Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Northern and Central Asia
Northern and Central Asia Topics specific to Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China, Japan and Korea
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 2 May 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Near Paris
Posts: 13
Money in the Stans, Russia, Iran

Hi all,

When I travel, I usually do the following: take out big amounts of local currency at ATMs when I arrive in the country, and keep on me around a hundred euros in cash in case I need to change money.

I'll be riding in Russia, the stans and Iran this summer and had intended to do the same there, but it just occured to me that it might not always be possible (no ATMs in dodgy border posts, situation in Iran, etc). Has anyone good advice on how to and not to proceed?

Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2 May 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Vienna
Posts: 64
don´t know the situation in russia and stans.
but in iran atm`s don´t work with credit cards.
it´s sometimes also a hassle to find a bank, which changes money.
i would recommend to check the rate in internet and to change the assumptive money you need for the trip on the blackmarket on the border.(didn´t do this way and had to search for hours to find a moneychanger in orumiye)
__________________
http://biketoindia.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
Nostro, hi

ATMs (Bankomats) are everywhere in Russia. In major cities some even offer choices of currencies - Roubles - US Dollars - Euros.

Best to make sure you are using an ATM at/in a Bank and avoid the freestanding ones in shops, petrol stations, rail and metro stations etc. I have been warned that some of these are suspect and prone to fraudulent use of your card.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Posts: 312
As stated, there are ATMs everywhere in Russsia. For the stans, there are banks in the big cities. In Iran same- there was a bank at the border I came in at (from Turkmenistan). If not, you should have enough cash on you to change at the border and get to a big town.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 3 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 227
Same experience here, Russia is not problem, ATMs everywhere.

In 2006 we were worried about the money in Kazakhstan and packed rubles in Russia but it turned out, in Almaty you've got ATMs at every corner. Plus at the border you will usually find somebody to change your currencies. Finally we got to use our Rubles right after crossing from Kirgizstan to Tajikistan (some shabby border post, no money changer), we ended up in a small town and we had no idea what the local currency looked like or was worth. But the hotel accepted our rubles without any trouble, until we got to a big city and withdrew some money.

Advice if you go in the remote parts of the Stans: rubles may be easier to negotiate than dollars or euros (which means, you're less likely to be ripped off).

Laurent
__________________
2- and 4-wheeled explorer and photographer
Overland Aventure
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 May 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Near Paris
Posts: 13
Thanks all,

I guess I'll hoard some rubles while in Russia fr the stans then. Tony, thanks for the tip (are you lurking in every thread concerning Russia ? )

pete, did your bank in Iran only work for changing money as I suppose? I'll be coming in the same way byt from all I read it seems you can't anyhow withdraw money in Iran.
Reply With Quote
Reply


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

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
Russia and The Stans – May 08 PaulM Travellers Seeking Travellers 24 29 Mar 2008 00:41
Big scooter for Russia,Monglia and stans.. motoride Northern and Central Asia 7 22 May 2007 21:43
Turkey-Stans-Mong-Russia-Canada Phil Flanagan 4 wheel Overland Travel 1 13 Apr 2006 13:20
Turkey-Stans-Mong-Russia-Canada Phil Flanagan Travellers Seeking Travellers 1 6 Apr 2006 03:15
Turkey-Stans-Mong-Russia-Canada Phil Flanagan Route Planning 0 31 Mar 2006 03:30

 
 

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

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

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...

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!

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 09:36.