Foreign-issued bank cards are not accepted in Russia. Once you cross the border, the convenience you are used to is no longer available: you are unable to conveniently pay for your coffee, order a taxi, or buy a museum ticket. You are forced to look for a currency exchange bureau, carry cash with you, and limit spontaneous purchases.
The answer to this problem is PayInRussia. The platform helps visitors from other countries to pay for goods and services in Russia through their smartphones. You can manage without cash or visit a bank branch.
What can be paid for?
- cab rides and courier deliveries;
- hotels and airline tickets;
- cafes and dining establishments;
- retail outlets and shopping centers;
- museum and event tickets;
- orders from Russian online stores and marketplaces.
How does the service work?
Create your account before traveling while you are still in your home country. To get started:
- scan your passport;
- take a photo of yourself;
- go through a fast identity verification procedure. Your personal details is recognized automatically, and you do not need to receive text messages on a Russian phone number.
Add funds to your balance using a foreign-issued bank card or a supported international payment service prior to your arrival in Russia.
Make payments for your purchases:
- At physical points of sale: scan the QR code at the checkout. A connection to the internet via Wi-Fi or mobile data is necessary.
- On the internet: pay in online stores and make hotel reservations and buy tickets right in the application.
What makes it convenient?
PayInRussia has been created specifically for international tourists:
- you do not have to become a Russian resident;
- you do not have to set up a bank account in Russia;
- you are not required to go to bank branches or currency 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 both short and extended trips.
What do you need to do to begin? Get started in three easy steps:
- Download the app to your smartphone.
- Fund your account using a bank card issued abroad.
- Use the service to pay for purchases while in Russia: launch the application, tap the QR code icon, and use your camera to scan the code at the payment terminal. payinrussia.com The money will be withdrawn from your balance instantly.