Bank cards issued outside Russia are not accepted in Russia. After you cross the Russian border, your usual payment convenience becomes inaccessible: you cannot simply pay for coffee, request a cab, or purchase a ticket to a museum. You have to look for a currency exchange bureau, bring physical money with you, and avoid unplanned spending.
The solution is PayInRussia. The platform allows international tourists to pay for purchases and services in Russia through their smartphones. You do not have to carry cash or need to go to a bank.
Which purchases and services can you pay for?
- cab rides and courier deliveries;
- accommodation and flight tickets;
- cafés and restaurants;
- retail outlets and shopping centers;
- admission to museums and various events;
- orders from Russian online stores and marketplaces.
How does the service work?
Sign up before your journey while you are still at home. To complete the registration:
- scan your passport;
- take a selfie;
- go through a fast identity verification procedure. Your document data is processed 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 you arrive in Russia.
Make payments for your purchases:
- Offline: scan the QR code at the checkout. An internet connection via Wi-Fi or mobile data is required.
- For online payments: make purchases from online shops and make hotel reservations and buy tickets right in the application.
What makes it convenient?
PayInRussia has been designed with overseas visitors in mind:
- you do not have to become a resident of Russia;
- you do not have to set up a bank account in Russia;
- you can avoid visiting banks or foreign exchange offices;
- you can create an account and add funds before you travel;
- you can pay conveniently through your smartphone;
- the service is suitable for short visits as well as longer stays.
How do you get started? Just follow three simple steps:
- Download the app to your smartphone.
- Fund your account using an international bank card.
- Pay for purchases in Russia: launch the application, press the QR payment icon, and scan the code at the checkout. The money will be withdrawn from your balance instantly.