Moscow - Post Report Question and Answers
Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
You must use a Russian card as no western cards work due to sanctions. I get by with cash only, but it is easier if you get a Sberbank debit card and load cash on it. - Dec 2023
Yes, widely available usage of credit cards. I used credit cards at larger locations; if the store was a tiny, one off, I would use cash. - Mar 2019
Credit card use at the large/main shops and restaurants is fine. I would not use them at the small mom-and-pop stores. Many use local ATMs but the standard recommendation is only use the two ATMs on the embassy compound. I don't use ATMs but cash a check at the embassy cashier. - Nov 2018
We use our credit card all the time with no problems as of yet. We also use local ATMs but the fees are high with limits on how much you can take out. Citibank is here and one is available at AAS school. - Oct 2017
Yes they are accepted but I don't use them much. I cash check at embassy. - Sep 2016
We use the ATM at the Embassy and at the school without problems. Depending on your bank, your card may not work here. You can write checks at the embassy cashier as well. - May 2016
Credit cards can be used in most places, except for local grocery stores and small markets. ATMs are almost ubiquitous and usually safe. - Sep 2015
The Embassy has two ATMs. Foreign credit cards can be difficult to use here as not all places can process them. - Jun 2015
We primarily used cash to pay for everything (there are two cashiers at the Embassy for personnel) but the few times my spouse used his credit card, nothing happened. - Oct 2014
We use the ATM at the Embassy and the school. - Feb 2014
They are generally safe to use throughout the city although the Embassy has an ATM available. People use credit cards in Moscow but not to the extent that Americans do in the States so make sure you also have cash available. - Nov 2013
I usually use cash and get money at the Embassy cashier or Embassy ATM. Some vendors only accept Russian credit cards. - Jul 2013
Be very careful. We use a credit card at one of the larger grocery store chains and have not had a problem. My debit card was compromised after using it in an ATM inside of a bank, so use an ATM at your own risk. U.S. Embassy employees typically cash checks or use the ATMs inside the Embassy. Except for large stores and high-end restaurants, this is a cash society. - Jul 2013
We have become a cash family, using the ATMs at the embassy to replenish when needed. From the stories we have heard, cash is the safest way to go. - Jan 2013
Lots of skimmers, but the embassy has four ATMs on compound. Credit cards are used a lot by locals. - Mar 2012
I only use the ATMs at the embassy or AAS. There are skimmers and fake ATMs out there, and a lot of places don't take credit cards, anyway. We live on cash. - May 2011
Be careful using credit-cards and ATMs w/r to scams. - Jan 2011
Russia, for the most part, is a cash society. Higher-end restaurants and stores do accept credit cards, but everyone accepts cash. ATMs are ubiquitous, but the usual warnings about scams apply. - Jul 2010
We have not used them here. You can cash checks at the embassy branch of a local bank. - May 2010
I used the ATM in the embassy and sometimes one out in the city and NEVER had any issues. Not all places take credit cards, so I mostly relied on cash to make purchases, except for larger stores like IKEA or Stockmann's. - May 2010
Not every place takes credit cards, although all major stores do. ATMs are everywhere. - Feb 2010
It's strongly advised to NOT use the free-standing ATM machines located usually inside or near metro stations - many of these have devices attached that steal your credit card PINsWe regularly use our debit card to pay at grocery stores and restaurants and so far have had no serious problems. - Jan 2010
I use the ATM machine at the school. My husband uses the cashier at the embassy. We rarely use a credit card or the ATM card at any other place. This is habit more than anything from years at some dicier posts, but we have used the ATM on occasion at other locations in town and it was fine. I don't think I've used the credit card in town yet though ... But I will. Just haven't needed to yet. - Nov 2009
Debit cards work at stores about 90% of the time. There is a Citibank at the embassy. Cash is easier, if you remember to get it. - Oct 2009
VISA is taken everywhere. There's a Citibank office on the compound. - Aug 2009
We mostly used cash, but sometimes used our ATM card. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. I felt safer using cash. - Aug 2009
Fine. - Jul 2009
ATMs are everywhere; I never had any problems withdrawing money using my American ATM card. Credit cards are more widely accepted (the more expensive the restaurant/store, the more likely it is that you can pay with a credit card) but many places still only take cash. - Sep 2008
We use Citibank ATM machines at the Embassy and have never had a problem. - Aug 2008
