Since the departure of international payment systems from Russia, citizens have faced several limitations when using their cards abroad. However, applying for cards in neighboring countries such as Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan has helped solve this problem. Let's take a closer look at the process of obtaining cards in each of these countries, starting with Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan remains one of the most attractive countries for Russians to apply for banking cards, thanks to its friendly policies towards Russia and its geographic proximity.
Advantages:
- Diplomatic Relations: Uzbekistan maintains strong ties with both Russia and Europe, making Visa and Mastercard issued by Uzbek banks usable in most foreign countries.
- Available Payment Systems: In Uzbekistan, you can open a card with payment systems like Visa, Mastercard, as well as local systems like Humo and UZCARD. It is recommended to choose international systems for ease of transfers from Russia, while Humo and UZCARD are useful for travel within Uzbekistan.
- Documents: To apply for a card, you'll need a Russian passport for foreign travel, temporary registration in Uzbekistan, a personal identification number (PINFL), and a local phone number for bank notifications.
- Processing Time: The application process can take up to 20 minutes, with card issuance taking about 3-4 business days. In some cases, the bank's decision may take up to two weeks.
- Card Replenishment: To top up your card from Russia, it is advisable to open both an international card and a local one (Uzcard or Humo) to avoid transfer issues and benefit from favorable exchange rates. You can top up the card through Russian banking apps like "Tinkoff" or "Sberbank Online," or via systems like "MTS Money" and "Zolotaya Korona."
Kyrgyzstan
According to "Arguments and Facts" (Аргументы и факты), applying for a card in Kyrgyzstan is one of the most convenient options for Russians. The process is simple and straightforward.
Advantages:
- Quick Procedure: To open an account, you only need a foreign passport with an entry stamp and a completed application form at the bank.
- Local SIM Card: A SIM card is required to receive notifications and confirmation codes from the bank. Some banks may require temporary registration or an employment contract for non-residents.
- Card Replenishment: Transfers from Russia are fast and hassle-free, making these cards convenient for use abroad.
Tajikistan
Tajikistan offers a budget-friendly and accessible option for Russians with minimal requirements for card application.
Advantages:
- Minimal Documents: A scanned copy of a foreign passport is sufficient to apply for a card in Tajikistan.
- Fast Processing: Cards are issued quickly, and money can be transferred from Russian cards in just 1-2 minutes.
- Favorable Exchange Rate: This makes Tajik bank cards an economical option for frequent currency exchanges.
- Russian-Language Instructions: Banks provide detailed instructions in Russian for card replenishment and use.
Kazakhstan
Applying for a card in Kazakhstan involves a more complex process than in other countries, but it remains a reliable option.
Advantages and Features:
- Documents: To open an account, you will need a foreign passport, Russian passport, and a taxpayer identification number (TIN), which can be obtained at the Kazakh embassy in Moscow or at a public service center in Kazakhstan.
- Local SIM Card: A local SIM card is mandatory for receiving bank notifications. The process can take up to a week.
- Card Replenishment: SWIFT transfers are possible but have recently faced delays, and the process can take up to three days.
Uzbekistan stands out as one of the most attractive options for Russians due to its proximity, the ease of applying for cards, and its strong connection to international payment systems. Kyrgyzstan offers simplicity and speed, Tajikistan provides a budget-friendly solution with minimal documentation, and Kazakhstan offers reliability but with longer processing times.
It was also recently announced that Uzbekistan plans to launch mobile payment systems such as PayPal, Apple Pay, Alipay, UniPay, and Google Pay by the end of 2024. The Central Bank, the Ministry of Digital Technologies, and the Tourism Development Committee will hold negotiations with major online services for their integration into the national payment systems, with potential changes to legislation if necessary.
Additionally, Kazakhstan’s fintech company Kaspi.kz has expressed interest in acquiring a 100% stake in the National Interbank Processing Center, the operator of the Humo system. Kaspi.kz is the largest fintech company in Kazakhstan, with a market capitalization of around $24bn.
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