Every rule below links to an official source checked for Two Nations. Where a deadline depends on your status, we say so instead of guessing.
1. Your bank card is dead on arrival
Visa officially states that cards issued outside Russia no longer work within Russia. Plan a lawful way to pay before the flight.
Official sources: Visa · 2022
2. People pay with QR codes
The Faster Payments System (SBP) lets you pay by QR code where the shop and your Russian banking app support it. Metro and transport accept Troika and Russian bank cards.
Official sources: Bank of Russia · SBP · Moscow Transport
3. An app can cancel your registration
Since September 2026, in Moscow and Moscow Oblast, visa-free adults staying over 90 days — students included — register through the Amina app. No geolocation for more than 3 working days means deregistration.
Official sources: MVD Media · September 2026 changes
4. Cash has hard limits at the border
Above USD 10,000 equivalent you must declare the full amount in writing on entry; above USD 100,000 you need proof of origin. Taking foreign-currency cash above USD 10,000 out of Russia is prohibited.
Official sources: Federal Customs Service · Federal Customs Service
5. Sending money out can be blocked
Receiving money from abroad is not restricted by Russian law, though sanctions can block routes. But non-residents from countries classed as “unfriendly” who do not work in Russia cannot send money out — until 7 December 2026 inclusive, per the Bank of Russia.
Official sources: Bank of Russia
6. The “safe account” call
The Bank of Russia warns card holders never to share a PIN, SMS code or CVC. If someone says your money must move to a “safe account”, hang up and call your bank’s published number.
Official sources: Bank of Russia
Written by Vlad Lario
Russian in Lisbon. I read both sides and write down what differs.
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