If you are planning a trip to Saint Petersburg, you have likely heard that Visa and Mastercard cards issued outside Russia no longer function in the country. This change, which took effect in March 2022, has caused confusion and concern among international visitors. However, with some preparation and knowledge of the local payment ecosystem, you can still manage your finances smoothly during your stay. This article explains why Visa and Mastercard stopped working, what payment methods are accepted, and how to pay for everything from metro tickets to restaurant bills in Saint Petersburg.

Why Visa and Mastercard Stopped Working in Russia

In response to the geopolitical situation that began in February 2022, Visa and Mastercard suspended their operations in Russia in March 2022. This meant that all cards issued by foreign banks bearing the Visa or Mastercard logo could no longer be used for payments at Russian merchants, ATMs, or online stores. The suspension was not a unilateral decision by the Russian government; rather, it was a corporate decision by the international payment systems themselves. Cards issued by Russian banks with Visa or Mastercard branding continued to work within Russia until they expired, but foreign-issued cards were immediately blocked.

The Russian national payment system, the National Payment Card System (NSPK), which operates the Mir card network, remained unaffected. Mir cards, issued by Russian banks, work seamlessly across the country. However, foreign tourists cannot obtain a Mir card without a Russian bank account, which is practically impossible for short-term visitors.

Additionally, American Express cards have also been suspended in Russia since March 2022. UnionPay cards issued by Chinese banks, on the other hand, have not been universally blocked, but their acceptance within Russia is limited and has been subject to changes. As of late 2024, many Russian banks have stopped processing UnionPay transactions due to secondary sanctions risks, so relying on UnionPay is not recommended.

What Payment Methods Are Accepted in Saint Petersburg Today

The payment landscape in Saint Petersburg has adapted. While international cards are largely useless, several alternatives exist. The most reliable method is cash. Russia is historically a cash-friendly society, and even before the sanctions, many small shops, market stalls, and taxis preferred cash. Today, cash is king for tourists.

Cash (Russian Rubles)

You can bring foreign currency (preferably US dollars or euros) and exchange it at banks or exchange offices in Saint Petersburg. The official currency is the Russian ruble (RUB). Exchange rates vary, but as of late 2024, you can expect around 90-100 RUB per 1 USD or 100-110 RUB per 1 EUR. Do not exchange money on the street or at unauthorised kiosks, use official bank branches or licensed exchange points. Major banks in Saint Petersburg include Sberbank, VTB, Alfa-Bank, and Gazprombank. These banks have branches throughout the city centre, including near Nevsky Prospekt.

ATMs (bankomats) dispense rubles. You can use a foreign Visa or Mastercard to withdraw cash at some ATMs? No, you cannot. Since March 2022, foreign Visa and Mastercard cards are not accepted at any Russian ATMs. The only way to get rubles is to bring cash and exchange it, or use a UnionPay card from a non-Russian bank that still works (but this is increasingly unreliable). Some Chinese UnionPay cards may work at ATMs of specific banks like Rosselkhozbank or VTB, but there is no guarantee. The safest approach is to bring enough cash in US dollars or euros to cover your entire trip.

Mir Cards

If you have a relative or friend in Russia, they could potentially send you a Mir prepaid card, but that is cumbersome. For most tourists, Mir cards are not an option.

Mobile Payment Apps (SBP and SberPay)

Russia has its own instant payment system called SBP (System for Quick Payments), which works between Russian bank accounts. Tourists cannot use this without a Russian bank account. Similarly, SberPay (Sberbank's mobile payment) requires a Sberbank account. Apple Pay and Google Pay with Russian-issued cards work, but with foreign-issued cards they do not.

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is not widely accepted for everyday payments in Saint Petersburg. A few tech-savvy businesses might accept Bitcoin or USDT, but this is extremely rare. Do not rely on crypto.

Where to Get Rubles: Practical Advice for Tourists

Before you arrive, make sure you have enough cash to last at least a few days. Here is a step-by-step plan:

  1. Before departure: Withdraw a reasonable amount of US dollars or euros from your home bank. Avoid large denominations (over $100/€100) because some exchange offices give poorer rates for large bills. Bring a mix of small ($20/€20) and medium ($50/€50) bills.
  2. At Pulkovo Airport (LED): There are exchange offices and ATMs, but rates are often worse than in the city. Exchange only a small amount (e.g., $50, $100) for immediate expenses like taxi fare. The official taxi from Pulkovo to the city centre costs about 1,000-1,500 RUB (as of 2024).
  3. In the city centre: Exchange money at bank branches. Avoid exchange kiosks with aggressive signs. Look for official bank logos. Sberbank branches are everywhere. You can also use the Unistream or Contact money transfer systems to receive cash, but that requires a sender abroad and a Russian recipient.
  4. Hotels: Some hotels may exchange currency for guests, but rates are typically poor. Use banks.

Note: You cannot use foreign debit cards to withdraw rubles from any ATM in Russia as of 2024. The only exception might be UnionPay, but this is not reliable. Plan to bring all the cash you will need.

Paying for Accommodation, Transport, and Attractions

Accommodation

Most hotels in Saint Petersburg accept cash payments in rubles. Some large international hotel chains (like Marriott or Hilton) may have limited card acceptance for foreign cards, but do not count on it. If you book through an online travel agency (e.g., Booking.com, Expedia), you can often pay online before arrival using your foreign card. However, some Russian hotels have delisted from international platforms. For those that are still listed, payment on the website is processed outside Russia, so it works. Once you arrive, settle any remaining balance in cash. Always confirm with the hotel in advance whether they accept foreign cards or only cash.

For apartment rentals via Airbnb or similar, payment is processed online, so that works. But be aware that Airbnb has suspended operations in Russia, so listings are managed by hosts directly. Many hosts now prefer bank transfers, which are not possible for foreigners. Cash is the safest option.

Transport

The Saint Petersburg Metro (subway) is a cash-only system for tourists. You can buy tokens (zhetony) at the ticket office using cash. As of 2024, a single metro ride costs 70 RUB. You can also purchase a reusable Podorozhnik card at any metro station ticket office for a deposit (about 50 RUB) and top it up with cash. The Podorozhnik card works on metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses. You cannot use foreign cards to top it up. Buses and trams also accept cash, but it is easier to use the Podorozhnik card.

Taxis: Use apps like Yandex Go or Uber Russia (which is actually Yandex Go). These apps allow you to pay by card, but only Russian-issued cards. If you have a Russian phone number and a Mir card, you can link it. Otherwise, select “cash” as the payment method in the app. Most drivers prefer cash anyway. A typical ride within the city centre costs 300-600 RUB.

Attractions and Museums

Major museums like the State Hermitage Museum, Peterhof, and St. Isaac's Cathedral accept cash at their ticket offices. Some museums have online ticket sales that accept foreign cards (processed through international payment gateways), but this is inconsistent. For example, the Hermitage’s official website may accept Visa/Mastercard for online purchases because the payment is processed outside Russia. However, after the purchase, you will receive a voucher that you exchange for a physical ticket at the museum. This method works, but test it before relying on it. If it fails, you can always buy tickets with cash on site. Queues can be long, so arriving early is advisable.

For the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, Russian Museum, and Peter and Paul Fortress, cash is the most reliable method.

Restaurants and Cafes

Most restaurants in Saint Petersburg accept cash. Some upscale establishments may accept foreign cards if they have a terminal that processes through a foreign bank, but this is rare. Always ask: “Mozhno platit' kartoy?” (Can I pay by card?) before ordering. If they say yes, specify that your card is foreign. Many restaurants now display signs saying “Karty Mir i Visa/Mastercard tol'ko rossiyskiye” (Mir cards and Russian Visa/Mastercard only). In such cases, cash is your only option. Tipping is customary (10% of the bill), and it is best to tip in cash even if you pay the bill by card.

Popular restaurant chains like Teremok (blini), Marketplace, and Gogol all accept cash. Fast food outlets like McDonald's (now rebranded as Vkusno i Tochka) accept cash and Russian cards only.

Online Shopping and Digital Services

If you need to buy something online while in Russia (e.g., tickets for a train, a SIM card, or goods from local online stores), you will encounter the same problem: foreign Visa/Mastercard are not accepted. Russian e-commerce sites like Ozon, Wildberries, and Yandex.Market accept only Russian cards or e-wallets. For train tickets, the official Russian Railways (RZD) website accepts foreign cards for online purchases only if you buy from the international version of the site (which is sometimes blocked or unreliable). Alternatively, you can buy tickets at the train station ticket office with cash. For long-distance trains like the Sapsan to Moscow, it is advisable to book in advance online using a foreign card if possible, or have a Russian friend book for you.

Getting a Russian SIM Card and Internet Access

To use apps like Yandex Go or to navigate, you will need mobile internet. You can buy a Russian SIM card at the airport or in mobile phone shops. Major operators are MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, and Tele2. You will need your passport to register. Prepaid plans cost around 500-1,000 RUB for a month with generous data. Payment for the plan can be made in cash at the shop or via top-up cards. You cannot use a foreign card to top up online, but you can buy a top-up voucher at any mobile phone store or supermarket (like Pyaterochka or Magnit) with cash.

Summary: A Checklist for Your Trip

  • Bring enough US dollars or euros in cash to cover your entire stay. Estimate daily expenses: accommodation (2,000-5,000 RUB), meals (1,500-3,000 RUB), transport (500 RUB), attractions (1,000-2,000 RUB).
  • Exchange money at official bank branches in the city centre. Avoid airport exchange booths for large amounts.
  • Use cash for all on-the-ground payments: metro, taxis, restaurants, museums, and shops.
  • If you have a UnionPay card from a non-Russian bank, test it at an ATM early in your trip, but have a backup plan.
  • Book hotels and train tickets online before arrival using your foreign card if possible.
  • Download offline maps (e.g., Google Maps offline or 2GIS) because internet access may be patchy without a local SIM.
  • Consider a prepaid travel card that works on the Mir network? No such product exists for foreigners.

While the absence of Visa and Mastercard is inconvenient, it is not a deal-breaker. With cash and some planning, you can fully enjoy Saint Petersburg’s rich culture, stunning architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. For more detailed information on planning your trip, read our Complete Guide to Saint Petersburg. Also check our articles on entry requirements and flight routes to ensure a smooth journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Wise or Revolut card in Russia?

No. Wise and Revolut cards are issued on the Visa or Mastercard network and will be blocked in Russia. The same applies to any prepaid travel card linked to Visa or Mastercard.

Are there any ATMs that accept foreign cards?

As of late 2024, no ATMs in Saint Petersburg accept foreign Visa or Mastercard. Some ATMs of Rosselkhozbank might accept UnionPay, but this is not guaranteed. Assume all ATMs are off-limits.

Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay with a foreign card?

No. Apple Pay and Google Pay rely on the underlying card network. If the card is Visa or Mastercard, it will not work.

What about Western Union or MoneyGram?

Western Union and MoneyGram have suspended services in Russia. You cannot send money to yourself via these services.

Is it safe to carry large amounts of cash?

Saint Petersburg is generally safe, but exercise common sense. Use the hotel safe for valuables and only carry what you need for the day. Keep cash in different places.

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