Russian banks start testing first bankcards for foreigners

MOSCOW. Feb 2 (Interfax) - Russian banks are testing the first cards for foreign tourists so that they can make non-cash payments in Russia, Nikita Kondratyev, director of the department of multilateral economic cooperation and special projects at the Russian Ministry of Economic Development said.

"We are now actively working with interested banks. Now the banks are starting to create a financial product for foreigners and are already conducting their first test launches of cards for tourists," Kondratyev said on Friday during the strategic session of the Russian Travel Industry Union.

He noted that the country also hopes for the development of Chinese payment systems. "Our large-scale task is to competently promote Russia as an attractive tourist destination. We have untapped potential, so it is necessary to create an attractive tourist image of Russia. If previously this was created through the efforts of individual regions, now we want to do this comprehensively," Kondratyev said.

In June, the State Duma adopted a law that will allow foreign tourists to pay with Mir cards in Russia. This will give Russian banks the right to open accounts for foreign tourists and legal entities without their personal presence or the presence of their representatives. Using an electronic card, a tourist will be able to book a tour, and upon arriving in Russia, pay for services and make purchases.