In Russia, Arbitrage Prices You!

December 17, 2014 4:54 AM

Given the recent collapse in value of the ruble relative to the dollar, how can I buy things from Russia and have them sent back to the United States? I am especially interested in silver and silver snuffboxes. Are there any reputable English language websites folks would recommend?
posted by oceanjesse to Shopping (4 answers total)

You'll probably find that, in USD terms, prices haven't changed much. Most merchants who will be able to export will price in terms of USD or EUR and adjust the local price in RUB accordingly. Basically, items will be more expensive in Russia, not cheaper abroad, though you may find rare exceptions here and there.
posted by ExpertWitness at 5:31 AM on December 17, 2014 [1 favorite]

Adding to the excellent answer above, export prices in Russia are typically set in Euro, so it's the EUR-USD exchange rate that you need to worry about, not RUB-USD.
posted by rada at 6:08 AM on December 17, 2014 [2 favorites]

Consumer goods, especially high end ones are typically less expensive in America than Russia. I have friends from Russia that live in the states and make a busines out of buying thing at teh request of Russians (and Krygs and Khazaks) and shipping them over there. The recent collapse appears to be evening the table a little, but not overturning it.
posted by WeekendJen at 8:46 AM on December 17, 2014 [1 favorite]

The shipping costs (priced in USD) will eat up any "discount" you get from a weak RUB. I recently ordered some books off OZON.ru and the shipping was over $50 for a large hardcover.
posted by pravit at 5:39 PM on December 17, 2014