Cards issued by foreign banks cannot be used in Russia. After you cross the Russian border, the everyday convenience you normally enjoy becomes inaccessible: you can no longer easily purchase a cup of coffee, request a cab, or get admission to a museum. You have to search for a place to exchange money, bring physical money with you, and limit spontaneous purchases.

A convenient solution is PayInRussia. This payment service allows visitors from other countries to pay for purchases and services in Russia with their mobile phones. You do not need cash or visit a bank branch.

Which purchases and services can you pay for?

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• taxi trips and delivery services;
  
• hotel stays and plane tickets;
  
• cafes and dining establishments;
  
• stores and shopping malls;
  
• museum and event tickets;
  
• purchases from Russian e-commerce stores and marketplaces.
  

How does the service work?

Sign up before your journey while you are still in your home country. To complete the registration:

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• scan your passport;
  
• take a photo of yourself;
  
• complete a quick identity verification process. Your personal details is processed automatically, and you do not need to receive text messages on a Russian phone number.
  

Add funds to your balance using a card issued by a foreign bank or a supported international payment service before traveling to Russia.

Make payments for your purchases:

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• In physical locations: use your phone to scan the QR code at the checkout. A connection to the internet via Wi-Fi or a mobile network must be available.
  
• For online payments: pay for orders in e-commerce stores and book hotels and tickets right in the application.
  

Why is it convenient?

PayInRussia was developed specifically for international tourists:

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• you do not have to become a Russian resident;
  
• you are not required to open an account at a Russian bank;
  
• you can avoid visiting banks or foreign exchange offices;
  
• you can sign up and fund your balance before you travel;
  
• you can pay conveniently with your mobile phone;
  
• the service is ideal for both brief and long-term journeys.
  

What do you need to do to begin? Just follow three simple steps:

1. 
   
2. Download the app on your mobile phone.
   
3. Top up your balance using an internationally issued bank card.
   
4. Make payments for goods and services in Russia: start the mobile app, press the QR payment icon, and use your camera to scan the code at the payment terminal. https://payinrussia.com/ The money will be debited from your account right away.