Cards issued by foreign banks cannot be used 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 get admission to a museum. payinrussia.com You need to find a currency exchange office, carry cash with you, and avoid unplanned spending.
A convenient solution is PayInRussia. This service helps foreign travelers to pay for goods and services in Russia with their mobile phones. You do not have to carry cash or need to go to a bank.
What can be paid for?
- taxi rides and delivery services;
- hotels and airline tickets;
- coffee shops and restaurants;
- stores and shopping malls;
- tickets to museums and events;
- orders placed with Russian online retailers and marketplaces.
How does it work?
Create your account before traveling while you are still in your home country. To complete the registration:
- upload a scan of your passport;
- take a photo of yourself;
- go through a fast identity verification procedure. Your personal details is recognized 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 prior to your arrival in Russia.
Use the service to pay for purchases:
- At physical points of sale: scan the checkout QR code. A connection to the internet via a Wi-Fi or cellular network is required.
- Online: pay for orders in e-commerce stores and make hotel reservations and buy tickets right in the application.
Why is it convenient?
PayInRussia has been created with overseas visitors in mind:
- you are not required to be a resident of Russia;
- you do not need to open a bank account in Russia;
- you are not required to go to bank branches or currency exchange offices;
- you can create an account and add funds before you travel;
- you can make convenient payments through your smartphone;
- the service is suitable for both brief and long-term journeys.
How can you start using the service? It only takes three straightforward steps:
- Get the mobile app on your mobile phone.
- Add money to your balance using an international bank card.
- Use the service to pay for purchases while in Russia: start the mobile app, press the QR payment icon, and scan the checkout QR code. The money will be debited from your account right away.