Cards issued by foreign banks are not accepted in Russia. As soon as you enter the country, the everyday convenience you normally enjoy disappears: you cannot simply pay for coffee, book a taxi, or buy a museum ticket. You have to look for a currency exchange bureau, bring physical money with you, and limit spontaneous purchases.
A convenient solution is PayInRussia. https://payinrussia.com This payment service enables foreign travelers to pay for purchases and services in Russia with their mobile phones. You do not have to carry cash or have to visit a bank.
Which purchases and services can you pay for?
taxi rides and delivery services;hotel stays and plane tickets;coffee shops and restaurants;stores and shopping malls;admission to museums and various events;orders from Russian online stores and marketplaces.How does the service work?
Register before your trip while you are in your country of residence. To do this:
upload a scan of your passport;take a selfie;complete a quick identity verification process. Your document data is processed automatically, and no text messages sent to a Russian phone number are required.Top up your balance using a card issued by a foreign bank or an eligible payment platform operating in a supported country before traveling to Russia.
Make payments for your purchases:
At physical points of sale: use your phone to scan the QR code at the checkout. Internet access via a Wi-Fi or cellular network is required.On the internet: pay in online stores and reserve accommodation and purchase tickets right in the application.Why is it convenient?
PayInRussia was developed especially for foreign travelers:
you do not need to be a resident of the Russian Federation;you are not required to open a bank account in Russia;you do not have to visit banks or foreign exchange offices;you can register and top up your balance before you travel;you can make convenient payments with your mobile phone;the service is convenient for short visits as well as longer stays.
