How to Pay in the Russian market throughout 2026

Cards issued by foreign banks cannot be used in Russia. As soon as you enter the country, the convenience you are used to is no longer available: you cannot simply pay for coffee, order a taxi, or buy a museum ticket. You have to find a currency exchange office, keep cash on hand, and avoid unplanned spending.

A convenient solution is PayInRussia. The platform allows visitors from other countries to make payments for products and services in Russia using their smartphones. https://payinrussia.com/ You can manage without cash or have to visit a bank.

Which purchases and services can you pay for?

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• taxi trips and delivery services;
  
• hotels and airline tickets;
  
• cafes and dining establishments;
  
• shops and shopping centers;
  
• admission to museums and various events;
  
• orders placed with Russian online retailers and marketplaces.
  

How can you use it?

Create your account before traveling while you are in your country of residence. To do this:

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• use your phone to scan your passport;
  
• take a photo of yourself;
  
• go through a fast identity verification procedure. Your document data is detected automatically, and SMS verification through a Russian phone number is not required.
  

Top up your balance using a bank card issued outside Russia or an eligible payment platform operating in a supported country prior to your arrival in Russia.

Pay for your purchases:

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• In physical locations: scan the checkout QR code. An internet connection via a Wi-Fi or cellular network is necessary.
  
• For online payments: pay in online stores and make hotel reservations and buy tickets directly through the app.
  

What makes it convenient?

PayInRussia was developed especially for foreign travelers:

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• 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 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 pay conveniently with your mobile phone;
  
• the service is convenient for both short and extended trips.
  

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 international bank card.
   
4. Make payments for goods and services in Russia: open the app, press the QR payment icon, and use your camera to scan the code at the payment terminal. The money will be withdrawn from your balance instantly.