What works in Russia right now: the 2026 reality index
One table for the questions people actually ask before a trip or a move: which cards are accepted, how money gets in and out, what needs a VPN, and which visa you can get. Every line repeats a dated fact from our practical guides and links back to it.
Checked: 2026-09-22
In 2026 foreign Visa and Mastercard do not work inside Russia, Apple Pay and Google Pay are unavailable, and Instagram and Facebook need a VPN. Cash, a Russian SIM, a MIR card with a Russian account and SBP transfers by phone number all work normally, and about 60 nationalities can get a $52 e-visa in four days.
The short version · Checked 2026-09-22
- Visa and Mastercard issued outside Russia: Does not work — Declined at Russian terminals and ATMs since March 2022. The same card works again the moment you leave the country.
- MIR card with a Russian bank account: Works — Needs a Russian account and an INN tax number. T-Bank is app-driven with an English interface; Raiffeisenbank is the easiest for incoming transfers from Europe.
- SBP instant transfer by phone number: Works — Free up to 100,000 RUB a month between any Russian banks, with a small fee above that. Restaurants, taxis and kiosks take SBP QR codes.
- VPN: Works with a workaround — Outline (self-hosted), AmneziaVPN and V2Ray-style protocols work; mainstream commercial apps are throttled. Set it up before you fly.
- Russian e-visa (about 60 nationalities): Works — $52, single entry, up to 16 days, standard decision in 4 calendar days, applied on the official portal.
- Migration registration after arrival: Mandatory — Within 7 working days at your address. Hotels file it automatically within 24 hours; a private host files it at an MFC or post office. Fines run 2,000–7,000 RUB.
Cards, cash and banking
| Cards, cash and banking | Status |
|---|---|
Visa and Mastercard issued outside Russia Declined at Russian terminals and ATMs since March 2022. The same card works again the moment you leave the country. Read the full guide | Does not work |
UnionPay card from Kazakhstan, Armenia or Kyrgyzstan Accepted in most Russian terminals, but coverage is not universal — never rely on it as your only payment method. Read the full guide | Works with a workaround |
Cash in euros or dollars Exchange at any bank or official exchange office — the airport kiosk gives a worse rate. Arriving with €1,500–€2,000 covers the first two weeks. Read the full guide | Works |
MIR card with a Russian bank account Needs a Russian account and an INN tax number. T-Bank is app-driven with an English interface; Raiffeisenbank is the easiest for incoming transfers from Europe. Read the full guide | Works |
SBP instant transfer by phone number Free up to 100,000 RUB a month between any Russian banks, with a small fee above that. Restaurants, taxis and kiosks take SBP QR codes. Read the full guide | Works |
Apple Pay and Google Pay Not available in Russia. Locals pay with MIR Pay, SBP QR codes or face payment in the metro. Read the full guide | Does not work |
SWIFT transfers to the largest Russian banks Sber, VTB, Sovcombank, Otkritie, Promsvyazbank, Novikombank and VEB are cut off from SWIFT. Read the full guide | Does not work |
SWIFT through a non-sanctioned Russian bank Still possible, most often through Raiffeisenbank for money coming from Europe. Expect compliance questions and slower processing. Read the full guide | Works with a workaround |
USDT as a bridge in and out P2P desks match rubles sent over SBP with a USDT seller. Transfer is instant and all-in fees are typically 1–2%. Read the full guide | Works with a workaround |
SIM cards, internet and apps
| SIM cards, internet and apps | Status |
|---|---|
Russian SIM card (MTS, Beeline, Megafon, Tele2) Cheap, sold on arrival, and needed for bank apps and SBP. 5G in the big cities. Read the full guide | Works |
Tourist eSIM bought before the flight Buy and activate it before flying so you land connected, then add a local SIM if you stay. Read the full guide | Works |
Google, GitHub and Telegram Reachable directly, no VPN needed. WhatsApp works partially. Read the full guide | Works |
Instagram, Facebook and several Western news sites Blocked or slowed inside Russia; a VPN is effectively required to use them. Read the full guide | Does not work |
VPN Outline (self-hosted), AmneziaVPN and V2Ray-style protocols work; mainstream commercial apps are throttled. Set it up before you fly. Read the full guide | Works with a workaround |
Visas and arrival paperwork
| Visas and arrival paperwork | Status |
|---|---|
Russian e-visa (about 60 nationalities) $52, single entry, up to 16 days, standard decision in 4 calendar days, applied on the official portal. Read the full guide | Works |
E-visa for US, UK, Canadian and Australian passports Not eligible. A consular paper visa applies instead: confirmed invitation, 7–20 working days, €80–€200 depending on the country. Read the full guide | Does not work |
Migration registration after arrival Within 7 working days at your address. Hotels file it automatically within 24 hours; a private host files it at an MFC or post office. Fines run 2,000–7,000 RUB. Read the full guide | Mandatory |
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Written by Vlad Lario
Russian in Lisbon. I read both sides and write down what differs.
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