MOSCOW: Russia’s National Card Payment System (NSPK) has said it had started its Mir payment cards in Cuba, making the country to join Moscow’s substitute to Visa (V.N) and Mastercard (MA. N).
Mir Payment cards have become more important since the US suspended operations in Russia after a war between Moscow and Kyiv started. Their payment cards which were issued in Russia stopped working abroad.
Russia’ NSPK said the cards will first be accepted in popular tourist destinations, including the capital Havana, and the resort town of Varadero.
Russia has been trying to develop friendly ties with the countries who have not imposed sanctions against Moscow over its actions in Ukraine.
READ ALSO: Saudi Crown Prince, Qatari Amir Co-Chair Meeting of Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council: SPA
Banks in some of the countries, including Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, stopped Mir transactions after the US Treasury put NSPK’s head on its sanctions list and said those working with NSPK could also face sanctions.
Though the reach of Russian bank cards is limited due to sanctions there are countries who are keen to move forward with Russia’s National Card Payment System.
