Sounds tricky, Carolyn.  Russia also has a cash economy which we found challenging at first, but adapted to in a few days.  (It was nice to have ones vacation paid for before returning!)  ATMs were everywhere; we just stopped by and got several hundred dollars at a time -- you get used to it.  On the other hand, when Beth was paid for her translating work it was -- you guessed it -- in cash.  I still cringe thinking of how often she walked through the streets and road the Metro with $2,000 or more in cash in her purse.  She now works for a Finish investment bank that deposits directly.  Even so, as she returns yet again to the states to get her work visa arranged this weekend, she will be carrying thousands with her again.  She has become so culturally accustomed to it she doesn't find it unusual.  When you return, you too may find it odd to become dependent on plastic again.