anyway, so you'll be much better off changing the foreign cash you brought along into Roubles. You can change your money in a bank or a bureau de change - there are plenty of them in the city centre. It would be a very reasonable thing to do if you convert your national currency into US Dollars beforehand while you are still in your home country as the exchange rate for US Dollar is higher that that for any other national currency. Never change your money with strangers even when they offer you a higher rate. In the very first place it's illegal. Then, it's simply dangerous. If you are a student who is not planning to spend most of his time at casinos, fancy restaurants and jewellery boutiques you will need about US$100 or US$150 a week.
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