Despite the restrictions that have appeared in recent years, there are several payment options outside the Russian Federation. Including using bank cards.
Cash
The easiest option for those traveling abroad is to take out cash. In 2022, Russia had a ban on the export of amounts exceeding $10,000. It has now been lifted, but not for everyone, only for those who receive special permission from the Central Bank. For amounts exceeding the limit, it may be necessary to fill out a customs declaration. Customs control will not be required only when exporting cash within the EAEU. Such destinations include Kazakhstan, Armenia, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan.
The declaration can be requested when passing through control or in advance, through the Federal Customs Service website. It is worth taking a careful approach to the preparation of the document. Incorrect completion or absence of the declaration can lead to fines up to double the amount you want to transport.
If you are taking out the equivalent of $100,000 or more, you will vietnam mobile database need evidence of the source of funds. The state checks how legal the origin of such amounts is.
It is worth deciding in advance what currency you will need cash in abroad. The dollar and the euro are not universal in all parts of the world. In some places you can pay with them everywhere, even in stores. In other places you can at best pay for a hotel.
Also pay attention to the exchange rate. Outside the European Union, it is more convenient to use local cash.
There may also be restrictions on bringing cash into the destination country. Some countries do not allow visitors to carry large amounts of cash when crossing the border.
Map "World"
In some countries, you can pay everywhere using the Mir payment system. But the situation with it is ambiguous. On the one hand, more and more countries are joining Mir. On the other hand, the universality of the card varies from country to country.
In Belarus, the Mir card works everywhere. You can use it at any bank. In Azerbaijan, which joined the payment system only recently, you can only withdraw cash from the card and only at VTB ATMs.
An additional complication is that along with the expansion of the payment system, it is also being curtailed. In some countries connected to Mir, the card's capabilities are limited or completely blocked. For example, in the summer of 2022, service to the system suddenly ceased in Turkey, and in April 2024, banks in Kyrgyzstan introduced restrictions.