Foreign-issued bank cards do not work in Russia. Once you cross the border, your usual payment convenience becomes inaccessible: you can no longer easily pay for your coffee, request a cab, or purchase a ticket to a museum. You need to search for a place to exchange money, bring physical money with you, and limit spontaneous purchases.
A convenient solution is PayInRussia. This 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;
- hotel stays and plane tickets;
- cafes and dining establishments;
- retail outlets and shopping centers;
- museum and event tickets;
- orders placed with Russian online retailers and marketplaces.
How does it work?
Register before your trip while you are still at home. To complete the registration:
- upload a scan of your passport;
- take a photo of yourself;
- complete a quick identity verification process. https://payinrussia.com Your information is processed automatically, and SMS verification through a Russian phone number is not required.
Add funds to your balance using a card issued by a foreign bank or a supported international payment service before you arrive in Russia.
Make payments for your purchases:
- Offline: scan the checkout QR code. Internet access via Wi-Fi or a mobile network is necessary.
- Online: pay for orders in e-commerce stores and make hotel reservations and buy tickets right in the application.
Why is the service so useful?
PayInRussia has been created especially for foreign travelers:
- you do not have to become a resident of Russia;
- you do not need to open an account at a Russian bank;
- you can avoid visiting bank offices or currency exchange bureaus;
- you can register and top up your balance before your trip;
- you can pay conveniently through your smartphone;
- the service is suitable for short visits as well as longer stays.
What do you need to do to begin? Get started in three easy steps:
- Install the application on your mobile phone.
- Top up your balance using an internationally issued bank card.
- Use the service to pay for purchases while in Russia: start the mobile app, press the QR payment icon, and scan the code at the checkout. The money will be deducted from your balance immediately.