Payments without Mastercard and Visa: 7 alternative methods

Contents:

• How to pay in app stores?
• The future of online stores in Russia: what will change?
• The Mir payment system: opportunities and benefits for users
• Payment by phone: what you need to know?
• How can the Chinese payment system UnionPay help Russians?
• What should Russians do while abroad?
• Should you switch to cryptocurrency?

How do I pay in app stores?

Since March 10, 2023, Russian card users have faced restrictions on purchases on international platforms, including popular app stores. While Google Play has restricted access to all paid features, Apple device owners can use an alternative solution - top-up through a mobile operator. This option allows users to continue accessing paid apps and services despite the existing restrictions.

To make a payment in the App Store, follow these steps:

Open the App Store app on your device. Find the app or content you want to purchase. Tap the get or buy button. If you are not already signed in to your Apple ID account, you will be prompted to do so. Enter your account information. Select a payment method and confirm the transaction. Make sure you have sufficient funds on the linked payment method. After successful payment, the content will be available for download or use.

Follow these guidelines to ensure secure and fast payment on the App Store.

• Open your device's Settings and select your Apple ID;
• Go to the "Payment & Shipping" section;
• Add a new payment method - mobile phone;
• Enter your phone number and verification code to confirm.

We tested this method and, after several trials, successfully linked phone payments to our Apple ID. This process proved effective and allows us to conveniently manage our financial transactions. Now we can easily make purchases and subscriptions using our Apple ID.

There are several ways to bypass financial restrictions on different platforms. For example, you can top up your Steam account using PayBerry and Qiwi payment systems. These methods allow users to quickly and easily manage their finances and make purchases without any hassle.

To make a payment on Steam using Qiwi, follow the steps below. First, open the Steam client or go to the official website. Then, select the game or item you want to purchase and add it to your cart. Then, proceed to checkout. Select Qiwi as your payment method. You will be asked to enter the phone number associated with your Qiwi account and confirm the transaction. Once the payment is successfully completed, you will have access to the purchased content. Please note that you may need to have a sufficient balance in your account to use Qiwi.

• Download the Qiwi app and register in the system;
• Link it to your account on Gosuslugi;
• Add an account in Kazakhstani tenge and set it as your primary account;
• Transfer the required amount to the tenge account;
• Find Steam in the list of services and send the required amount.

Funds are credited to your account almost instantly, and the conversion of tenge to rubles is carried out automatically. This simplifies the process of transferring funds and allows users to quickly and conveniently manage their finances.

The payment process in PayBerry has become even more convenient - now you can make payments directly from your ruble account.

The Future of Online Shopping in Russia: What Will Change?

The payment situation at foreign online stores has changed significantly for Russian cardholders. Currently, major international payment systems have suspended their services, making it impossible to use Russian cards abroad. However, AliExpress continues to accept payments from Visa, Mastercard, and Mir cards. This makes it the only available option for Russian consumers wishing to make purchases outside the country. Thus, despite the restrictions, AliExpress remains an important platform for Russian shoppers in the changed financial situation.

The operation of Russian online stores and marketplaces will not be affected by the departure of Western payment systems. All companies that accept payments to Russian accounts continue to serve customers using only local bank cards. For example, Ozon confirmed that their service will remain accessible and stable for both sellers and buyers. Similarly, platforms such as Apteka.ru, Lamoda, Yandex.Market, KazanExpress, and Wildberries continue to operate unchanged. This demonstrates that Russian e-commerce remains viable and ready to adapt to new conditions, ensuring convenience and accessibility for its users. According to the latest data, demand for goods in Russian online stores remains high, confirming the stability of the domestic market. According to analytical agencies, e-commerce volumes in Russia could increase by 20% in 2023. This growth is driven by changes in consumer habits and a shift to local platforms. The increased interest in online shopping is driven by the convenience and accessibility of online retail, which is fueling the sector's further development. In the face of increasing competition and changing customer preferences, online stores must adapt and offer high-quality service to successfully retain customers and attract new ones.

Mir Payment System: Features and Benefits for Users

Amid global economic instability, Russia launched its own payment system, Mir, aimed at ensuring financial independence and security. This system was created in response to the challenges arising from disconnection from international payment services such as SWIFT, and also replaced such well-known brands as Mastercard and Visa. Currently, the Mir payment system operates successfully not only in Russia but also in ten other countries, confirming its growing popularity and reliability. The system offers users a wide range of services and opportunities, which makes it an important element of the financial infrastructure.

According to the Central Bank of Russia, the payment system Mir offers users a wide range of banking services abroad. Mir cardholders can easily make payments and withdraw cash in various countries. This makes the system a convenient tool for traveling and international transactions, providing access to finances anywhere in the world.

• Turkey - transactions through banks Turkiye Is Bankasi, Ziraat Bankasi, VakifBank;
• Vietnam - use of the NAPAS infrastructure (BIDV, VRB banks);
• Armenia - access to the services of banks participating in the ArCa system;
• Uzbekistan - work with devices of the Uzcard payment system;
• Belarus - support through the Belkart and VTB Belarus systems;
• Kazakhstan - the ability to use cards in VTB, Sberbank, People's Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Halyk Bank), Center-Credit Bank;
• Kyrgyzstan - access to the services of banks participating in the Elkart payment system;
• Tajikistan - work with devices of the payment system Korti Milli and Express Pay (Dushanbe City) systems;
• South Ossetia — support from the National Bank of the Republic of South Ossetia;
• Abkhazia — access through the APRA payment system.

Payment by phone: what you need to know?

According to the latest data from the Central Bank of Russia, the withdrawal of international payment systems Mastercard and Visa from the country has significantly limited the ability to use their cards in the Apple Pay and Google Pay mobile applications. This change has had a significant impact on users' financial transactions, requiring them to seek alternative contactless payment solutions.

Alternative solutions exist that allow users to continue making contactless payments using NFC technology. These options provide convenience and security, making them attractive to users seeking modern payment methods.

• You can connect a Mir card issued by a bank not subject to sanctions to Apple Pay. We tested this method and were able to register a card from Tinkoff Bank, although it took several attempts.
• For Android devices, the Mir Pay app is available, which is compatible with Mir cards, allowing users to continue contactless transactions.
• Sber card users can use the Sber Pay service, which also supports NFC payments.

How can the Chinese payment system UnionPay help Russians?

In the context of current economic sanctions and restrictions, more and more Russians are turning to cards from the Chinese payment system UnionPay. This system covers 180 countries and allows transactions in yuan, providing a convenient alternative for those wishing to make purchases abroad. Using UnionPay cards is becoming an important tool for simplifying international payments and ensuring financial independence in the current environment. UnionPay cards are available in both fully Chinese and co-branded versions, meaning they can be used in conjunction with the Russian Mir payment system. This combination provides convenience and flexibility for payments both within Russia and abroad. UnionPay card users can easily make purchases, withdraw cash, and make transfers, making them an ideal choice for travel and everyday spending. Currently, 11 Russian banks offer UnionPay cards. This list presents financial institutions that provide their clients with access to this international payment system. UnionPay is becoming increasingly popular, offering convenient payment options both in Russia and abroad. The list of banks issuing UnionPay cards includes reliable and proven organizations, which guarantees high quality of service and transaction security.

• Rosselkhozbank (under sanctions)
• Gazprombank (under sanctions)
• Vostochny Bank
• Solidarity Bank
• Saint Petersburg Bank
• Promsvyazbank (under sanctions)
• All-Russian Regional Development Bank
• Primorie Bank
• Zenit Bank
• Pochta Bank

According to UnionPay, the number of Russian banks integrated into this payment system is projected to increase in the near future. Many financial institutions have already expressed their intention to connect to UnionPay, demonstrating growing interest in alternative payment solutions in Russia.

When using UnionPay, it's important to keep in mind that its functionality varies across countries. In some regions, access to the system is limited, and only a few banks or merchants support it. Expert Alexey Ryazantsev, in his blog "Chinese: A User's Guide," notes that UnionPay is most actively used in Asian countries. In Europe, UnionPay cards are accepted primarily at locations popular with Chinese tourists. For example, in Italy, the system is available at 85% of ATMs, while in Estonia, despite the system's official presence, it is not connected to a single ATM. This indicates that it is worth checking in advance about the availability of UnionPay services in a particular country before traveling.

What should Russians do while abroad?

Russian citizens abroad may face difficulties in financial matters. Mir cards remain the main payment system available for international settlements. However, it should be noted that their use is limited and is only available in certain countries. This may create certain difficulties for Russians, since not all international retail outlets accept this payment system. It is important to familiarize yourself with the possibilities of using Mir cards abroad in advance to avoid unpleasant situations when making purchases or paying for services.

If you urgently need money abroad, you can ask relatives or close friends to make a transfer through a bank that continues to work with the SWIFT system. Please note that the limit on such transfers is 5 thousand dollars per month. You can send funds to foreigners in a similar manner. However, it's worth remembering that transferring funds to your foreign bank account is not possible due to the presidential decree of March 1.

The Central Bank of Russia allows residents to make transfers abroad to pay for education, medical services, and utility bills. It's important to note that such transfers must be made to the accounts of foreign organizations that provide these services. This simplifies the process of obtaining necessary services abroad and promotes the development of educational and medical programs for Russian citizens.

When planning a trip abroad, it's worth ensuring you have sufficient cash. Keep in mind that you can take a maximum of $10,000 out of Russia, which may limit your financial needs abroad. It's recommended to budget your trip in advance and factor in all possible expenses to avoid any unpleasant situations during your trip.

Should I Switch to Cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency is an effective alternative to traditional international payment systems. It allows for unlimited transfers of funds abroad and the ability to pay for goods and services in a number of international online stores. This opens up new opportunities for users, expanding access to the global economy and simplifying financial transactions. Using cryptocurrency helps reduce fees and speed up payment processing, making it an attractive option for people and businesses around the world.

Choosing a crypto exchange requires special attention. The cryptocurrency market is constantly changing. Platforms such as Qmall and BTC-Alpha, as well as Korean Upbit and Bithumb, have stopped serving Russian users, freezing their accounts. Furthermore, Kuna has stopped supporting ruble pairs, and CEX.IO has suspended new user registrations from Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. It is important to take these changes into account when choosing a crypto exchange to avoid problems with access and trading.

Large crypto exchanges, such as Coinbase and Binance continue to operate in Russia despite the sanctions. They have frozen only certain wallets associated with the sanctions lists, but are not restricting access for all users in the country. EXMO and Binance have reiterated their position, ensuring access to services for Russian clients. Coinbase has stated its readiness to comply with US government requirements. Although Visa and Mastercard cards are unavailable to Binance users in Russia, this does not affect P2P trading, which remains in demand. Investing.com financial expert Yana Shebalina believes that in the current environment, the optimal way to acquire cryptocurrency is through P2P services. Storing all assets on an exchange can be risky, as it increases the likelihood of account freezing. Yana recommends considering decentralized platforms such as PancakeSwap, Uniswap, and dYdX, which offer a higher level of security and protection for users. Choosing such services helps minimize risks and increase control over your cryptocurrency investments.

Finam Financial Group analyst Sergei Perekhod emphasizes that using cryptocurrencies for domestic settlements is impractical, as the Mir system fully meets these needs. However, cryptocurrencies may be useful for cross-border transactions, as they offer additional opportunities. Currently, Russians can conduct such transactions without fear of legal liability.

Currently, there is no real risk of criminal prosecution for individuals buying or selling cryptocurrency. However, the potential legalization of crypto assets may entail the obligation to declare income and pay taxes. This opinion was expressed in an interview with Skillbox Media. It is important to monitor changes in legislation, as they can significantly impact the cryptocurrency market and the financial responsibility of participants.

Experts advise choosing stablecoins, as their link to real assets provides greater reliability. However, more popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum will still be required to complete transactions. Using stablecoins in conjunction with leading cryptocurrencies helps ensure a balance between stability and liquidity in the market.

• How can cryptocurrency help protect your finances? Answers to current questions about working with crypto exchanges.
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