Mickael:

I can't comment on the Stans, I diligently avoid any country with a name ending in '-stan'. That suffix means 'fecked-up country'.

So far as Russia is concerned, there are ATMs everywhere. I have been to many very small and remote towns in far eastern Russia, and all across Siberia, and never had any difficulty getting money out of an ATM.

I suggest you organize the following for your trip:

1) Two credit cards - one MasterCard, and one Visa. Set up automatic payment with your bank, so the bills get paid directly out of your bank account when they are due. You can review your statements online from anywhere.

2) TWO ATM cards. You need two because if one gets lost or damaged, you don't want to be stuck without an ATM card. If you explain what you plan to do (your trip) to your bank, they should be able to issue you two cards.

Banks that issue ATM cards belong to various interbank networks such as Cirrus, Interac, Electron, Plus, etc. Ensure that the ATM card that your bank issues you works with at least two of these networks. In some countries, individual bank ATMs only support one network, which means that you might have to shop around a bit to find one that works with your card. But, this has never been a problem for me.

I don't suggest you carry large amounts of cash (any more than what you need to keep you going for a week).

Michael