No issues elsewhere, but in Russia, both ATMs and stores keep rejecting my card. Anyone know if this is common? Any banks that actually work?
My Mastercard was rejected everywhere in Russia, both at ATMs and shops. Due to restrictions, most Western cards simply don’t work. I had to rely on cash I brought in euros and exchanged at licensed money changers. Hotels and restaurants didn’t accept my card either. Daily expenses were around 4,000 RUB for meals and transport. If you’re traveling there, carry enough foreign cash to exchange-you won’t be able to rely on your bank card at all.
Got declined at five ATMs in a row in Kazan. Stores didn’t like my Irish card either. It’s a real issue now, even if your bank says “international ready.” I ended up exchanging euros at a random kiosk, which saved my trip. Now I travel with some cash cushion just in case. Russia’s not card-friendly anymore for foreigners.
My Revolut Visa didn’t work at most ATMs or terminals in Russia this May. Even tried Sberbank and Alfa-Bank-no luck. I got around it by exchanging USD in the city. A few expats I met were using Mir cards issued locally or had friends help with transfers. If you're staying long, a workaround might be necessary.
I had issues too-my UK Mastercard didn’t work at Tinkoff or VTB ATMs. Finally found a Raiffeisen Bank ATM in St. Petersburg that accepted it, but even then, it was hit or miss. Shops almost always declined it. I started using cash exclusively after a few embarrassing checkout moments. Definitely bring backup cash, maybe even a travel card with UnionPay.
Yeah, that’s been a problem since sanctions. Western cards (especially Visa or Mastercard issued outside Russia) often don’t work anymore. My US Visa got rejected at every ATM and most shops in Moscow. I relied on cash and used a local’s help to top up my Troika metro card. Bring USD or EUR to exchange if your card fails.