• Customer identification at currency exchange in Russia is governed by Federal Law 115-FZ (Russia's anti-money-laundering law), "On Counteracting the Legalization (Laundering) of Criminal Proceeds." This is a federal rule, not the policy of any one bank.
• There are two thresholds, both expressed in ruble equivalent: 40,000 ₽ and 200,000 ₽.
• Under 40,000 ₽ — identification is not required by law. In practice, many banks still ask for ID even on smaller amounts; that's their internal policy, not a violation.
• From 40,000 ₽ to 200,000 ₽ — simplified identification: the bank records your full name plus the series and number of your ID document.
• Above 200,000 ₽ — full identification: the bank may verify the document through a system check and ask for extra details (address, TIN (INN), purpose of the transaction).
• Always carry your passport — even if the amount is technically below the threshold. It cuts the time you spend at the FX desk.

Below is a detailed breakdown of each threshold and what the bank may ask.

Which law applies

Federal Law No. 115-FZ of 7 August 2001, "On Counteracting the Legalization (Laundering) of Criminal Proceeds and the Financing of Terrorism." This is a broad anti-money-laundering and counter-financing-of-terrorism (AML/CFT) law. It covers far more than currency exchange — it also applies to transfers, deposits, real estate deals, and many other transactions.

The part that matters here sets out when a bank is required to identify a customer for a cash foreign-currency transaction. That part defines two thresholds.

The thresholds are in ruble equivalent. In other words, the foreign-currency amount is converted at the CBR official rate on the day of the transaction.

Threshold 1: 40,000 rubles

If your transaction is less than the equivalent of 40,000 rubles, identification is not required by law. You can walk up to the FX desk and exchange currency without showing a passport.

That means a small exchange (say, 100 USD for everyday spending) is formally allowed without any documents.

In practice, many banks in Moscow and Saint Petersburg still ask for a passport even at this level. That isn't a breach of the law — it's the bank's internal policy. Banks are allowed to apply stricter rules than the legal minimum. This is especially common at:

• Premium branches (where ID is always requested).
• Branches in shopping centers and railway stations, which tend to apply tighter rules.
• Cases where the cashier has doubts about the transaction — for example, if the customer seems nervous or the exchange looks unusual.

Takeaway: even under the 40,000 ₽ threshold, it's safer to carry your passport.

Threshold 2: 200,000 rubles

For amounts between the equivalent of 40,000 ₽ and 200,000 ₽, simplified identification applies. The bank records:

• The customer's full name (first, middle, last).
• The series and number of the passport (or other ID document).
• Date of birth.

You do need a document, but the bank usually won't ask for anything more. It's a quick transaction, typically 5–10 minutes.

Above 200,000 rubles

For amounts at or above the equivalent of 200,000 ₽, full identification applies. The bank:

• Records every detail in your passport.
• May verify the document through the Interior Ministry (MVD) system to confirm it is valid.
• May ask for your registered address.
• May ask for your TIN (INN).
• May ask you to explain the source of funds — this becomes especially likely at the equivalent of 600,000 ₽ or more (another internal threshold, at which the transaction falls under mandatory monitoring).
• Completes a more detailed customer questionnaire.

The transaction takes 15–30 minutes depending on its complexity and the cashier's experience.

If you are a foreign national

Identification under 115-FZ applies to everyone — Russian citizens, foreign nationals, and stateless persons. A foreigner presents:

• A passport from your country of citizenship. This is the main document.
• A migration card. This is usually issued at the border.
• Proof of registration in Russia (if applicable).

If you're visiting Russia without long-term registration — for example, on a tourist trip — a national passport is enough for everyday exchanges. For larger amounts, the bank may also ask for the migration card.

What else the bank may ask

Beyond standard ID data, for larger amounts the bank may request:

• Purpose of the transaction. For example, "buying currency for a trip," "selling leftover currency after a trip," or "paying a foreign counterparty." Answer honestly, but keep it brief.
• Source of funds. If you're converting a large foreign-currency sum into rubles, the bank may ask where that currency came from. Standard answers: "salary converted into foreign currency through an exchange," "left over from a trip," "received from a relative," and so on.
• Supporting documents. For especially large transactions — a 2-NDFL income certificate, an exchange receipt, or an account statement.

Questions become more likely as the amount grows. No one will ask anything on a 100 USD exchange. On a 10,000 USD exchange, they may.

Compare rates right now

Comparison table: amount vs. identification

How to prepare for a large transaction

If you're planning to exchange the equivalent of 200,000 ₽ or more, it pays to prepare in advance.

1. Bring your passport. A Russian internal passport or foreign-travel passport for Russian citizens. A national passport for foreigners.

2. Bring your TIN (INN). Either the physical card or a scan on your phone. It speeds up identification.

3. Think through your source of funds. If you're exchanging a large cash holding, have a short, ready answer.

4. Call the bank. Especially for amounts at or above the equivalent of 500,000 ₽ — you can book a time slot at a premium branch instead of handling a large transaction as a walk-in.

5. Allow plenty of time. Don't show up for a large transaction 15 minutes before the branch closes.

Where to read next

• The best way to exchange large amounts in Moscow.
• Where to exchange dollars in Moscow.
• Where to exchange euro in Moscow.

FAQ

Can I exchange dollars in Russia without a passport?

If the amount is below the equivalent of 40,000 ₽, legally yes. But many banks ask for a passport even at smaller amounts as a matter of internal policy.

At what amount does identification become required?

From the equivalent of 40,000 ₽ — simplified identification (full name and passport details recorded). From the equivalent of 200,000 ₽ — full identification.

What does "mandatory monitoring" mean for amounts above 600,000 ₽?

It means the bank is required to send transaction details to Rosfinmonitoring (Russia's Federal Financial Monitoring Service). For the customer, it just means a few extra questions at the FX desk. It isn't "suspicion" — it's standard procedure.

Will a foreign-travel passport work instead of the internal one?

Yes, both count as valid ID. A Russian citizen can use either one.

What should a foreigner show when exchanging currency?

A national passport from your country of citizenship. For large amounts, the bank may also ask for the migration card.

Can I exchange currency without identification if I ask nicely?

No. Identification above the threshold is the bank's legal duty, not a service on customer request. Below the threshold, some banks will accommodate you, others won't.