Financial matters

When planning your trip to Russia, make sure that your bank cards are suitable for use outside your home country or specific region. Your ability to pay for certain costs upon your arrival in Russia is important. Prior to your coming to Tomsk, you should make sure that you will have with you not less than 5,000 - 7,000 Rubles (the Russian national currency). This sum should be enough for your first one or two weeks in Tomsk. You should check the exchange rate between the currencies of your country and Russia, so that you can convert at least the equivalent of 5,000 to 7,000 Rubles for your initial expenses. The remainder of your funds could be exchanged after you arrive in Russia. You can exchange a little sum upon arrival to airport in Moscow or already here in Tomsk. 

 

Establishing your bank account and exchanging currency

When you come to Tomsk you will have to open a bank account. You will be provided with a bank card which will be used for making your payments, purchases, and paying fees. Because most banks operate only in the Russian language, you will need to request the assistance of the International Student Services Centre. The designated responsible person or center specialist will assist you in dealing with the bank. This should be done within the first two weeks in order to give you financial freedom. This bank card will also be used for your scholarship or grant (if applicable).

 

As you will need to convert any other currency to rubles for your expenses in Russia, this can be probably accomplished when you obtain your bank card. There are a number of bank offices where you can exchange your currency or take money from your account, and ATMs are available in many locations for cash withdrawals in rubles.

 

Location of several nearby bank offices:

1.University’s Main building

       a. Sberbank of Russia, Tomsk Branch no. 8616, the first floor (Rus).

       b. Gazprombank ATM, first floor

2. TSU Scientific Library

        a. Sberbank of Russia ATM, the first floor

3. TSU Building no. 4

        a. Sberbank of Russia ATM, the first floor

        b. Gazprombank ATM, first floor

 

 

IMPORTANT:

Please pay attention to exchange rates in your country and in Russia, so that you will receive the most advantageous exchange rate. Be careful in using a bank card from your country, as there is a chance that it could be jammed in an ATM.

For Information about where and how to pay your tuition and fees, or for charges for other university services, you will need to check "Steps to Admission" section.

 

Costs of Living

Restaurants

 

Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

300.00 руб

200.00 - 600.00

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

1,500.00 руб

1,200.00 - 2,000.00

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

250.00 руб

250.00 - 400.00

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

60.00 руб

50.00 - 90.00

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

120.00 руб

100.00 - 180.00

Cappuccino (regular)

116.15 руб

80.00 - 200.00

Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)

38.75 руб

35.00 - 60.00

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

23.00 руб

16.00 - 50.00

Markets

   

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

49.67 руб

45.00 - 60.00

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

29.17 руб

24.00 - 36.00

Rice (white), (1kg)

50.00 руб

50.0 0 - 70.00

Eggs (regular) (12)

62.35 руб

55.00 - 72.00

Local Cheese (1kg)

400.00 руб

300.00 - 600.00

Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless), (1kg)

210.00 руб

170.00 - 300.00

Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

397.50 руб

300.00 - 500.00

Apples (1kg)

90.00 руб

70.00 - 130.00

Banana (1kg)

68.75 руб

50.00 - 90.00

Oranges (1kg)

84.17 руб

70.00 - 100.00

Tomato (1kg)

83.33 руб

50.00 - 150.00

Potato (1kg)

28.46 руб

20.00 - 50.00

Onion (1kg)

31.45 руб

20.00 - 60.00

Lettuce (1 head)

35.00 руб

30.00 - 80.00

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

29.58 руб

22.00 - 40.00

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

375.00 руб

350.00 - 600.00

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

55.83 руб

40.00 - 80.00

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

120.00 руб

80.00 - 160.00

Pack of Cigarettes (Marlboro)

100.00 руб

100.00 - 120.00

Transportation

   

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

21.00 руб

20.00 - 25.00

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

800.00 руб

 

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

100.00 руб

80.00 - 150.00

Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)

9.00 руб

8.00 - 20.00

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

300.00 руб

300.00 - 720.00

Gasoline (1 liter)

36.75 руб

35.20 - 40.00