Russian Internet users have a new means for payments, the world’s largest PAYPAL electronic payment system. Market participants say Runet may be attended by its owner, Internet auction eBAY. Until recently, some foreign Internet services have been inaccessible to Russian users just simply because they could be paid only via the PAYPAL system which did not handle payments from Russia.
However now PAYPAL services may be provided to Russians. Russia has been put on the list of countries where PAYPAL operates. However, PAYPAL services are now restricted for Russian users who may only use the system to pay for services or goods with their credit cards. It is now impossible to replenish the account or withdraw money from it unlike WEBMONEY and YANDEX system services. PAYPAL makes first steps towards Russia. The company has neither representative office nor Russian web site in the ru.zone as yet.
Source: VEDOMOSTI, October 16, 2006
