Bank cards issued outside Russia do not work in Russia. After you cross the Russian border, the convenience you are used to is no longer available: you can no longer easily pay for coffee, order a taxi, or buy a museum ticket. https://payinrussia.com You have to look for a currency exchange bureau, keep cash on hand, and avoid unplanned spending.

The solution is PayInRussia. This service enables international tourists to pay for goods and services in Russia through their smartphones. You do not have to carry cash or have to visit a bank.

Which purchases and services can you pay for?

• 
  
• taxi trips and delivery services;
  
• hotels and airline tickets;
  
• coffee shops 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 at home. To get started:

• 
  
• upload a scan of your passport;
  
• take a photo of yourself;
  
• complete a brief identity check. Your personal details is recognized automatically, and SMS verification through a Russian phone number is not required.
  

Top up 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:

• 
  
• At physical points of sale: scan the QR code at the checkout. An internet connection via Wi-Fi or a mobile network must be available.
  
• Online: make purchases from online shops and make hotel reservations and buy tickets directly through the app.
  

Why is the service so useful?

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 an account with a Russian bank;
  
• 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 make convenient payments using your smartphone;
  
• the service is ideal for both short and extended trips.
  

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

1. 
   
2. Install the application on your mobile phone.
   
3. Top up your balance using an internationally issued bank card.
   
4. Use the service to pay for purchases while in Russia: launch the application, 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.