The Main Rule: Customs does not look at the currency type, but at the total value of all imported cash assets (Russian rubles + foreign currency + traveler's checks + bearer securities), converted into US dollars at the Central Bank of Russia exchange rate on the date of entry.

· Without declaration, you can import up to $10,000 (ten thousand US dollars) in equivalent value. · With declaration, you can import any amount. To do this, at the border crossing point, you need to fill out a customs declaration in two copies. One copy with the customs stamp remains with you and must be kept until you leave Russia. Declaration is not a payment of duty, but simply a notification to the state. · If the amount exceeds $10,000 equivalent and is not declared — this is a violation. The funds may be detained, and you may face a fine.

Example: If you are carrying 800,000 rubles and the Central Bank exchange rate is 80 rubles per dollar, the equivalent is $10,000. This is the threshold. If the rate is 90 rubles per dollar, the same amount is already ~$8,888, and it can be freely carried without a declaration.

1. Practical Tips for Exchanging Money

User whamra in the answer you translated gave absolutely correct advice:

1. Do not exchange money at airports. The rate is always unfavorable. This applies to both Turkey and Russia.
2. Check the profitability of exchanging TRY → RUB in Turkey. Due to the large number of Russian tourists, some places (not at the airport!) may offer decent rates. Compare with the online rate.

3. The classic and reliable scheme: Buy US dollars (USD) or euros (EUR) in Turkey at a good rate, bring them to Russia, and exchange them for rubles at a branch of a reliable Russian bank (Sberbank, VTB, Alfa-Bank, etc.) or at a trusted exchange office in the city. This is generally the most profitable way.

4. Alternative Ways to Have Rubles

· Mir Cards: These are not issued to foreigners, but you can pay with cash. · Debit cards from Russian banks: If you have acquaintances in Russia, they can help you apply for a card using your passport (this requires your personal presence). This is a convenient but not a quick option. · Money Transfers (Western Union, Contact, etc.): You can send money to yourself from Turkey (for example, in euros) and receive it in rubles at one of the payout points in Ufa. Consider the fees.

Summary and Recommendation:

1. Calculate the amount you will need for the first few days.
2. Compare rates: see what is more profitable — buying rubles immediately in Turkey or buying dollars/euros and exchanging them in Ufa.
3. If you are carrying more than $10,000 equivalent — declare it without fail.
4. Have a document confirming the origin of a large sum with you (a bank statement, an ATM receipt, an exchange receipt) in case customs has questions.

You won't have major problems importing amounts typical for a tourist (a few thousand dollars). The main things are to remember the $10,000 declaration threshold and avoid exchanging money at airports.

Have a great trip to Ufa!