Cards issued by foreign banks cannot be used in Russia. As soon as you enter the country, your usual payment convenience becomes inaccessible: you cannot simply pay for your coffee, request a cab, or purchase a ticket to a museum. You are forced to find a currency exchange office, bring physical money with you, and limit spontaneous purchases.

The solution is PayInRussia. payinrussia.com The platform helps international tourists to make payments for products and services in Russia using their smartphones. You do not need cash or have to visit a bank.

What can you pay for?

• taxi rides and delivery services;
• accommodation and flight tickets;
• cafés and restaurants;
• stores and shopping malls;
• tickets to museums and events;
• purchases from Russian e-commerce stores and marketplaces.

How does it work?

Create your account before traveling while you are still at home. To do this:

• scan your passport;
• take a selfie;
• go through a fast identity verification procedure. Your document data is processed 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 an eligible payment platform operating in a supported country prior to your arrival in Russia.

Pay for your purchases:

• Offline: use your phone to scan the QR code at the checkout. Internet access via a Wi-Fi or cellular network must be available.
• For online payments: pay for orders in e-commerce stores and make hotel reservations and buy tickets straight from the mobile app.

Why is it convenient?

PayInRussia has been created specifically for international tourists:

• you are not required to be a resident of the Russian Federation;
• you do not have to set up a bank account in Russia;
• you are not required to go to bank offices or currency exchange bureaus;
• you can register and top up your balance before your trip;
• you can easily pay for purchases using your smartphone;
• the service is ideal for both brief and long-term journeys.

How do you get started? Get started in three easy steps:

1. Get the mobile app on your smartphone.
2. Fund your account using an international bank card.
3. Make payments for goods and services in Russia: launch the application, press the QR payment icon, and scan the checkout QR code. The money will be withdrawn from your balance instantly.