Foreign-issued bank cards cannot be used in Russia. After you cross the Russian border, the everyday convenience you normally enjoy becomes inaccessible: you can no longer easily pay for your coffee, request a cab, or buy a museum ticket. You are forced to find a currency exchange office, bring physical money with you, and limit spontaneous purchases.

The answer to this problem is PayInRussia. This service enables international tourists to make payments for products and services in Russia using their smartphones. You can manage without cash or visit a bank branch.

What can you pay for?

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• taxi rides and delivery services;
  
• accommodation and flight tickets;
  
• cafes and dining establishments;
  
• stores and shopping malls;
  
• museum and event tickets;
  
• orders placed with Russian online retailers and marketplaces.
  

How does the service work?

Register before your trip while you are still in your home country. https://payinrussia.com To do this:

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• use your phone to scan your passport;
  
• capture a selfie;
  
• complete a brief identity check. 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 bank card issued outside Russia or a payment service available in a supported country before traveling to Russia.

Use the service to pay for purchases:

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• At physical points of sale: scan the QR code at the checkout. A connection to the internet via Wi-Fi or a mobile network is necessary.
  
• On the internet: make purchases from online shops and make hotel reservations and buy tickets straight from the mobile app.
  

What makes it convenient?

PayInRussia has been designed specifically for international tourists:

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• you do not need to be a Russian resident;
  
• you do not need to open a bank account in Russia;
  
• you are not required to go to bank branches or currency exchange offices;
  
• you can sign up and fund your balance before you travel;
  
• you can easily pay for purchases with your mobile phone;
  
• the service is ideal for short visits as well as longer stays.
  

How can you start using the service? Get started in three easy steps:

1. 
   
2. Install the application to your smartphone.
   
3. Add money to your balance using a bank card issued abroad.
   
4. Pay for purchases in Russia: open the app, press the QR payment icon, and scan the checkout QR code. The money will be deducted from your balance immediately.