Transaction Methods Supported In The Russian Federation Throughout 2026

Bank cards issued outside Russia do not work in Russia. Once you cross the border, your usual payment convenience becomes inaccessible: you cannot simply pay for coffee, order a taxi, or get admission to a museum. You have to find a currency exchange office, keep cash on hand, and avoid unplanned spending.



The answer to this problem is PayInRussia. The platform enables visitors from other countries to pay for purchases and services in Russia through their smartphones. You do not have to carry cash or have to visit a bank.


What can you pay for?


taxi rides and delivery services;
accommodation and flight tickets;
cafés and restaurants;
shops and shopping centers;
admission to museums and various events;
orders placed with Russian online retailers and marketplaces.


How does it work?


Register before your trip while you are in your country of residence. To complete the registration:



scan your passport;
capture a selfie;
complete a quick identity verification process. Your information is processed automatically, and you do not need to receive text messages on a Russian phone number.



Top up your balance using a foreign-issued bank card or a supported international payment service before you arrive in Russia.


Use the service to pay for purchases:


At physical points of sale: use your phone to scan the QR code at the checkout. A connection to the internet via a Wi-Fi or cellular network is required.
For online payments: pay for orders in e-commerce stores and reserve accommodation and purchase tickets straight from the mobile app.


Why is the service so useful?


PayInRussia was developed especially for foreign travelers:



you are not required to be a resident of Russia;
you do not have to set up an account at a Russian bank;
you are not required to go to bank branches or currency exchange offices;
you can register and top up your balance before your trip;
you can easily pay for purchases with your mobile phone;
the service is ideal for both short and extended trips.


How do you get started? Get started in three easy steps:


Download the app to your smartphone.
Top up your balance using a bank card issued abroad.
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 deducted from your balance immediately.