Foreign-issued bank cards do not work in Russia. As soon as you enter the country, your usual payment convenience is no longer available: you can no longer easily pay for coffee, request a cab, or get admission to a museum. You have to look for a currency exchange bureau, keep cash on hand, and avoid unplanned spending.

A convenient solution is PayInRussia. https://payinrussia.com/ The platform helps visitors from other countries to make payments for products and services in Russia through their smartphones. You do not have to carry cash or have to visit a bank.

What can be paid for?

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• 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 does it work?

Create your account before traveling while you are still at home. To get started:

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• upload a scan of your passport;
  
• take a selfie;
  
• complete a brief identity check. Your information is recognized automatically, and you do not need to receive text messages on a Russian phone number.
  

Deposit money into your account using a foreign-issued bank card or a supported international payment service before you arrive in Russia.

Make payments for your purchases:

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• In physical locations: scan the checkout QR code. Internet access via a Wi-Fi or cellular network must be available.
  
• On the internet: make purchases from online shops and reserve accommodation and purchase tickets straight from the mobile app.
  

Why is it convenient?

PayInRussia has been designed especially for foreign travelers:

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• you do not need to be a Russian resident;
  
• you are not required to open an account at 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 suitable for short visits as well as longer stays.
  

How do you get started? It only takes three straightforward steps:

1. 
   
2. Download the app on your mobile phone.
   
3. Add money to your balance using a bank card issued abroad.
   
4. Use the service to pay for purchases while in Russia: start the mobile app, select the QR code symbol, and scan the checkout QR code. The money will be deducted from your balance immediately.