Alexander Osaulenko, Director of the Association “Turpomosch Association of Tour Operators in the Field of Outbound Tourism”, in his interview with RT commented Russian banks have reportedly started issuing payment cards for foreign tourists. According to him, the innovation will be suitable primarily for organized travelers.
“Because part of the organizational process of obtaining such cards will be undertaken by tour operators. And it is very important for a tourist to decide all these organizational issues before his tourist trip. And when he arrives he gets a pretty complete rest,” Osaulenko said.
He added that other support measures for foreign guests, such as extending the working hours of exchange offices, are currently being discussed.
How reported Russian banks have begun issuing payment cards in test mode for tourists from other countries, TASS reported, citing Nikita Kondratyev, head of the department of multilateral economic cooperation and special projects of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.
Kirill Tsarev, First Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sberbank last December saidHe said that YuMoney Bank’s money transfer service has started to open accounts and issue cards remotely for foreign citizens. According to him, tourists will be able to issue a virtual card through the Android application of the service and receive a plastic version upon arrival in Russia.
Previously reportedHe said that foreign tourists are starting to come to Russia more frequently.