How foreigners can pay in Russia in 2026

Gateway to Russia

Mar 02 2026

Natalya Selivestrova / Sputnik

We explain which foreign cards work in Russia, how much foreign currency can be brought in cash and how to pay online.

1. Foreign bank cards

Pelageya Tikhonova / Sputnik

‘Visa’, ‘Mastercard’ and ‘Maestro’ cards do not work in Russia today. They cannot be used for in-store payments, online purchases or ATM withdrawals.

Cards from the Chinese ‘UnionPay’ payment system are the main alternative for cashless payments. They are accepted in large stores, hotels and online, but not everywhere. Therefore, it's best to have an alternative payment method.

2. Russian bank cards

Maxim Durnev / Sputnik

If you still want to pay by card instead of carrying cash, the most convenient option is to get a ‘MIR’ bank card. This is a national payment system that operates throughout the country.
To get a card, simply visit a bank with your passport and fill out an application. In many banks, the card is free and comes with different types of cashback.

By the way, you can get a Mir card right at the airports in Moscow and St. Petersburg, where bank branches are located.

More information on how to apply for a Russian bank card is available here.Several Russian banks also issue ‘UnionPay’ cards, which can also be used for payments.

3. Cash

Maria Devakhina / Sputnik

You can easily pay with cash in Russia. It is only not accepted in some places: For example, on Moscow buses (you’ll have to buy a ticket in advance at a subway ticket office), at coffee vending machines or in public restrooms.

You can bring into (and take out of) the equivalent of up to $10,000 per person in cash into Russia without a customs declaration. If you have more, you’ll have to fill out a declaration form, explain the source of income and go through the ‘red’ corridor. Money on any cards, however, does not need to be declared.

P.S. Where to exchange currency

The safest place to exchange currency is at a bank. Many banks in Russia are open from early morning until late evening. The exchange rate varies from bank to bank. The official exchange rate of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation is published daily on its website.

P.P.S. Contactless payment

Neither ‘Apple Pay’ nor ‘Google Pay’ works in Russia. ‘WeChat Pay’ works in some places, primarily for Chinese tourists. ‘NFC’ payments are also available through the ‘MirPay’, ‘SberPay’ or ‘SBPey’ apps. A ‘MIR’ card is required for this, of course.