Shopping in Russia

Shopping in Russia is a lot of fun and gets you the best of shopping experience. There is a lot to buy from in Russia that is of good value. Especially clothes of winter season are worth buying. Here you will find art and souvenir shops, antique stores, department stores and outdoor flea markets. Russia's shops, stalls and department stores sell many items to travelers like leather bags, crystal bowls, woolen sweaters, amber jewelry, works of art and sculptures. Specifically, shopping in Moscow Russia offers world class experience to savor for a lifetime.

Some of the finest items that you can pick from Russia are as follows:

• Matryoshka is a collection of traditionally painted wooden dolls.
• Ushanka is a warm hat with ears
• Samovar - a native design for brewing tea. Note that when you purchase samovars it is prudent to consult the customs before trying to take it out of the country.
• Winter coats of Russia are a must buy. They well tailored and stylish excellent
• Down pillows available here are of very high quality
• Hard cheese is generally produced in Altai and available in large stores in Moscow
• Russian Champagne is extremely good.

Money
All payments in Russia are made in its official currency- rubles. However, many touristy shops that sell major items (such as cars, real estate and computers) may quote prices in USD or Euro. Currency exchange offices, called bureaus in Saint Petersburg, are easy to find throughout Russia. Banks and small currency exchange bureaus offer good rates; hotels and casinos are usually costly and thus not recommended. Another thing you should note is that you need to show your passport at banks.

ATMs (also called bankomats) are a common in the cities of Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Other large cities also have them but many times there are limitations on the use of foreign cards. These machines generally offer services in multiple languages, and some hand over U.S. dollars or local currency. ATMs in Russia will limit withdrawals to about USD$100 per day. In bigger cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg the amount goes up till 16,000 rubles ($640) a day.