🇷🇺Russia
Travel Risk Intelligence · Updated regularly
Russia Digital Travel Overview
Visa/MC Blocked
Since 2022, Visa and Mastercard do not work in Russia. You CANNOT use international cards for any transactions. Bring cash (USD/EUR) and exchange locally.
Mir Payment System
Russia's domestic payment network. Only available to Russian bank account holders. Tourists must rely on cash.
Yandex Ecosystem
Yandex is Russia's Google — maps, taxi, food delivery, search. Yandex Go is essential for transport. Works without payment card (cash option).
Essential Apps for Russia
Yandex Go
CriticalTaxi, food delivery, car sharing. Cash payment available. Essential for transport.
Yandex Maps
CriticalBetter than Google Maps in Russia. Detailed transit, walking routes, and indoor maps.
2GIS
High PriorityOffline city maps with building-level detail. Great for finding businesses and navigating.
Telegram
High PriorityPrimary messaging app in Russia. More popular than WhatsApp. Also used for news and services.
Google Translate
CriticalRussian uses Cyrillic script. Camera translation essential. Download Russian offline pack.
Metro App
MediumYandex Metro or official metro apps for Moscow/St Petersburg navigation.
Payment Guide for Russia
CRITICAL: International Cards Do Not Work
Cash is Essential
Mir System
How Much Cash
Transport in Russia
Yandex Go Taxi
Primary ride-hailing. Cash payment option available. Set language to English. Prices are very affordable.
Moscow Metro
One of the world's best metro systems. Beautiful stations. Troika card for contactless payment. Cash tickets also available.
Long-Distance Trains
Trans-Siberian and other routes via rzd.ru (Russian Railways). Book online or at stations. Passport required.
Marshrutka
Minibuses that run fixed routes. Very cheap. Pay cash to driver. Ask locals for route info.
SIM & Connectivity in Russia
SIM Purchase
Buy at MTS, Beeline, or Megafon stores. Passport required for registration. Airport stores available. Plans from ₽300 for 7-30 days.
Registration Required
Russian law requires SIM registration with passport. Process takes 10-15 minutes. Keep receipt.
Internet Restrictions
Some Western services may be slow or blocked. Instagram blocked since 2022. VPN recommended for full access.
WiFi
Free WiFi in Moscow metro, cafes, hotels. Quality varies. Mobile data more reliable.
Tickets & Bookings in Russia
Train Tickets
Book at rzd.ru (Russian Railways). English version available. Passport number required. Trans-Siberian routes book up weeks ahead.
Museums
Hermitage, Kremlin, Tretyakov — book online in advance. Some offer separate (cheaper) lines for online ticket holders.
Theatre/Ballet
Bolshoi Theatre tickets sell out months ahead. Check bolshoi.ru. Also try Mariinsky in St Petersburg.
Domestic Flights
Aeroflot, S7, Pobeda airlines. Book via their websites. Pay with Russian bank card or at ticket offices with cash.
Common Mistakes in Russia
Avoid these common pitfalls to save time and frustration.
Relying on International Cards
CriticalVisa/MC/Amex do NOT work in Russia. Bring sufficient cash in USD or EUR.
Not Downloading VPN
High RiskSome services blocked. Install and configure VPN before entering Russia.
Ignoring Registration
High RiskForeign visitors must register within 7 days of arrival. Hotels do this automatically. For private stays, register at post office.
Using Google Maps
MediumYandex Maps and 2GIS are far more accurate in Russia. Google Maps lacks detail.
Not Learning Cyrillic
MediumVery little English signage outside tourist areas. Learn Cyrillic alphabet basics — it helps enormously with navigation.
Pre-Departure Checklist for Russia
Complete these before your trip.
Digital Setup
Documents
Money
Communication
FAQ — Russia
Answers to the most common questions.
No. International Visa/MC/Amex do not work in Russia since 2022. Bring cash in USD or EUR.
Major cities are generally safe. Petty theft in tourist areas. Follow basic precautions. Check travel advisories.
Most nationalities need a Russian visa. Apply at embassy 2-4 weeks before travel. eVisa available for some nationalities.
Recommended Tools
Travel Money Card
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Having a second payment method from a different provider is the most reliable way to avoid being stranded without money abroad.
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- Instant card freeze if lost
May contain affiliate links.
May contain affiliate links.
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