Using Credit/Debit Cards in Russia

they've always worked. I'm not aware of any changes that may impact that?

The new payment clearing system will be in parallel to SWIFT aligned systems but will work even if the US prevents Visa and MasterCard from working in Russia. That was the whole reason other countries are signing up for the new system, to insure non-political use of cards for payment. The cards have not been distributed yet but it is estimated 200,000,000 will be before the end of 2015. There will be many 3rd parties who interface between the western SWIFT controlled system and the systems being rolled out in the BRIC countries. When VISA and MasterCard were directed to cut off major banks in Russia it sent shock waves through the international financial community and a number of countries set plans to create neutral systems including China, Brazil and Russia.

Thank you all so much for your help! Your postings really help me with my question.

Actually, my father has a problem with Raiffeisenbank`s card. He can make purchases with it, but cannot transfer money 2 my card (major russian bank). Both are visa classic. So i presume you wont have any problems with cards, but id better think about always having some amount of cash with you in case your card doesnt work.

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