Money, Language and Emergencies

Money

Russian currency: rouble (рубль, abbrev. руб. or р.).

The easiest way to get roubles is to change US dollars or Euros. You can always change currency in banks. Also, you can find exchange booths everywhere: on the street, in supermarkets, in the Metro, near the vast majority of Metro stations. Such booths are marked by the Обмен валюты (Currency exchange) sign:

Normally, such booths have better rates than banks, but only exchange US dollars and Euros. To exchange other currencies (Yen, Turkish Lira, etc.) you should visit a bank.

Credit cards are normally accepted in large shops, in many hotels, and in most restaurants. But we recommend you to always have some cash with you.

ATMs are widely available in Moscow. Normally they are located in or near banks and Metro stations.

Russian language

Useful links:

• general information on the Russian language at Wikipedia.org;

• basic phrase-book at WayToRussia.net;

• basic phrase-book at WikiTravel.org.

Emergencies

• Fire — 01

• Police (Militsia) — 02

• Ambulance — 03

• Gas leaks — 04

• Rescue — 777-0-911

WAFL3 Organizing Committee — 939-32-56 (from 11:00am to 7:00pm)
For long-distance calls, first dial +7 (the country code), 495 (the area code) and then 939-32-56.