[morzh]

I heard they exchanged caviar for equipment.

But, seriously, you cannot imagine what the conversion ratio was.
One VCR (remember, they did not build them in China back then) could recoup all your trip costs plus give you as much or more mark-up.
A VCR was about 2.5-3 years worth of an engineer's or a doctor's pay.
A pair of any American jeans - 2 month pay. (India made jeans - 1/2 month pay).
A vinyl of any major known performer - 1/3 - 1/2 -1 month pay. New or used.

So....