Authorities advised Russian travelers to secure payments for foreign services in advance through tour operators, aiming to minimize currency exchange hurdles abroad. This guidance was shared by industry professionals and reported by the portal TourDom.ru.
In practical terms, Dmitry Arutyunov, head of ART-TOUR, suggested that travelers deposit funds in rubles via a tour operator to cover add-on hotel services. He explained that this approach reduces the need for cash on hand, and any unspent amount would be refunded after the final settlement with the hotel.
Alexan Mkrtchyan, the head of the Pink Elephant network, echoed the idea, noting a growing trend where travelers book a range of services through a travel agency before departure. Transfers, excursions, and even dinner reservations are increasingly arranged in advance to streamline the travel experience.
Another option highlighted was self-payment through international money transfer systems. Russians can obtain local currency abroad by using services like Zolotaya Korona and Kontakt. Money can be sent to the traveler via the provider’s website or mobile app, enabling access to funds without carrying large cash sums.
These systems operate in destinations such as Turkey and Egypt. In Turkey, Shift acts as a partner of Golden Crown within Banque du Caire branches, facilitating access to funds. However, Russian transfer services do not have a presence in the United Arab Emirates or Thailand. Specialists warned about monthly transfer limits and potential losses due to currency conversions during overseas transactions.
Earlier in March, Russia initiated travel to Uzbekistan with the objective of issuing bank cards compatible with Visa and Mastercard payment networks. Ticket prices start at around 23,000 rubles per person, covering accommodation, transfers, accompaniment during the bank visit, document preparation, and medical insurance.
— Lenta