Introduction Getting a mobile SIM card in Russia is essential for travelers — communication, navigation, and transportation apps all depend on it. However, as of 2025, new regulations have introduced stricter identification and verification procedures, especially for foreign users. This guide explai...
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%.

