Is Russia a cheap or expensive country to visit?
I often hear a question: Is Russia a cheap or expensive country to visit?
Honestly, I do not know what to say. It could be both. Just a few years ago
Moscow it was at the top of the list of the most expensive cities in the world.
After the financial crisis of 1998 the situation changed, most of the businesses
realised that they should work for middle class, but still Moscow is expensive
for some things.
The most expensive is accommodation, you can get a decent luxury hotel room
for not less than $350, while 3-star hotels offer their rooms for $50-$100 a
night, and what you get is usually worse than what you expect for the money.
There are only a few budget accommodation options in Moscow: generally you can
get a crappy single for $20, and a crappy double for $30-$40. There are only
three hostels in Moscow, they offer a bed in a dorm room for $16 and higher.
Read more on accommodation below on this page.
The food is relatively cheap: if you cook yourself you’ll fit in 50-100R
($1.7-$3.5) a day, if you go to the restaurants only, expect to spend from 100
to 300 R ($3.5 – $10) a day – of course if you’re not up to the luxury stuff.
The transportation is very cheap: a ride on the metro is 5 R ($0.15), a bus,
a trolley, or a tram is 4 R ($0.13). A taxi will charge 50-200R ($1.7 – $7)
depending on your appearance and your ability to negotiate. You’ll have to pay
more than Russians to do sightseeing. Museums and famous sights charge about $3,
however there are some tricks, see in the appropriate sections of our site.
If you go partying, you can spend nothing or everything. Most of the clubs
don’t charge any entrance cover, however if you get to a concert expect to pay
$1-$10. A drink is usually about $1-$2. A meal is about $3-$4. There are some
‘high class’ clubs where you’ll have to leave about $30 to enter, and pay double
prices in the bars. Shopping is expensive, though there’s very much variety: all
the main fashion and casual wear brands are represented. The prices are about
20% higher than in Europe.
In short, expect to spend as much in Moscow as you would at any European city
and if you find yourself short of funds, here is an emergency tip: Call Western
Union at 797-2194 to find out the closest location or visit
www.westernunion.ru/eng/root.htm
Most business establishments accept the standard credit cards, Visa,
Mastercard, Amex, Discover, etc. The credit card company will usually provide
you with very favorable exchange rate. Using credit cards is always a safe bet!
