Russian economy (applies to Eastern European in general) is generally cash-heavier than Western world. Having been burned by inflation before, Russians are skep

Russian economy (applies to Eastern European in general) is generally cash-heavier than Western world. Having been burned by inflation before, Russians are skeptical of ruble as a life-savings mechanism, and diversify into gold or hard foreign currency, which is the reason you see those currency-exchange kiosks with neon signs well beyond areas frequented by foreign tourists.