If you're wondering which bank card to use in Russia, the key fact comes first: foreign Visa and Mastercard no longer work here. The only network that works domestically is Russia's own MIR. This guide explains your card options as a visitor or resident and how to keep fees down.

Which cards work in Russia?

So the practical question is less "which card is best" and more "how do I get one that works at all" — and that means a MIR card.

Can tourists get a Russian MIR card?

It is possible but not easy. A MIR card normally requires a Russian bank account, which in turn needs a Russian tax number (INN) and usually in-person verification. Short-stay tourists generally can't open one in time, so most rely on cash. Some specialised services advertise MIR cards for non-residents — check the fees and reliability carefully before paying.

For residents and long-stay expats

If you live in Russia, open an account with a major bank (Sberbank, T-Bank, Alfa-Bank) and get a MIR debit card. Look for accounts with no monthly fee, free ruble transfers and cashback on everyday categories. Always pay in rubles rather than letting a merchant convert to your home currency, to avoid poor exchange rates.

How to avoid fees

What's the best way to pay in Russia as a tourist?

Cash in rubles, topped up by exchanging euros or dollars at a bank, remains the most reliable approach — with a MIR card if you can get one. For the complete rundown, see our guide to paying in Moscow as a tourist.