The few banks that still issue UnionPay also risk restrictions or even account closures. Given that not all overseas locations accept UnionPay, it’s worth checking before traveling whether the card The most reliable and will work in the country you’re traveling to.
VISA and MasterCard of foreign banks
The most reliable and universal solution for traveling remains VISA or MasterCard cards issued not by Russian banks, but abroad. The CIS countries , Turkey continue to service these systems in the usual mode, so with such a card you can easily pay in Europe, the USA, Canada, Asia, as well as in virtually any country in the world.
Such cards will not work in Russia, but for travel this is still the most convenient solution: you can easily pay in hotels, restaurants, shops, museums. With foreign VISA or MasterCard cards you can also:
- book accommodation through Booking, Airbnb ;
- withdraw cash from ATMs worldwide;
- pay for online services that have left Russia (Zoom, ChatGPT, Canva, Figma, Miro, Netflix, etc.);
- make international transfers.
You can often apply for a foreign bank card remotely; all you need to do is contact specialists such as Easy Payments . You will need to provide a minimum package of documents: a copy of your passport, sometimes a power of attorney. After opening an account, you will receive the card details and access to online banking, and the “plastic” will be delivered to you by courier to the specified address.
How else can you pay abroad?
If there are difficulties with obtaining or using a bank card abroad, many travelers try alternative methods of making payments. Below we will consider popular options.
Cash. Cash is the oldest and most reliable method of payment abroad. However, carrying large amounts of money with you is quite risky: you are limited by the limits on the amount of currency you can take out, you must take care of security in advance, and in case of loss or theft, it will be almost impossible to get your money back. Plus, exchange fees can be high. Read the article on how to withdraw cash abroad .
Cryptocurrency. Many tourists use exchangers and convert digital money into fiat to pay for purchases. Using cryptocurrencies may seem attractive due to anonymity and independence from banking systems, but in practice, paying with bitcoins or other tokens offline is quite difficult. Most retail outlets and services do not accept direct cryptocurrency payments, and fluctuations in the cryptocurrency rate make them an unstable means of storage.
Prepayment via services. SometimesThe most reliable and
travelers resort to prepaid services: they book hotels, whatsapp number list transport, excursions via specialized sites or services that accept Russian cards. On the one hand, this removes some of the hassle on the spot, on the other hand, this approach imposes serious restrictions. You must plan your route and dates in advance, you will not be able to easily change your plans, and if something goes wrong, getting your money back or changing your reservation may be difficult. In addition, not all services allow “flexible” payment and refund methods.
Transfers via international services.
Services like Unistream or Avosend allow you to transfer money abroad, which can then be received in cash on the spot or used to pay for certain goods and services. followers and stalkers do not invite The problem is that such services have limits, and their cost, taking into account commissions, can be impressive. Also, in the case of force majeure (such as technical failures or new restrictions), transfers can be delayed or not reach the recipient at all. Therefore, relying only on these systems is not always reliable and profitable.
Cards that work abroadThe most reliable and
In 2025, paying abroad remains a challenge: not mobile lead all Russian cards work abroad, and alternatives are fraught with risks. Frequent travelers are better off getting a foreign card — it’s the most versatile and secure option.
