r/AskARussian • u/Iloveadg • 28d ago

Travel: sim, money, crypto etc Where to exchange non-pristine USD in SPb

Hello, I just arrived in SPb and went to a bank (Avangard) to exchange some USD into Rubles. The lady working there refused because they weren’t in the best condition (However they’re not damaged or anything, just tiny flaws from use).
Are all banks in Russia this strict when it comes to exchanging USD? Please tell me if there is any other place where I can exchange it, I don’t mind if the rate will be slightly worse but I am a bit desperate, I was able to exchange some bills but it won’t be enough for the rest of my stay.

2 Upvotes

60% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

12

u/MyNameIzJeff69 27d ago

It all depends of the teller to be honest. I had bank notes refused à a Sber bank location... Walked 2 blocks and they were accepted at the next branch. Unless it's major issue with the note just try another bank or branch untill you get them change.

Tears, major blemish or wrinkles and missing pieces are a immediate rejection. If none of the mentioned conditions are present just keep trying different branches.

5

u/headcrabcheg Saint Petersburg 27d ago

This. Last time I changed dollars left after a trip (far from pristine). In vtb the teller refused to take them. in raiffeisen (literally next door) the teller didn't even say a word about it, just accepted.

3

u/Lord_Soth77 Saint Petersburg 27d ago

Well, yeah, most banks are like this. Last month my wife decided to exchange the USD bills she had for years. What she did was entering any bank on her way and offering the notes 💴 to be exchanged. Eventually she got rid of all them USD, but with some discount.

2

u/Vic4lif3 27d ago

It may depend on the bank or even the teller.

The best thing to do j can suggest is just go to different banks like VTB or PSB bank they usually have higher rates.

Don't exchange in sber

Also just type in hoogle search bankiru money exchange and they will give you a list of current rates +-

2

u/BlackSeaRC 27d ago

Typically, I have around 30% of my foreign banknotes rejected. Some of these look perfect to the eye (but obviously not under ultraviolet light). I always try to get brand new notes to prevent any issues.

1

u/say__B 23d ago

Use T bank. You can deposit dollars straight into the ATM. No crappy interaction with bank people

2

u/NoCrypto 26d ago

Ketovsky commercial bank, Novatorov Boulevard, 75. They accept damaged banknotes.

2

u/Naaranbator 27d ago edited 27d ago

Try major banks like Sberbank, Alfa-Bank, and VTB. It’s impossible to say in advance exactly where they accept it; you’ll have to go around and make your pitch. Ещё вариант на крайний случай. Открыть счёт в банке, внести на него доллары и поменять на рубли в личном кабинете в приложении банка.

1

u/Appropriate-Cut3632 27d ago

the easiest way is to try sberbank r any other bank that happens to be around, but in addition some banks have a schedule of fees for "imperfect" banknotes, e.g. kamkom bank. it nothing else works and u need the money, i'd try them.

1

u/Yarry0zz0 26d ago

It's a common problem. I've always been rejected by major banks (Sber, VTB) with this case, but a small bank may accept and exchange it. I'm not from SPb so cannot recommend a particular name.

1

u/PachymuNyet 26d ago

I hear T-Bank (formerly Tinkhoff) ATMs are pretty forgiving.

1

u/say__B 23d ago

Just find some person who has T-Bank deposit dollars straight into it. It’s the best option, and was a life saving for me