request uncirculated money tour of St. Petersburg

[miadia]

We have signed up for a 3 day tour of St. Petersburg with Insider Tours. Highly rated by Trip-advisor. We are concerned that they are requesting that we bring only uncirculated or very clean dollars. They say the Russian banks want this.

 

Any advice or info on paying for tours at the dock in St. Petersburg.

 

Thanks,

 

Miadia

[paul929207]

In South America, most places will not accept soiled or torn bills. Sounds like your tour group for St. Petersberg has similar rules. Just go to your bank a few weeks before you are to leave and ask them for new bills in the amounts you need to take. If they don't have it on hand they can get it. Be sure to have exact change. The tour agent may try to give change in rubles.

[miadia]

Paul, Thanks for this info. We were in Argentina 2 years ago and paid with paypal for our tour as we are doing for a German tour. So I'm sort of surprised at the request for uncirculated dollar bills, but glad to hear that you're familiar with this request.

Miadia

[Drazil65]

We have been to St. Pete's twice, same deal, new bills only. Preordered from our local bank. Not a big deal.

[notentirelynormal]

I worked with a girl from Russia. She said they wouldn't take her money either if it was wrinkled, torn, old or had staple holes in it. All had to be in pristine condition.

[miadia]

Thanks for the info the Russians wanting only uncirculated bills.