Russian bank card in the USA?

[Anna33 0]

Hi Visa Journey Community,

Will I be able to use my Russian bank card in the United States to withdraw money ?

If yes, how much would the American bank charge me in fees?

Do ATM machines in America take foreign bank cards or do I have to go inside bank to speak with bank consultant ?

Also, what is the most cost effective and easiest way to transfer Rubles into dollars ?

Any help would be greatly appreciated !

[JSWH 262]

5 hours ago, Anna33 said:

Hi Visa Journey Community,

Will I be able to use my Russian bank card in the United States to withdraw money ?

If yes, how much would the American bank charge me in fees?

Do ATM machines in America take foreign bank cards or do I have to go inside bank to speak with bank consultant ?

Also, what is the most cost effective and easiest way to transfer Rubles into dollars ?

Any help would be greatly appreciated !

6

Hi! 
Whether or not you'll be able to use your bank card in ATM depends on your bank's policy regarding that. Call your bank in Russia and clarify if they allow their clients to do so. The commission will also vary depending on which American bank ATM you use. I encountered different fees with the least amount being 5% and the highest 20% (for reference, my card is from Alfa-bank). 
Personally, I found that the easiest and least expensive way to convert rubles into dollars is to use my Russian card to pay in stores or online. I don't withdraw cash due to high commision. 

[Anna33 0]

Thank you for your kind response 

[Amy_and_Victor 159]

Would you mind if I will ask, are you planning it for a visit or for moving? Cash withdrawal from the foreign bank card is usually expensive in relation to fees (fees vary a lot from bank to bank), unless you're using the bank that has branches in both countries and will use their ATM as well but it's hard to do. If you're just visiting then the best way to go is to get a bank card with no or very low foreign transaction fees and bring some actual USD cash with you for cases where card is not an option or cost you convenience fees, like parking, laundromats etc. In the US you can use cards nearly everywhere, so you really don't need much of cash with you. And if you're actually moving then transferring large amounts of money over the border using multiple ATM cash withdrawals seems like one of the most expensive ways to me.

 

- Victor from Russia

[Anna33 0]

Hi Victor,

i am moving to the United States hopefully this summer, if they approve my k-1 visa.

Thank you for your response !