Russia introduces its own SWIFT payment system

[countryfree]

The Russian National Payment Card System (NPCS) announced the issuance of co-badging cards with JCB of Japan in July. The card will work as Nabiullina described – as a Mir card in Russia and JCB abroad.

Sounds nice except that a JCB card is nearly useless in Europe or America, and totally unheard of in Africa. Russians travelers will still need a Visa or a MC if they want to pay with a credit card outside of Russia or Asia. This is what the Japanese do...