Money in Russia 2026 – The Honest Guide for Tourists
Let's talk straight about paying in Russia — sanctions changed everything, but it's not the end of the world
Who stopped what?
Visa and Mastercard themselves suspended operations in Russia in March 2022 (right after the Ukraine invasion). It wasn't just "Russia blocked them" — the companies decided to pull out to comply with US/EU sanctions and their own policies.
Cards issued outside Russia (USA, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.) stopped working for payments and ATMs inside Russia. Cards issued by Russian banks still work domestically, but not abroad.
Who stopped what?
Visa and Mastercard themselves suspended operations in Russia in March 2022 (right after the Ukraine invasion). It wasn't just "Russia blocked them" — the companies decided to pull out to comply with US/EU sanctions and their own policies.
Cards issued outside Russia (USA, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.) stopped working for payments and ATMs inside Russia. Cards issued by Russian banks still work domestically, but not abroad.
In 2025, old Visa/Mastercard certificates expired for some Russian-issued cards too, so even those are phasing out. Result: foreign cards = useless in Russia.
But tourists pay fine every day. Here's how it works now
- Cash (easiest and most common)Bring USD or EUR — exchange at banks or official points (best rates in cities/airports). Limit: up to $10,000 (or equivalent) per person without declaration. More — declare at customs (simple form, no tax). RUB cash accepted everywhere — shops, taxis, restaurants, markets
- MIR card (Russian system)
- Works 100 % inside Russia (metros, stores, online). Foreigners can get one on arrival — no Russian residency needed. Takes 15–30 minutes at banks like T-Bank, Sber, VTB (English support in big cities). Or we arrange it for you before landing.
- UnionPay (Chinese cards)Accepted in many places (big stores, hotels, tourist spots). If your bank issues UnionPay — bring it
Come with $500 cash and relax. We got the rest.
How much cash to bring? For 5-7 day tour: $400–$600 in USD/EUR is plenty (covers food, souvenirs, extras). Everything big (hotel, guides) we pay in advance or handle locally
Our help — we make it zero stress When you book with TaigaYaga:
We helped people from USA, UAE, India, Turkey — no one ever ran out of money or panicked.
No worries. Just Russia.
Our help — we make it zero stress When you book with TaigaYaga:
- We meet you at the airport and exchange cash at the best rate (no queues, no bad deals).
- We get you a temporary MIR card on arrival (works everywhere, no bank visit needed).
- Pre-load local SIM for apps/taxis.
- All major costs (hotel, guides, tickets) included in package — you barely touch cash.
- 24/7 WhatsApp support — if something doesn't work, we fix it in minutes.
We helped people from USA, UAE, India, Turkey — no one ever ran out of money or panicked.
No worries. Just Russia.
Have a question? Text us below
We answer shortly to you. Ready to help