The answer to this problem is PayInRussia. The platform helps foreign travelers to pay for purchases and services in Russia with their mobile phones. You do not have to carry cash or have to visit a bank.

What can you pay for?

cab rides and courier deliveries;

accommodation and flight tickets;

cafes and dining establishments;

retail outlets and shopping centers;

museum and event tickets;

purchases from Russian e-commerce stores and marketplaces.

How can you use it?

Create your account before traveling while you are still at home. To get started:

scan your passport;

capture a selfie;

complete a quick identity verification process. Your information is processed automatically, and you do not need to receive text messages on a Russian phone number.

Add funds to 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.

Make payments for your purchases:

In physical locations: use your phone to scan the QR code at the checkout. payinrussia.com A connection to the internet via Wi-Fi or mobile data is necessary.

Online: pay in online stores and make hotel reservations and buy tickets right in the application.

What makes it convenient?

PayInRussia was developed with overseas visitors in mind:

you are not required to be a Russian resident;

you do not have to set up an account with a Russian bank;

you do not have to visit banks or foreign exchange offices;

you can create an account and add funds before your trip;

you can pay conveniently using your smartphone;

the service is ideal for short visits as well as longer stays.

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

Install the application to your smartphone.

Fund your account using an internationally issued bank card.

Make payments for goods and services in Russia: start the mobile app, select the QR code symbol, and scan the code at the checkout. The money will be deducted from your balance immediately.