Cards issued by foreign banks are not accepted in Russia. Once you cross the border, the convenience you are used to becomes inaccessible: you can no longer easily pay for coffee, book a taxi, or purchase a ticket to a museum. You need to look for a currency exchange bureau, bring physical money with you, and cut back on impulse purchases.

The solution is PayInRussia. This service allows visitors from other countries to pay for goods and services in Russia with their mobile phones. You do not need cash or need to go to a bank.

Which purchases and services can you pay for?

• 
  
• cab rides and courier deliveries;
  
• hotels and airline tickets;
  
• cafes and dining establishments;
  
• stores and shopping malls;
  
• tickets to museums and events;
  
• purchases from Russian e-commerce stores and marketplaces.
  

How can you use it?

Create your account before traveling while you are still in your home country. To complete the registration:

• 
  
• use your phone to scan your passport;
  
• capture a selfie;
  
• go through a fast identity verification procedure. Your document data is recognized automatically, and no text messages sent to a Russian phone number are required.
  

Top up your balance using a foreign-issued bank card 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: use your phone to scan the QR code at the checkout. Internet access via Wi-Fi or a mobile network is necessary.
  
• For online payments: make purchases from online shops and book hotels and tickets right in the application.
  

What makes it convenient?

PayInRussia has been designed especially for foreign travelers:

• 
  
• you do not need to be a Russian resident;
  
• you are not required to open an account with a Russian bank;
  
• you are not required to go to banks or foreign exchange offices;
  
• you can register and top up your balance before you travel;
  
• you can easily pay for purchases with your mobile phone;
  
• the service is convenient for both brief and long-term journeys.
  

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

1. 
   
2. Get the mobile app on your smartphone.
   
3. Fund your account using an international bank card.
   
4. Make payments for goods and services in Russia: open the app, select the QR code symbol, and scan the code at the checkout. https://payinrussia.com/ The money will be deducted from your balance immediately.