The economist reminded the Russians about the current methods of payment abroad

There are several options

Against the backdrop of Western sanctions, Russians have lost the opportunity to use Visa and Mastercard cards issued in Russia abroad, in connection with which Russian citizens have to look for alternative ways to resolve the issue of paying for purchases abroad. Associate Professor of the Russian University of Economics G. V. Plekhanov, Nikolai Mrochkovsky, Candidate of Economic Sciences, gave advice to Russians on how it is currently possible to pay for purchases during foreign trips.

In conversation with Channel Five Mrochkovsky pointed to two main options available to Russians today. The first economist singled out the purchase of foreign currency in banks or exchange offices, which is the easiest way, but in this case the exchange rate will be higher than the exchange rate, and the difference can be about five rubles.

The second option, the expert called getting a card in a foreign bank, which is becoming more and more popular with Russians. At the same time, as Mrochkovsky noted, it is supposed to open an account and receive a card abroad. The specialist noted that this is now being done in Kazakh banks, as well as banks in Armenia, Uzbekistan and Turkey. According to the economist, this is not difficult at all, and many organizations even allow you to do this remotely.

The economist explained that after opening an account, funds are transferred to it in rubles, dollars or any other currency, and this card can be used to pay for services without any problems while in another country.

In addition, Mrochkovsky recalled that Russians can pay in some countries with cards of the domestic Mir payment system, but in this case it is important to consider that not all banks in states where support is declared accept these cards. The economist advised to clarify the list of available organizations on the official website of the payment system.

Another way to solve the problem with payment, according to the expert, is prepayment for services. Mrochkovsky explained that at the booking stage, many tours include flights, transfers, accommodation and meals at the hotel, especially since when forming a tour package, tour operators immediately offer to pay for excursions and entrance tickets to events. Thus, according to the economist, the vacationer will not need additional expenses and will be able to limit himself to a small amount of cash “for souvenirs”.

Mrochkovsky called the ideal solution to problems with payment a combination of different methods, so as not to depend, for example, only on cash that could be stolen.

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