The Visa and MasterCard international payment systems have stopped transactions by cards issued by Russian banks. This involves buying items in foreign online shops as well as using such cards abroad. Besides, no cash can be withdrawn in Russia using the said cards issued abroad.

The Visa and MasterCard cards issued by the Russian banks, though, will go on functioning in Russia just the usual way. Another option is to use either MIR card or the Fast Payment Service by Bank of Russia.

Here below we are offering you some reliable ways to transfer money abroad:

1. Using MIR cards in countries that accept it – Turkey, Vietnam, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, South Ossetia and Abkhazia;
2. Using the UnionPay International system (China);
3. Classical bank transfers except on accounts in banks that have been cut from the SWIFT system (VTB, Bank Rossiya, FC Otkritie, Sovcombank, Promsvyazbank and Novikombank). From Russia, transfers are allowed to close family members with the sum not exceeding USD 5,000 per month and only to countries that have not joined the US and EU sanctions imposed on Russia;
4. Using money transfer systems such as Golden Crown and Western Union. However, there are certain restrictions on the sum and conditions of money transfers (see more details on the respective websites or in offices).

Students are also encouraged to open an account with any Russian commercial bank that has not been imposed sanctions on. Following that, take the bank details on how to transfer money via SWIFT and send them to your family. They will be able to transfer money to this account from their foreign account. Upon receiving money to a Russian bank’s account, students can convert it into rubles and pay in Russia with their MIR cards.

You can also open a UnionPay International (China) card and let your family know the respective details or contact Golden Crown or Western Union offices to find out if money transfers from your country are possible.