Transaction Methods Available in the Russian Federation in 2026

Foreign-issued bank cards cannot be used in Russia. As soon as you enter the country, the everyday convenience you normally enjoy becomes inaccessible: you are unable to conveniently purchase a cup of coffee, book a taxi, or get admission to a museum. You are forced to find a currency exchange office, carry cash with you, and avoid unplanned spending.

A convenient solution is PayInRussia. This payment service allows foreign travelers to make payments for products and services in Russia using their smartphones. You do not need cash or visit a bank branch.

Which purchases and services can you pay for?

• cab rides and courier deliveries;
• hotels and airline tickets;
• cafés and restaurants;
• retail outlets and shopping centers;
• admission to museums and various events;
• orders placed with Russian online retailers and marketplaces.

How can you use it?

Register before your trip while you are still in your home country. To get started:

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

Top up your balance using a bank card issued outside Russia or a payment service available in a supported country prior to your arrival in Russia.

Make payments for your purchases:

• Offline: scan the checkout QR code. An internet connection via a Wi-Fi or cellular network is required.
• On the internet: pay for orders in e-commerce 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 an account with a Russian bank;
• you can avoid visiting bank branches or currency exchange offices;
• you can sign up and fund your balance in advance of your journey;
• you can pay conveniently using your smartphone;
• the service is suitable for both brief and long-term journeys.

How do you get started? Just follow three simple steps:

1. Install the application on your smartphone.
2. Fund your account using an international bank card.
3. Use the service to pay for purchases while in Russia: start the mobile app, press the QR payment icon, and use your camera to scan the code at the payment terminal. The money will be debited from your account right away.