In this post, I’ll walk you through the different options you currently have to pay in Russia, after payment systems such as Visa, MasterCard, JCB, Maestro, or American Express suspended their operations in the country. Cash, Chinese UnionPay cards, and Russian MIR cards are the main options available.
1. In Russia, you must pay in rubles
The first thing you need to be clear about is that, whether you pay in cash or by card, in Russia you can only legally pay in rubles. Neither euros, nor dollars, nor any other foreign currency is accepted as a means of payment in shops, hotels, or restaurants. You must pay in rubles, no matter what.
This means that, as a foreign traveler, you’ll have to convert your money into rubles at some point during your trip—either by exchanging cash or by topping up a card that works within the Russian system. In practice, the way you convert your money into rubles can make a big difference to the final cost of your trip.
In recent years, the ruble has experienced sharp fluctuations against the euro and the U.S. dollar. This means that, depending on the timing and the method you use, the exchange rate you actually get can vary quite a bit. Exchanging cash at a Russian bank is not the same as topping up a Russian card once you’re in the country, or adding funds from abroad through intermediary services.
For this reason, beyond the “official” exchange rate, what really matters for travelers is which payment method you use and when you convert your money into rubles. In the following sections, I’ll explain which options exist today, which ones truly work, and which ones are no longer reliable.
It’s also worth remembering that, after international sanctions, Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, JCB, or American Express cards issued outside Russia do not work inside the country. By contrast, cards issued by Russian banks continue to work normally—but only within Russia.
The information in this guide is based on both official sources and real traveler experiences, as well as my own personal experience traveling to Russia.
2. How to pay in Russia today
Before international sanctions, paying in Russia was simple: you could use a foreign Visa or MasterCard, withdraw cash from any ATM, or use services like PayPal, Revolut, or Wise. For travelers, Russia worked like any other European destination in terms of payments.
That situation has changed completely. Today, bank cards issued outside Russia do not work inside the country, neither for paying in shops nor for withdrawing cash from ATMs. The main Western financial services and the usual mobile payment systems also do not operate.
Even so, traveling to Russia as a foreigner is still possible in practical terms, as long as you understand the real alternatives available today. The problem is that many of the options still mentioned online no longer work or only work in a very limited way, which creates confusion for travelers.
In practice, the ways foreigners can pay in Russia boil down to three broad routes: bringing cash, using solutions that allow you to operate within the Russian system, or opening a Russian bank card once you’re in the country. Each option has pros and cons, and not all of them make sense depending on trip length, traveler profile, or the moment you convert your money into rubles.
Below, I’ll go through each option one by one: what’s available today, what actually works, and when each option makes sense, with updated information based on real traveler experience.
Option 1. Bring cash
Bringing cash is still, today, a valid option and in many cases a necessary one when traveling to Russia. Many travelers choose to bring euros or U.S. dollars and exchange them for rubles once they arrive in the country, especially if the trip is short or they don’t want to rely on banking procedures.
The general recommendation is to exchange money directly in Russia, as the exchange rate is usually better than abroad and there are plenty of banks and exchange offices in cities like Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and other regional capitals. Exchanging rubles before traveling only makes sense to have a small initial amount to cover expenses as soon as you arrive (taxi, food, or airport purchases).
If you decide to bring cash, there are a few important points to keep in mind:
- You can enter Russia with up to the equivalent of USD 10,000 in cash without declaring it. This limit applies per person. If you bring a higher amount, you must declare it at customs when entering the country.
- It’s important to bring banknotes in good condition, without tears, stains, or markings, as many Russian banks will not accept damaged bills.
- The exchange rate can vary significantly from one institution to another. In general, smaller banks and some exchange offices located in shopping malls tend to offer better rates than airport counters or exchange offices in central tourist areas. Some websites publish official exchange rates, which makes it easier to choose the institutions offering the best conditions.
- It’s best to avoid exchanging large amounts at the airport, where exchange rates are usually less favorable. Ideally, only exchange what you need for your first expenses.
Although cash works well, it also has limitations. On the one hand, it means carrying a relatively large amount of money with you, with the associated risk of loss or theft. On the other hand, if your trip is extended or unexpected expenses arise, relying exclusively on cash can become inconvenient.
Advantages of carrying cash: simplicity and direct control over your spending; you don’t depend on cards or apps.
Disadvantages of carrying cash: risk of loss or theft, and the need to manage currency exchange during the trip.
Option 2. UnionPay cards (Chinese payment system): why they are no longer a reliable solution
After Visa and MasterCard exited the Russian market, UnionPay cards—the Chinese payment system—were for a time presented as the main alternative for foreign travelers. Since it is not subject to Western sanctions, on paper it allowed payments in Russia and cash withdrawals at certain merchants and ATMs.
However, the current reality is very different. Although UnionPay still exists and is present in Russia, most UnionPay cards issued outside the country no longer work or work very irregularly. Their usability depends on the issuing bank, the country of origin, and the specific type of card, which often leads travelers to face declined payments or the inability to withdraw cash—even at banks that claim to accept UnionPay.
On top of that, getting a UnionPay card outside Russia has become increasingly difficult. In many countries they are no longer issued, and when they are available, they usually come with high costs and monthly fees, while still offering no real guarantee of working once you’re in Russia.
For all these reasons, even though UnionPay is still mentioned in guides and forums, it can no longer be considered a reliable or recommended option for planning a trip to Russia. In the best-case scenario it might work occasionally; in the worst case, travelers find themselves unable to pay or withdraw cash.
From experience, many people arrive in Russia relying on UnionPay, only to discover that their card doesn’t work or behaves unpredictably.
Advantages of UnionPay: in theory, it allows you to pay without relying exclusively on cash.
Disadvantages of UnionPay: unpredictable performance, difficulty obtaining the card, and high fees with no guarantees.
Option 3. Getting a MIR card before traveling: YooMoney
At the moment, the best option available for paying in Russia as a foreigner without opening a traditional bank account in the country is to obtain a MIR card through YooMoney before traveling.
YooMoney is a Russian financial service that allows you to open an electronic wallet and request a physical card that works within the Russian payment system (MIR). This card works reliably in Russia for everyday payments in shops and restaurants and can be used from the very first day of your trip.
From the moment the account is opened, YooMoney already provides access to an electronic wallet, even before the physical card arrives by mail.
One of its main advantages is the flexibility when topping up the account. With YooMoney, you can:
- Top up the card using a foreign bank card, which allows you to travel without carrying cash, although the exchange rate offered is not the most favorable.
- Top it up again once you are in Russia using your foreign card, provided the system allows it at that specific moment.
- Top it up with cash in Russia, by exchanging euros or U.S. dollars into rubles and benefiting from a better exchange rate.
This makes YooMoney a very well-rounded solution: you can arrive in Russia with the card already set up and then decide how to manage your money depending on your needs.
That said, it’s important to be clear: YooMoney is not a perfect system and does come with some drawbacks, especially during the initial setup process:
- The verification process can be problematic for some users.
- SMS verification does not always work properly with foreign phone numbers.
- To fully activate the wallet, a biometric verification is required, which involves a biometric passport and a selfie. Some travelers encounter difficulties at this stage.
- The foreign card top-up system is not always stable, depending on the country, issuing bank, and timing.
Because of these issues, there are companies outside Russia that work with YooMoney and help facilitate the verification process, while also offering a wider range of top-up payment methods than those available directly through the platform. For many travelers, using these intermediaries makes the process much easier and helps avoid blocks or rejections.
In this article, I explain my experience with the verification steps and the different ways to top up YooMoney: How to get a MIR bank card before traveling to Russia.
Advantages of YooMoney: currently the most practical option, it allows you to have a MIR card before traveling and offers several ways to top up.
Disadvantages: the verification process can be complex, and topping up with foreign cards can be unstable.
Option 4. Getting a MIR card directly in Russia
For long stays, frequent trips, or if you are looking for the best possible exchange rate, the most comprehensive option is still to open a Russian bank card once you are in Russia, integrated into the MIR payment system.
Unlike YooMoney, this involves opening a traditional bank account at a Russian bank, together with an associated card. The card can be used without restrictions inside the country and allows you to pay and withdraw cash from ATMs with very low or no fees, while benefiting from the most favorable exchange rate when depositing or exchanging money directly in rubles in Russia.
Among the banks most commonly used by foreigners are T-Bank (formerly Tinkoff), Sberbank, and Raiffeisen Bank. The process varies slightly from one bank to another, but in general it allows you to start the application online before traveling and requires completing the procedure in person once you are in Russia, where the card is issued after presenting the basic documentation.
Typically, you will be asked to provide:
- a passport,
- a visa (if applicable),
- a migration card,
- and in some cases, a Russian phone number.
The main drawback of this option is that it requires time and paperwork once you arrive at your destination. However, some banks, such as T-Bank, make the process much easier and can send a representative to your hotel or to the address you provide once you arrive in Russia.
In addition, to fund the account you generally need to bring cash (euros or U.S. dollars) and exchange it into rubles in Russia, or make local deposits, which means organizing this once you are already in the country.
For this reason, opening a Russian bank card is usually not the best option for short trips, but it makes sense for:
- long stays,
- people who travel to Russia frequently,
- or those who prioritize the best exchange rate and full control over their spending.
Advantages of a MIR card obtained in Russia: best exchange rate, low fees, and unrestricted use within the country.
Disadvantages: the need to complete in-person procedures and to bring cash into Russia.
4. What if I just want to send money to family or friends in Russia?
Not everyone needs a card to pay in Russia. Many people are simply looking for a way to send money to family or friends who live in Russia, something that has become more complicated after most Western financial services suspended their operations.
At present, services such as PayPal, Wise, or Revolut do not allow transfers to Russia, so they are not a valid option. Even so, there are still alternatives that continue to work and make it possible to send international transfers to the country.
One of the services that currently allows money to be sent to Russia is SendNOW. This type of platform is designed specifically for people who are not traveling to Russia and do not need a card, but simply want to send funds from abroad so that the recipient can receive them in Russia.
These services are useful, for example, if you want to:
- provide financial support to family members,
- send money to friends,
- or make occasional transfers without traveling or opening a Russian bank account.
In this article, I explain the different alternatives currently available in detail: How to send money to Russia (my personal experience)
It’s important to keep in mind that sending money does not allow you to pay directly in shops as a tourist, but it is the right solution if your only goal is to get money to someone who lives in Russia.
5. Which option should you choose to pay in Russia?
After reviewing all the available alternatives and drawing on accumulated experience, the best way to pay in Russia depends on the type of trip you are planning and your priorities. There is no single option that works for everyone, but some combinations are clearly more practical than others.
If you’re traveling for just a few days and want to keep things simple, the most convenient option is YooMoney. It allows you to arrive in Russia with a MIR card already set up, pay from day one, and avoid relying exclusively on cash. It’s especially useful if you don’t want to visit banks or deal with paperwork once you’re there.
If you don’t want to carry cash with you, YooMoney remains the best alternative, as it allows you to top up the card using a foreign bank card, even once you’re in Russia, provided the system is working properly at that moment.
If you’re traveling for several weeks or on a recurring basis, and you’re interested in getting the best possible exchange rate, the most advisable option is to open a Russian bank card directly in Russia. It requires a bit more time and organization, but in the long run it’s the most cost-effective solution.
If you prefer not to rely on digital systems, bringing cash and exchanging it in Russia is still a valid option, especially for short trips. That said, it’s wise to combine it with another method for added security.
As for UnionPay, although it still appears in many guides, it can no longer be considered a reliable solution and it’s not advisable to base your trip on this payment method.
In summary:
- Short trip / convenience: YooMoney
- I don’t want to carry cash: YooMoney
- Long trip / best exchange rate: MIR card obtained in Russia (I recommend T-Bank)
- Basic option or backup: cash
- UnionPay: not recommended at present
Choosing the right payment method before traveling can save you time, money, and a lot of unnecessary hassle during your stay in Russia.
6. Frequently asked questions about paying in Russia
Can I pay in Russia with my foreign Visa or MasterCard?
No. Visa and MasterCard cards issued outside Russia do not work for paying in shops or withdrawing cash from ATMs inside the country. Only cards issued by Russian banks and valid within the MIR system work.
Does Apple Pay or Google Pay work in Russia?
No. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other Western mobile payment systems do not work in Russia, even if they are linked to a foreign card.
Is it better to bring cash or use a card?
It depends on the type of trip. Cash is still useful, but it’s not the most convenient or secure option if you’re traveling for several days. Today, the most practical solution for most travelers is to have a MIR card (for example, through YooMoney or a Russian bank) and use cash only as a backup.
Does UnionPay currently work in Russia?
In theory, UnionPay (the Chinese payment system) still exists in Russia, but in practice most UnionPay cards issued outside the country either don’t work or work very irregularly. For this reason, it is not a reliable option for planning a trip to Russia.
What is the best option for paying in Russia as a tourist?
At present, the best overall option is to have a MIR card. For short trips or for travelers who don’t want to deal with paperwork in Russia, YooMoney is the most practical alternative. For longer stays, opening a Russian bank card directly in the country is usually more advantageous.
Can I send money to Russia without traveling or getting a card?
Yes. If your goal is to send money to family or friends in Russia, there are specific services such as SendNOW that allow international transfers, although they cannot be used to pay directly in shops.
Can I pay in euros or U.S. dollars in Russia?
No. In Russia, you can only legally pay in rubles, whether in cash or by card. Euros or U.S. dollars must be exchanged beforehand.
The most complete and up-to-date guide for traveling to Russia
If you found this article helpful, the Russiable Guide goes one step further than the blog.
Unlike individual blog articles, the guide brings together all practical information, organized step by step, with constantly updated data and additional content not published on the blog, specifically designed to help you plan a trip to Russia without mistakes or last-minute surprises.
It is available as an interactive web guide—always updated whenever changes occur—and also as a downloadable PDF of over 1,000 pages, with lifetime access to all updates.
GET THE GUIDE & START PLANNING
