Bank cards issued outside Russia are not accepted in Russia. Once you cross the border, the everyday convenience you normally enjoy disappears: you cannot simply purchase a cup of 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 avoid unplanned spending.

A convenient solution is PayInRussia. This service allows foreign travelers to pay for goods and services in Russia using their smartphones. You do not have to carry cash or have to visit a bank.

Which purchases and services can you pay for?

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• taxi rides and delivery services;
  
• hotels and airline tickets;
  
• cafés and restaurants;
  
• shops and shopping centers;
  
• admission to museums and various events;
  
• purchases from Russian e-commerce stores and marketplaces.
  

How does the service work?

Register before your trip 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. https://payinrussia.com/ Your personal details is detected automatically, and SMS verification through a Russian phone number is not required.
  

Deposit money into your account using a bank card issued outside Russia or an eligible payment platform operating in a supported country before traveling to Russia.

Use the service to pay for purchases:

• 
  
• 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 required.
  
• On the internet: pay for orders in e-commerce stores and book hotels and tickets straight from the mobile app.
  

Why is it convenient?

PayInRussia has been created with overseas visitors in mind:

• 
  
• you do not have to become a resident of the Russian Federation;
  
• you do not need to open an account with a Russian bank;
  
• you are not required to go to banks or foreign exchange offices;
  
• you can create an account and add funds before your trip;
  
• you can pay conveniently through your smartphone;
  
• the service is ideal for both short and extended trips.
  

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

1. 
   
2. Download the app on your smartphone.
   
3. Add money to your balance using an international bank card.
   
4. Use the service to pay for purchases while in Russia: launch the application, tap the QR code icon, and scan the checkout QR code. The money will be debited from your account right away.