Wondering how to pay for metro and bus rides in Russia - cash only, or do cards work too?
Russia has metros in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and a few other cities. In Moscow, I bought a Troika card at a kiosk in Pushkinskaya station and topped it up with my Visa card at a Sberbank machine. Buses, trams, and the metro all accept Troika. In St. Petersburg, I used the Podorozhnik card in a similar way. While some buses in smaller towns still take cash, in big cities cards and contactless are widely supported. Keep rubles handy though, as not every driver has change.
Couldn’t figure out how to pay on the trolleybus in Kazan, so just handed the driver a 50-ruble note and got waved through. In Moscow, metro stations had English signs, and the ticket windows took cash easily. Card payments worked sometimes, but it was random. I kept coins and small bills ready-way less stressful that way.
Public transport in big cities is modern, but still tricky for foreigners. I had to use cash to load my Troika in Moscow. The NFC terminals on buses didn’t like my foreign card, but the ride was only 50 RUB or so. If you’re staying more than a few days, definitely get the transport card-it saves hassle and money.
Metro in St. Petersburg is easy with the Podorozhnik card. Bought one at the station using cash and refilled at kiosks. Tried using my Visa to pay directly at the turnstile-declined. Bus drivers don’t handle change well, so exact fare or prepaid card is best. Don't rely on tapping a foreign card.
In Moscow, I used the Troika card for metro and buses-super convenient. Paid cash at the machine to load it. Some stations have card options, but foreign cards didn’t always work. Buses are contactless, but same issue-Russian cards only. Just top up Troika with cash and you're good.