Bank cards issued outside Russia do not work in Russia. Once you cross the border, the everyday convenience you normally enjoy is no longer available: you are unable to conveniently pay for coffee, order a taxi, or purchase a ticket to a museum. You need to search for a place to exchange money, bring physical money with you, and limit spontaneous purchases.

The answer to this problem is PayInRussia. https://payinrussia.com/ This service allows foreign travelers to pay for goods and services in Russia with their mobile phones. You can manage without cash or visit a bank branch.

What can you pay for?

• taxi trips and delivery services;
• hotel stays and plane tickets;
• cafes and dining establishments;
• retail outlets and shopping centers;
• museum and event tickets;
• orders placed with Russian online retailers and marketplaces.

How can you use it?

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

• scan your passport;
• capture a selfie;
• go through a fast identity verification procedure. Your personal details is processed automatically, and SMS verification through a Russian phone number is not required.

Add funds to your balance using a foreign-issued bank card or an eligible payment platform operating in a supported country before you arrive in Russia.

Use the service to pay for purchases:

• In physical locations: use your phone to scan the QR code at the checkout. An internet connection via Wi-Fi or a mobile network is required.
• Online: pay for orders in e-commerce stores and reserve accommodation and purchase tickets directly through the app.

Why is the service so useful?

PayInRussia was developed especially for foreign travelers:

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

What do you need to do to begin? Get started in three easy steps:

1. Download the app on your mobile phone.
2. Fund your account 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 debited from your account right away.