Visa, Mastercard, American Express and JSB cards do not work in Russia. Apple Pay and Google Pay are also unavailable. However, there are several convenient options for paying for purchases in Moscow.

Last updated: August 2024

UnionPay bank cards

• Some banks in Europe, America, and Australia offer UnionPay cards. To see which institutions provide these cards in your region, visit the UnionPay website, choose your country, and look for the “Local Card Application” icon. If this icon isn’t visible, UnionPay cards are not available in your country.
• If no local banks issue UnionPay cards in your country, you might be able to purchase one online through other companies.
• Always opt for a physical card rather than a virtual one since Apple Pay and Google Pay services are unavailable in Russia.

Cash

• For short sightseeing trips to Russia, it’s a good idea to bring cash in euros or dollars and exchange it for rubles at a bank in Moscow. This method typically offers more favorable exchange rates.
• You can bring up to €10,000 or $10,000 without needing to declare it at customs. The undeclared limit is per person, which should suffice for a tourist trip to Russia.
• It’s best to avoid exchanging money at the airport, as the rates are usually less favorable. If you need to purchase rubles there, only exchange enough to cover immediate expenses.

MIR bank cards

• The most convenient option is to get an instant bank card linked to the MIR payment system (МИР in Russian). It is the primary card payment system in the country.
• To apply, you will need to go to a bank. We recommend Raiffeisen Bank or Alfa-Bank but there are also Sberbank, Gazprombank or VTB offering similar services. Provide the following documents: Passport, Visa and Immigration Card (if you have one). A phone with Russian sim-card is also required.
• You’ll be able to top up your new card with cash in rubles at any ATM. The card is typically issued instantly and is free to use.
• With MIR card you’ll be able to use Yandex Go taxi and fast delivery services, pay in metro without buying a ticket, and so on.

Money transfer

• One of the easiest and most efficient ways to send money to Russia is through cryptocurrency.
• Many cryptocurrency exchanges, such as Bybit, offer peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms that facilitate direct transactions between users, eliminating the need for intermediaries and reducing transaction fees.
• With the ability to instantly convert crypto into Russian rubles, recipients can quickly access their funds, making cryptocurrency a convenient solution for international money transfers.