Money Use in Daily Life in Russia — 2025 Guide

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Money Use in Daily Life in Russia — 2025 Guide

💳 1. Card Payments — What Works and What Doesn't?

Local Cards: The MIR System

Most daily payments in Russia are made with MIR (Мир) local bank cards — Russia's national payment system that replaced Visa and Mastercard.

  • Accepted in all supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants, and public transport.
  • Linked to phone numbers — many users pay via QR code using Sberbank Online or Tinkoff apps.
  • Even public services and utilities accept MIR cards.

📌 Can foreigners get a MIR card?

Yes. Foreign residents with registration (registra) and a migration card can open a ruble account + MIR card at banks such as VTB, Tinkoff, Sberbank, or Gazprombank.

Required documents:

  • Passport
  • Migration card
  • Address registration

🌍 International Cards (Visa / Mastercard / AmEx)

  • Do not work. Since 2022, these networks no longer process transactions inside Russia.
  • You cannot shop or withdraw cash with Turkish or EU cards.
  • Only some UnionPay (China) cards are accepted — and only by certain banks.

📌 Tip:

If you're staying long term, open a local bank account and use a MIR card.

For short stays, cash remains the most reliable option.

💵 2. Cash Usage — Still Common?

Yes. Cash remains important in Russia, especially outside major cities.

Small stores, local markets, and service providers often accept cash only (наличные).

💰 Where is cash usually required?

  • Taxi drivers (non-Yandex)
  • Small grocery shops and street markets
  • Handymen, house repair services
  • Barbers and cafés in small towns

💶 Cash limits and legal rules

  • Daily purchases with cash are completely legal.
  • However, transactions over 500,000 rubles (e.g. car or house purchase) must be made via bank transfer.
  • Banks report large cash operations under Law 115-FZ (Anti-Money Laundering).

💱 3. Currency Exchange — Where and How?

As of 2025, foreign currency exchange is only legal in licensed banks and official exchange offices (обмен валюты).

💡 Important points:

  • Street or hotel currency exchanges are illegal.
  • For exchanges above 40,000 rubles, you must show your passport.
  • Banks usually accept USD, EUR, CNY.
  • Some banks no longer sell cash dollars, they only buy them.
  • Exchange rates in downtown branches can differ by 1–2%.

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