The Russian payment system Mir is increasingly being integrated into international transactions, with active discussions between Moscow and Cairo about accepting Mir cards in Egypt. This stance was confirmed by the Russian Ambassador to Egypt, Georgy Borisenko, through the press service of the Russian embassy in the republic. The message underscores ongoing dialogues aimed at expanding the role of Mir in bilateral trade networks and easing financial interactions for Russian travelers and businesses in Egypt.
Officials emphasize that conversations about shifting bilateral trade to national currencies have been ongoing since spring 2022. Beyond currency considerations, Moscow and Cairo are also exploring the creation of a free trade area between the Eurasian Economic Union and the Arab Republic of Egypt to deepen economic ties and simplify cross border commerce for a broader set of goods and services.
In July 2022, reports indicated that Mir began to be accepted for purchases in South Korea, a development listed by the card issuer on its official site. Similarly, Mir can be used on a subset of devices connected to the BC Card network in Turkey for paying for goods and services. However, cash withdrawals using Mir remain unavailable in Turkey at this time.
At present, Mir cards are accepted in eleven countries along with Turkey and South Korea, including Vietnam, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and regions such as South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The Russian side continues to evaluate additional partners and markets for Mir, with ongoing discussions about extending the system to Cuba, Egypt, and Venezuela as part of broader international cooperation.
Experts point out that the growing footprint of Mir supports Russia’s strategy to diversify payment arrangements and reduce reliance on any single international network. As negotiations with Egypt evolve, travelers and businesses may see smoother cross border payments and more options for settlement in a regional context. The situation remains dynamic, with official statements and bilateral talks guiding the pace and scope of expansion across different regions, while embedded digital payment ecosystems adapt to these shifts in international finance and commerce. Citations: Russian embassy press service confirmation and the issuer’s travel and merchant acceptance notices provide the framework for these developments.