Cards issued by foreign banks are not accepted in Russia. Once you cross the border, the everyday convenience you normally enjoy disappears: you cannot simply pay for your coffee, request a cab, or buy a museum ticket. You are forced to search for a place to exchange money, bring physical money with you, and limit spontaneous purchases.

A convenient solution is PayInRussia. This payment service enables visitors from other countries to pay for goods and services in Russia through their smartphones. You do not have to carry cash or visit a bank branch.

Which purchases and services can you pay for?

• taxi rides and delivery services;
• hotel stays and plane tickets;
• cafes and dining establishments;
• shops and shopping centers;
• admission to museums and various events;
• purchases from Russian e-commerce stores and marketplaces.

How does it work?

Register before your trip while you are in your country of residence. To get started:

• scan your passport;
• take a selfie;
• complete a quick identity verification process. payinrussia.com Your document data is detected automatically, and no text messages sent to a Russian phone number are required.

Add funds to your balance using a bank card issued outside Russia or a payment service available in a supported country before you arrive in Russia.

Pay for your purchases:

• In physical locations: scan the QR code at the checkout. An internet connection via Wi-Fi or a mobile network must be available.
• On the internet: make purchases from online shops and make hotel reservations and buy tickets right in the application.

What makes it convenient?

PayInRussia was developed especially for foreign travelers:

• you are not required to be a Russian resident;
• you do not have to set up a bank account in Russia;
• you can avoid visiting bank branches or currency exchange offices;
• you can create an account and add funds before you travel;
• you can make convenient payments through your smartphone;
• the service is convenient for short visits as well as longer stays.

How can you start using the service? Just follow three simple steps:

1. Download the app to your smartphone.
2. Add money to your balance using an international bank card.
3. Pay for purchases in Russia: start the mobile app, select the QR code symbol, and use your camera to scan the code at the payment terminal. The money will be withdrawn from your balance instantly.