Crinkled Benjamins?

[wilmc]

... in response to Thx: Philb, Wilmc, James B/ Jim, and to ..., posted by BURKE89 on Sep 3, 2002

Security neck pouches and money belts as well as many other helpful travel items can be found at your local triple A ofice, AAA the automobile club.

[James B]

... in response to Thx: Philb, Wilmc, James B/ Jim, and to ..., posted by BURKE89 on Sep 3, 2002

Vaughn,

I think you can find them in many places that sell baggage in general.  I know the airports have them, but possible large department stores or malls have a store that carries them also.  I found mine in the Navy Exchange department store.  I also picked up a couple extra at a street market in Ukraine.  Jim

[Philb]

... in response to Thx: Philb, Wilmc, James B/ Jim, and to ..., posted by BURKE89 on Sep 3, 2002

The "neck pouch" I have is made by Jandd Mountaineering of Santa Barbara, California (i am sure there are many others).  Basically it is a slightly oversized wallet with a lanyard so it can be worn around your neck.  I always break my money up and carry it in several different places on my person.  I think that I am more at risk of losing my money then of getting it stolen ; )

Anapa is on the northeast coast of the Black Sea.  I spent a month in this general area last summer

[BURKE89]

... in response to Neck pouches and Anapa, posted by Philb on Sep 3, 2002

Phil,
Gosh, I haven't heard "lanyard" since my great grand-father passed. I had to pull out my old Webster's for that one. I appreciate you taking the time to help me.

Thanks,

Vaughn

[Bobby Orr]

... in response to Crinkled Benjamins?, posted by BURKE89 on Sep 2, 2002

I have not been to Kazan, but you want as new unmarked crisp 100 dollar or 50 dollar bills as possible - at least that has been my experience in other parts of Russia, two times to Siberia amongst others.  Ten or so gold dollar coins are incredibly cool tips / outgoing presents to give people who help you out along the way.

[MarkInTx]

... in response to New 100's, posted by Bobby Orr on Sep 2, 2002

I think it is better to have an assortment... 100s, 50s and 20s.

With the exchange rate, sometimes $100 US is REALLY over-kill...

At least that's what I found to be true in Sao Paulo, St. Petersburg, and Kiev

[Philb]

... in response to Crinkled Benjamins?, posted by BURKE89 on Sep 2, 2002

I have never had trouble exchanging bills that had been folded.  Just make sure they are in reasonably good condition and that they are the new style.  I have exchanged both 100's and 20's without any problem.  I have always used official exchange booths, usually in banks and occassionally at airports.  I have done this throughout Russia  (Moscow, Siberia, Black Sea area).  

You might have trouble exchanging less then pristine bills at some of the street level exchanges.  I don't know, since I have never used these.

As far as plastic, most cities and banks have ATM machines.  I have used these without any problems.  Again, I did not use the machines on the streets, only those in banks.  ATM's are not as common in the smaller cities of course.  But, I was able to locate one in Anapa last summer which has a population of about 40,000.  

Another option for getting cash while in Russia in the absence of an ATM, is using your ATM card to get cash directly from the bank.  There is a fee involved in doing this, but it is by far less then those charged by Western Union or when getting a cash advance with a regular credit card

[thesearch]

... in response to Re: Crinkled Benjamins?, posted by Philb on Sep 2, 2002

asdf

[wsbill]

... in response to Re: Crinkled Benjamins?, posted by Philb on Sep 2, 2002

At the Western Union office, I've heard stories of guys sending themselves a few hundred buck via western union and using it as a sort of bank if you will, in the event they get rolled.  Never heard of anyone on the board getting rolled or any sort of trouble, just common sense is the rule where every you go.

[James B]

... in response to Crinkled Benjamins?, posted by BURKE89 on Sep 2, 2002

I suggest that you find a pouch that hangs from your neck and sits on your chest under your shirt as a good way to keep your bills and passport secure.  Always be discreet in quiet when out on the street among crowds of people.  These people are suffering financial hardship and you don't want to stand out as an American or western tourister.  Wear clothes that are discreet and mix with the people well and no words that indicate you are an American.  If you are going to see a lady, she will likely look out for you as she knows the situation better than you for the area you are in.  Of course, some experiences from people here are to visit the large cities where foreigners frequent often, but Kazan is more off the beaten path.

Enjoy your trip and send us a trip report.  Jim

[wilmc]

... in response to Crinkled Benjamins?, posted by BURKE89 on Sep 2, 2002

I will share with you my experiences after 4 trips to Moscow.

Only fresh new $100 bills are immediately accepted.  worn or old image bills no matter how fresh were refused.  Other bills, $50's and $20's were accepted but not readily.  I found the only sure place to use anything other than a crisp new $100 was the hotel, the Marriott Royal.

In Moscow my VISA card was usually accepted without question.  Occasionally they asked for additional identification but my passport or driver's license was always sufficient.  I was also able to use my USAA Visa to get rubles.  USAA doesn't charge a fee for cash advances and the exchange rates received were very fair.  Of course the cash advance interest clock began running immediately.

I will guess that Kazan will be less sophisticated than Moscow so I would go to your bank and get nice fresh new $100's if I were you.
Keep them safe, use a money belt.  You will need to declare any cash over $1,500. I think that was the amount, if memory serves me. They seem to just want to be sure that you don't take out more than you brought in.

Good luck and have fun.