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Essential apps for living in Russia

A list of must-have apps for foreigners in Russia: navigation (Yandex Maps, 2GIS), taxi (Yandex Go), translation, banking apps, and backup communication channels.

Open guideStarts with: How to install RuStore on Android

Route

Where this fits

Check what usually comes before or after this guide.

Next stepLow Risk

How to use public transport in Russia

Maps, taxi, and transport apps make the transport-card guide easier to use.

Fast path

Do this in order

Start here if you only need the order. Detailed notes are lower on this page.

  1. Step 1

    Install navigation apps

    Yandex Maps is the primary app for public transport routes, finding addresses, and traffic. 2GIS is an alternative with building floor plans. Both work without registration.

    Tip: 2GIS was removed from the App Store due to sanctions. Download the APK from 2gis.ru or use the web version.

  2. Step 2

    Install a taxi app

    Yandex Go is the main taxi and food delivery service. Works with Russian and some foreign phone numbers.

    Tip: Pay for taxis with cash or a Russian bank card.

  3. Step 3

    Install a translation app

    Yandex Translate is the best option for Russian. Google Translate is an alternative with offline mode. Both support camera translation.

    Tip: Download the language pack in advance for offline translation.

  4. Step 4

    Prepare two communication channels

    Do not use a single messenger for important tasks. Telegram can still be useful for groups and news, but it should not be your only stable channel. MAX may be needed when local organizations ask for it; keep regular calls/SMS or email too.

    Tip: We do not recommend WhatsApp as a working channel in Russia: availability and registration may be unstable.

  5. Step 5

    Install a banking app

    Sberbank or T-Bank are the main banks. Apps have been removed from foreign App Stores. On Android, download the APK from the bank's official website.

    Tip: T-Bank (formerly Tinkoff) has the best English-language interface.

This guide is informational, not an official service. Requirements and app availability can change. Use the official links when you are ready to act.

Prepare

What you need

  • Smartphone (iOS or Android)

    Most apps are available on both platforms. Some banking apps have been removed from the App Store.

  • Russian SIM card

    Required for banking apps, Gosuslugi, delivery, and some local communication services.

Checklist

Mark it off

Before you start

  • Phone charged and connected to Wi-FiRequired
  • Russian SIM card insertedRequired
  • Enough storage on your phoneRecommended

After you are done

  • Yandex Maps installedRequired
  • Yandex Go installedRequired
  • At least two communication channels are readyRequired
  • Translation app installedRequired
  • Banking app installedRecommended

Details

Detailed notes

Use these notes when the fast path is not enough. Each step shows what to do, how to check it, and what to avoid.

  1. Step 1

    Browser

    Install navigation apps

    1Open official page
    2Check address
    3Continue

    Step 1

    Install navigation apps

    Yandex Maps is the primary app for public transport routes, finding addresses, and traffic. 2GIS is an alternative with building floor plans. Both work without registration.

    Do

    Open the official or provider page linked from this guide, then follow the page instructions.

    Check

    Check the domain, page title, and provider name before you enter details or download anything.

    Avoid

    Avoid links from random chats, unofficial mirrors, or pages that imitate a provider.

    Tip

    2GIS was removed from the App Store due to sanctions. Download the APK from 2gis.ru or use the web version.

  2. Step 2

    Browser

    Install a taxi app

    1Open official page
    2Check address
    3Continue

    Step 2

    Install a taxi app

    Yandex Go is the main taxi and food delivery service. Works with Russian and some foreign phone numbers.

    Do

    Open the official or provider page linked from this guide, then follow the page instructions.

    Check

    Check the domain, page title, and provider name before you enter details or download anything.

    Avoid

    Avoid links from random chats, unofficial mirrors, or pages that imitate a provider.

    Tip

    Pay for taxis with cash or a Russian bank card.

  3. Step 3

    Browser

    Install a translation app

    1Open official page
    2Check address
    3Continue

    Step 3

    Install a translation app

    Yandex Translate is the best option for Russian. Google Translate is an alternative with offline mode. Both support camera translation.

    Do

    Open the official or provider page linked from this guide, then follow the page instructions.

    Check

    Check the domain, page title, and provider name before you enter details or download anything.

    Avoid

    Avoid links from random chats, unofficial mirrors, or pages that imitate a provider.

    Tip

    Download the language pack in advance for offline translation.

  4. Step 4

    Browser

    Official page

    1Open official page
    2Check address
    3Continue

    Step 4

    Prepare two communication channels

    Do not use a single messenger for important tasks. Telegram can still be useful for groups and news, but it should not be your only stable channel. MAX may be needed when local organizations ask for it; keep regular calls/SMS or email too.

    Do

    Open the official or provider page linked from this guide, then follow the page instructions.

    Check

    Check the domain, page title, and provider name before you enter details or download anything.

    Avoid

    Avoid links from random chats, unofficial mirrors, or pages that imitate a provider.

    Tip

    We do not recommend WhatsApp as a working channel in Russia: availability and registration may be unstable.

  5. Step 5

    Browser

    Install a banking app

    1Open official page
    2Check address
    3Continue

    Step 5

    Install a banking app

    Sberbank or T-Bank are the main banks. Apps have been removed from foreign App Stores. On Android, download the APK from the bank's official website.

    Do

    Open the official or provider page linked from this guide, then follow the page instructions.

    Check

    Check the domain, page title, and provider name before you enter details or download anything.

    Avoid

    Avoid links from random chats, unofficial mirrors, or pages that imitate a provider.

    Tip

    T-Bank (formerly Tinkoff) has the best English-language interface.

Open when needed

Useful links

Open these when a step points you to an official page, provider page, or child guide.

Download and install

GuideHow to install RuStore on AndroidA separate guide for when Google Play does not show Russian apps.GuideHow to download apps safelyThe baseline rule: official website, RuStore/App Store, web version, and developer checks.GuideYandex Maps: where to download and how to startRuStore, official web fallback, and first steps after installation.GuideYandex Go: taxi setup without guessingWhere to download, how to check the address, payment method, and car before a ride.Official linkYandex Maps in RuStoreOfficial app page in RuStore.Service state checked May 15, 2026www.rustore.ruOfficial linkYandex Go in RuStoreOfficial app page in RuStore.Service state checked May 15, 2026www.rustore.ruOfficial link2GIS web versionOpen it in a browser if the app is not installed yet.Service state checked May 15, 20262gis.ruOfficial link2GIS in RuStoreOfficial 2GIS page in RuStore for Android.Service state checked May 15, 2026www.rustore.ruOfficial linkMAX official siteLocal messenger that Russian organizations may ask you to use. Keep a backup channel.Service state checked May 15, 2026max.ruOfficial linkYandex TranslateOfficial web translator, usable without installing the app.Service state checked May 15, 2026translate.yandex.ruOfficial linkGoogle Translate webOfficial web version if the app is unavailable in the store.Service state checked May 15, 2026translate.google.comOfficial linkGosuslugiOfficial government portal. Many actions require a verified account and a Russian number.www.gosuslugi.ruOfficial linkMaxim official app pageTaxi alternative; check your city and payment method before riding.Service state checked May 15, 2026taximaxim.com

Avoid

Common traps

Relying on Google Maps

Google Maps works poorly in Russia. Yandex Maps is much more accurate for routes and traffic.

Not downloading an offline translator

Internet can be unstable. Download a language pack for offline translation in advance.

Looking for apps in a foreign App Store

Some Russian apps have been removed from the App Store/Google Play. Download APKs from official websites only.

Memory aid

Save the route

Use this as a quick reminder after reading the steps.

AppsMODERATE RISK

Essential apps

Install the tools you will actually need for maps, taxis, translation, messaging, and payments.

Do
  • Install maps
  • Add taxi and translator
  • Use official sources
Don't
  • Rely only on foreign stores
  • Use random APK mirrors
  • Share SMS codes
Verified Jun 20, 2026ruvoya.ru

Questions

Quick answers

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Next

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