Moscow Introduces Tourist Cards for Cashless Transactions at Innovative Tourist Center
Starting from now, Indian travelers in Moscow can obtain the Tourist Card at the new travel and banking office of Sber, the largest Russian bank, located in the city center, not far from Red Square — on Bolshaya Dmitrovka Street.
The new travel and banking office of Sber combines the capabilities of Sber’s banking office and a Tourist Information Center, which serves as a multifunctional space for guests to get essential information for their visit to Moscow. Travelers can pick up the plastic Tourist Card, make payments, currency exchange, and transfers. Consultations are available in Russian, English, and Arabic.
In this new space, tourists can create an individual travel plan based on their preferences and take free booklets with city information in Russian, English, Chinese, and Arabic. Additionally, the Sber office provides a lounge area for tourists to relax and try traditional Moscow treats while children can play in a dedicated zone created with the animation studio “Soyuzmultfilm”, known for legendary Soviet cartoons.
The Tourist Card operates with the Russian MIR payment system, offering a new payment solution for foreign visitors as VISA and Mastercard do not work in Russia. It is compatible with local merchants, public transport, and attractions. There are no monthly maintenance fees, making it a cost-effective option for tourists facilitating seamless payments for dining, transportation, and more.
Travelers can register for a Yoomoney profile and obtain a virtual Tourist Card before departing their home country with only a phone number needed—no Russian SIM card is necessary. It’s also possible to order the card in advance and have it delivered to a hotel or home country. However, many places in Moscow also accept payments using QR codes via the YooMoney app, allowing Android users to tap their phone for NFC payments, while iOS users can scan QR codes.
This initiative comes amid a significant increase in foreign visitors to Moscow; for instance, nearly 86,000 tourists from India visited Moscow in 2024, marking a 1.4-fold rise from 2023, reflecting the city’s growing status as a top global travel destination.
