Russia has a vast land and abundant resources, a complete education system, and a strong cultural atmosphere. It attracts international students from all over the world every year. Here I have compiled a guide for applying for a bank card for studying in Russia. I hope it will be helpful to you.

1. Debit card

1. Hua Xia Bank Card

Many students who have lived in Russia will recommend the "Hua Xia Bank" card, which is the most common. That's fine. And it will bind bank cards to Alipay and WeChat in China. First, it is because Hua Xia Bank’s card is simple to apply for. It is just an ordinary UnionPay card and can be applied for at any outlet. Second, this card can deposit RMB in China and directly withdraw rubles from ATMs with the UnionPay logo in Russia.

Parents can also use Alipay or WeChat to remit money to their children in China, which is very convenient. Third, there is no handling fee for cross-border withdrawals with Hua Xia Bank cards for the first withdrawal of less than 20,000 yuan per day, and a handling fee of 12 yuan for each withdrawal from the second withdrawal. The first three inquiries per day are free of charge. From the fourth inquiry onwards, a handling fee of RMB 2 will be charged for each inquiry. Moreover, you can also pay by credit card in many stores with the UnionPay logo in Russia.

Generally, in Russian schools, shopping malls, and subway stations, there are ATM machines that can take UnionPay cards, such as ВТБ, Росбанк, банк Москвы.

2. Hengfeng Bank Jiuzhou Card

This card has the same properties as the Hua Xia Bank Card. They are all free functions for the first inter-bank withdrawal every day. It is also an ordinary UnionPay debit card. It is more convenient for parents to save money in China and for students to withdraw money abroad. However, considering that Hengfeng Bank’s coverage in China is very small, most of them are only available in the south, so if you have Hengfeng, you can apply for a Hengfeng card. If you don’t have one, you have to choose Hua Xia Bank.

In fact, UnionPay cards from many domestic banks can be used in Russia, but when applying, you need to inquire whether you need to activate overseas services and whether there are any handling fees. Generally, small local banks do not charge handling fees, but I personally recommend Hua Xia Card. Below is a list of handling fees charged by various banks for using UnionPay cards at overseas ATM machines for your reference.

2. Credit card

If you consider paying by card in Russia, although UnionPay cards can now be swiped in many places, visa and master cards are more convenient. However, the visa and master cards of domestic banks are settled in US dollars, and then there will be a certain exchange rate loss when transferring RMB. Here are some commonly used credit cards.

1. Bank of China

BOC Credit Card is a dual-currency credit card issued by Bank of China under the "Bank of China" brand. It features consumption first, repayment later, interest-free repayment period, The revolving credit function such as the minimum repayment amount can be used for transactions at all special merchants and ATMs connected with VISA, MasterCard, and China UnionPay at home and abroad. It is a credit card that complies with international standards and is universally accepted. Bank of China's credit card allows you to apply for an additional card for children over 16 years old, which facilitates parents' supervision of their children's consumption and repayment. It is a more convenient credit card.

2. China Construction Bank

The Dragon Card dual-currency credit card is a standard credit card product of China Construction Bank and is internationally accepted. Spend first and repay later. You can enjoy up to 50 days of interest-free period for consumption. , foreign currency transactions can be repaid in RMB. Dragon Card dual-currency credit card has two brands: VISA and MasterCard. One card has dual currencies. Domestic and overseas UnionPay network transactions are settled in RMB, and overseas non-UnionPay network transactions are settled in US dollars. Unlike Bank of China, CCB Dragon Card can apply for additional cards for children over 13 years old.

I would like to remind you that no matter which bank you apply for a credit card, you must apply in advance, so as to ensure that you can get the credit card before leaving the country.

Before going abroad, you still need to prepare some cash with you. This can be exchanged for rubles at the Bank of China, but you need to make an appointment in advance.