How do you pay for tours and transfers in Russia?
Book on Russian sites such as Tripster or Sputnik8 and pay with the Russian payment network or a Russian-issued card, or pay the guide directly by Russian payment network transfer or in cash. Global payment methods are declined, so bring rubles or set up a card that works in Russia before you book.
Updated September 2026
Where tours and transfers are sold
Most day tours, walking tours and private guides in Russia are sold through Russian marketplaces, mainly Tripster and Sputnik8. Many guides also take bookings directly by Telegram or WhatsApp. Airport and station transfers are booked through the hotel, through a transfer company, or simply as a taxi in Yandex Go (Яндекс Go).
Checkouts on these sites usually take a Russian-issued card or the Russian payment network. Cards issued outside Russia are declined, and so are Apple Pay and Google Pay, as of 2026. Some tours take a small booking fee online and the rest on the day — check at checkout.
Paying online through the Russian payment network
If the checkout lists the Russian payment network, paying from the PayInRussia app takes a few taps — the steps are below. If a site asks for card details instead, enter the card number, expiry and CVV shown in the app; it is a Russian-issued card, so the booking usually goes through like any local payment.
- Choose the Russian payment network as the payment method
- Pick Промсельхозбанк (PayinRussia / Плати в России) in the bank list
- The app opens on its own — check the amount and the tour name
- Confirm with one tap and keep the booking confirmation
Paying the guide on the day
Many guides and small operators prefer to be paid in person, at the start or the end of the tour. They commonly accept a Russian payment network transfer or rubles in cash. If the guide can show a Russian payment network QR code, scan it in the PayInRussia app, check the amount and confirm. If they only take a transfer to a phone number, or you are not sure, cash is the safe choice.
Agree the price before you set off and carry enough rubles to cover it, plus a little extra if you plan to tip. Small notes help — not every guide has change for a 5 000 ₽ note.
Airport pick-ups and hotel transfers
The simplest transfer is a taxi in Yandex Go, paid with a card that works in Russia or with cash chosen in the app. A transfer arranged by your hotel is usually added to the room bill and settled at reception in cash, by Russian payment network QR or with a Russian-issued card. Pre-booked private transfers are paid on the operator’s site or to the driver, on the same terms as a tour.
