Bank cards issued outside Russia cannot be used in Russia. As soon as you enter the country, your usual payment convenience becomes inaccessible: you can no longer easily pay for coffee, order a taxi, or buy a museum ticket. You are forced to search for a place to exchange money, carry cash with you, and limit spontaneous purchases.

The answer to this problem is PayInRussia. The platform allows international tourists to pay for goods and services in Russia using their smartphones. You do not have to carry cash or visit a bank branch.

What can be paid for?

• 
  
• cab rides and courier deliveries;
  
• hotel stays and plane tickets;
  
• cafes and dining establishments;
  
• retail outlets and shopping centers;
  
• tickets to museums and events;
  
• orders placed with Russian online retailers and marketplaces.
  

How does the service work?

Register before your trip while you are in your country of residence. To complete the registration:

• 
  
• use your phone to scan your passport;
  
• take a selfie;
  
• complete a quick identity verification process. Your information is processed automatically, and SMS verification through a Russian phone number is not required.
  

Top up your balance using a bank card issued outside Russia or a supported international payment service before traveling to Russia.

Make payments for your purchases:

• 
  
• Offline: scan the checkout QR code. An internet connection via Wi-Fi or mobile data is necessary.
  
• For online payments: make purchases from online shops and make hotel reservations and buy tickets straight from the mobile app.
  

Why is it convenient?

PayInRussia has been designed especially for foreign travelers:

• 
  
• you do not have to become a Russian resident;
  
• you do not need to open an account at a Russian bank;
  
• you are not required to go to bank offices or currency exchange bureaus;
  
• you can sign up and fund your balance before you travel;
  
• you can easily pay for purchases using your smartphone;
  
• the service is suitable for short visits as well as longer stays.
  

How can you start using the service? Just follow three simple steps:

1. 
   
2. Get the mobile app on your smartphone.
   
3. Add money to your balance using an internationally issued bank card.
   
4. Use the service to pay for purchases while in Russia: open the app, press the QR payment icon, and scan the code at the checkout. The money will be deducted from your balance immediately.