Additional information on the region can be found in the brochure Tips for Travelers to Russia and the Newly Independent States . Both publications are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20042. Extortion and corruption are common in the business environment. Organized criminal groups target foreign businesses in many cities and have been known to demand protection money under threat of serious violence. Many Western firms hire security services, which have improved their overall security, although this is no guarantee.
Small businesses are particularly vulnerable.
Over the past several years, several American business people have been attacked, kidnapped, or even killed. U.S. citizens are encouraged to report all extortion attempts to the Russian authorities and to inform consular officials at the U.S. embassy or nearest consulate. The ruble is the only legal tender. It is illegal to pay for goods and services in U.S. dollars. Old or very worn dollar bills are often not accepted at banks and exchange offices, even though this is also a violation of currency laws.