Question
Hiya, I'm going to Moscow/SPB in about 2 weeks would like to know whether there are going to be any problems using credit cards, considering Russia is one of those high-risk fraud places.
I know there are some USA-based issuers who temporarily shut down accounts because of "suspicious" activity overseas despite cardholders contacting them IN ADVANCE that they will be travelling.
Anyone who has been to Russia recently and had no problems using their accounts? If so, what issuers are those?
Thanks in advance.
Answer
I have had no difficulties in using my corporate Amex. I have also used various personal Amex and Citibank Visa and MC products without problem (though relatively small purchases only on the non-Corporate products).
Answer
Used my UA Firstusa card in Moscow earlier in the year to pay for hotel charges. No Problems. I did alert FUSA ahead of time. You might be better off using cash for most transactions since it is still a cash/bank card economy.
Answer
i was in moscow and st. petersburg in august
used my visa card to pay for
renaissance st. petersburg
only problem is that my marriott points still havent posted
and i got 2 bills
1 for the room
1 for the phone charges
so that probably cost me a little extra on the exchange
used my amex card to pay for the sheraton in moscow
(and my starwood points showed up in 3 days)
and one meal
made 3 cash withdrawals from ATMs in Moscow
no problems with any of the transactions
Answer
One thing that I did notice is when you use your card at a store/restaurant, they will bring you the chit to sign and then run off, returning with your card afterwards - checking signature? hopefully? no fraud problems for me at least
Answer
I was in SPB in May. I called my credit card company in advance to let them know of the countries i was going to visit. At one store, I made two purchases. The second charge was declined. The merchant says that happens a lot with US cards. My bank thought it was possible fraud. I used another card. No problem.
At another merchant, they spit the transaction in two; as they said large purchases typically don’t go through. They made them less then 500 USD and had no problem.
These places we small businesses, not hotels.
My advice, alwys have some backup cards.
Answer
I used my credit and ATM cards in Russia (both in Moscow and some small towns) without any problems. (I called the issuers first.) Within 24 hours on the way home, I used my credit card in Russia, Switzerland, Germany and the US without problems.