Foreign-issued bank cards are not accepted in Russia. Once you cross the border, the convenience you are used to disappears: you can no longer easily purchase a cup of coffee, order a taxi, or get admission to a museum. You need to search for a place to exchange money, keep cash on hand, and cut back on impulse purchases.
The solution is PayInRussia. The platform enables foreign travelers to pay for purchases and services in Russia with their mobile phones. payinrussia.com You do not need cash or need to go to a bank.
What can be paid for?
- taxi rides and delivery services;
- hotel stays and plane tickets;
- cafés and restaurants;
- shops and shopping centers;
- tickets to museums and events;
- purchases from Russian e-commerce stores and marketplaces.
How does the service work?
Register before your trip while you are in your country of residence. To complete the registration:
- upload a scan of your passport;
- take a selfie;
- complete a quick identity verification process. Your document data is recognized 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.
Make payments for your purchases:
- At physical points of sale: scan the checkout QR code. A connection to the internet via Wi-Fi or mobile data must be available.
- For online payments: pay in online stores and make hotel reservations and buy tickets straight from the mobile app.
Why is it convenient?
PayInRussia has been created especially for foreign travelers:
- you are not required to be a resident of the Russian Federation;
- you do not need to open an account at a Russian bank;
- you do not have to visit bank offices or currency exchange bureaus;
- you can sign up and fund your balance in advance of your journey;
- you can make convenient payments with your mobile phone;
- the service is ideal for short visits as well as longer stays.
What do you need to do to begin? It only takes three straightforward steps:
- Download the app on your smartphone.
- Add money to your balance using an international bank card.
- Use the service to pay for purchases while in Russia: start the mobile app, tap the QR code icon, and scan the checkout QR code. The money will be deducted from your balance immediately.