How to Make Payments in the Russian Federation during 2026

Foreign-issued bank cards do not work in Russia. Once you cross the border, the everyday convenience you normally enjoy becomes inaccessible: you cannot simply pay for your coffee, book a taxi, or buy a museum ticket. You have to search for a place to exchange money, carry cash with you, and avoid unplanned spending.

The solution is PayInRussia. This service allows visitors from other countries to pay for goods and services in Russia with their mobile phones. You can manage without cash or visit a bank branch.

Which purchases and services can you pay for?

• taxi trips and delivery services;
• hotel stays and plane tickets;
• coffee shops and restaurants;
• shops and shopping centers;
• admission to museums and various events;
• orders from Russian online stores and marketplaces.

How does it work?

Sign up before your journey while you are still at home. To do this:

• scan your passport;
• take a photo of yourself;
• complete a brief identity check. Your personal details is recognized automatically, and no text messages sent to a Russian phone number are required.

Top up your balance using a card issued by a foreign bank or an eligible payment platform operating in a supported country before you arrive in Russia.

Use the service to pay for purchases:

• In physical locations: use your phone to scan the QR code at the checkout. https://payinrussia.com Internet access via Wi-Fi or mobile data is required.
• Online: pay for orders in e-commerce stores and book hotels and tickets right in the application.

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 need to open a bank account in Russia;
• you can avoid visiting bank branches or currency exchange offices;
• you can register and top up your balance in advance of your journey;
• you can easily pay for purchases using your smartphone;
• the service is ideal for both brief and long-term journeys.

How can you start using the service? It only takes three straightforward steps:

1. Get the mobile app on your smartphone.
2. Add money to your balance using an international bank card.
3. Pay for purchases in Russia: launch the application, tap the QR code icon, and scan the checkout QR code. The money will be debited from your account right away.