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Russian traffic in the major cities and towns that we visited was just as bad as in the United States. Two many cars being squeezed onto too few roads. In the smaller towns there were fewer vehicles on the roads, but we only saw one horse drawn cart during the entire trip and that was on the outskirts of St. Petersburg. During our visit, gas prices were a little higher than in the United States and seemed to have as little effect on people as at home. Inevitably we spent a lot of time in buses getting to and from various sites. All of the buses were new and most were major European models - very comfortable and convenient. Without exception the drivers were capable, considerate and skilled at dealing with Russian traffic. When stalled in traffic we amused ourselves by watching people drive on sidewalks, across medians, and the wrong way on the wrong side of the road.
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We did not need to carry very much cash with us during our various tours. Viking River Cruises took care of all of the basic expenses attendant on our various tours. We carried cash for the WC, permission to photograph inside museums, small purchases, and for tips. Major purchases in stores could usually be taken care of with a major credit card. Much of the time we could use U.S. currency, but on some occasions it was necessary to have Russian money. On one occasion, while changing twenty dollar bills at a bank, several of my bills were rejected because they were not in perfect physical condition. Fortunately, I had others that the clerk found to be satisfactory. When I asked why she had rejected some of the bills she smiled and carefully pointed to some very small abrasions and tiny tears along the edges of the bills. I am not certain, but believe that condition was the issue not suspicion of forgery.
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