Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Northern and Central Asia
Money on the Road Russia Mongolia Siberia Money on the Road Russia Mongolia Siberia
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Northern and Central Asia Topics specific to Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China, Japan and Korea
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 3 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Tasmania
Posts: 102
Money on the Road Russia Mongolia Siberia
Hi Guys

Just looking for some advice on the best way to manage out finances on the road through Russia Mongolia Siberia.

Eastern Russia I expect should be fine for CC and/or ATM at Fuel station?

Mongolia cash everywhere except UB? American Dollars or Euros? What would you recommend?

Siberia ? Cash again for fuel etc or CC/ATM

Would really appreciate any advice

Thanks in advance

Callum
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 3 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 738
In general, Eastern Russia, Siberia and Mongolia are all vast and remote places and as you can imagine have suspect communication connections to allow for consistent and dependable ATM or CC services. The exception to this is the major centers i.e Vlad, UB, Chita, etc.

Safest approach is to stock up on enough cash in the larger centers and expect to use that until you get to the next town of significance and repeat. That way if you do get to use your plastic here and there, it'll be a pleasant surprise and not something that you were absolutely relying on.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 3 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Tasmania
Posts: 102
Great thanks for your reply.

What cash would you carry. Local currency/american dollars/Euros?

Callum
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 3 May 2012
Capo Sakke's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Creator of Joroinen Community Finland / All Oceans
Posts: 219
Quote:
Originally Posted by Landroverholic View Post
Hi Guys

Just looking for some advice on the best way to manage out finances on the road through Russia Mongolia Siberia.

Eastern Russia I expect should be fine for CC and/or ATM at Fuel station?

Mongolia cash everywhere except UB? American Dollars or Euros? What would you recommend?

Siberia ? Cash again for fuel etc or CC/ATM

Would really appreciate any advice

Thanks in advance

Callum
Almost all bigger fuel stations you can use CC do so when you can.
ATM's you can found almost every where even in Gobi so withdraw local cash amount that you can survive week or so + safe. Have reserve funds on $ & €. In Russia it's strictly illegal pay or except foreign currency on payment if you try don't get caught and pay more bribes only rubble's or CC. Have couple of CC just in case if you lose one or if it's not working and safety issue.
Don't pay bribes to Russia police just wait and let them understand that you have time that will ruin they business when they are stuck on your case and all others are passing by.
__________________
...You know it's a bit windy when you get passed by your own dust...
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 3 May 2012
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
In Russia and KZ, ATMs are far more common that you might imagine. Even on the Road of Bones a town like Khandyga has at least 3.

Mongolia is broken up into dozen of provinces, and each provincial capital has ATMs.

Keep local currency in your wallet and 300-500 USD stashed away for emergencies. Generally if you ever need to use your dollars these days, you will have to change them into local currency first.

If you are driving across Russia and taking several weeks - then there is no point taking out 50 quids worth or rubles at a time. Take out plenty so you wont run out before the next major town.

I would use ATMs and the cash that flows from them more than credit cards. Russia (outside of Moscow) is still predominantly a cash economy. Use your plastic (debit cards I recommend) to get cash, and that cash to provide your liquidity, rather than expecting to get too far on credit card purchases outside of the cities.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Tasmania
Posts: 102
Thanks guys

Your advice is always greatly appreciated

Regards

Callum
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
London to Cape Town, November 2012 Tfoy97603 Travellers Seeking Travellers 56 4 Sep 2012 17:51
Scotland Europe Russia Mongolia Siberia Australia June 2012 Landroverholic Travellers Seeking Travellers 22 27 Jun 2012 11:23
Camping Russia, Khazakstan & Mongolia muppet8mycat Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 18 11 Feb 2012 13:06
Mongolia Road Atlas stephen.stallebrass Northern and Central Asia 12 23 Jan 2012 16:40
Wanted: Mongolia Road Atlas stephen.stallebrass TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 14 Jan 2012 23:17

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 00:39.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top