For years Splitwise and Tricount were the default answer to "how do we split expenses on a trip?" But since 2022, Russian users keep hitting the same walls: you can't pay for a Pro subscription with a Russian card, some features demand a VPN, and support communicates only in English. If your app keeps nagging about limits or a payment you can't make, it's time for a replacement.
What exactly breaks for Russian users
- Payment. Splitwise Pro and Tricount Premium are billed through foreign payment systems that decline Russian cards.
- Free-tier limits. Splitwise now caps the number of expenses you can add per day on the free plan and pushes upgrades constantly.
- Access. App-store availability and updates are inconsistent; some features expect a stable connection to foreign servers.
- Language. No full Russian localization, which matters when you send the group to less tech-savvy relatives.
What to look for in a replacement
Not every "alternative" solves the actual problem. A real replacement should:
- work without a foreign card and without a paywall on core features;
- run in the browser so nobody has to install anything;
- not require every participant to register an account;
- speak Russian and use the ruble by default;
- simplify debts automatically — one transfer instead of ten.
The options, honestly compared
| Service | Works from Russia | Catch |
|---|---|---|
| Splitwise | Partially (VPN for payment) | Paywall, expense limits, English only |
| Tricount | Partially | Premium unpayable, ads on free tier |
| Settle Up | Partially | App install required, foreign billing for Pro |
| A shared spreadsheet | Yes | Manual formulas, easy to break, no debt simplification |
| DeliBabki | Yes, no VPN | Web-only (which is also the point) |
How to migrate in five minutes
You don't need to export anything from your old app. Settling the current trip and starting fresh is faster:
- Open DeliBabki and create a group.
- Add the participants — first names are enough, no accounts.
- Enter the expenses you still owe for, marking who paid.
- Send the group link to everyone in a messenger.
- The app shows the minimal set of transfers to settle up — see how debt simplification works.
Frequently asked questions
Does Splitwise work in Russia in 2026?
It opens, but you can't pay for Pro with a Russian card and the free tier limits expenses. A Russian web alternative avoids both problems.
Do I need a VPN?
For foreign apps, often yes — for payment and stable access. A Russian web service runs directly in the browser without one.
Is there a free alternative in Russian?
Yes — DeliBabki is free, in Russian, with no registration and no expense limits. Read our overview of free Splitwise alternatives.
Try it right now
No card, no VPN, no installation. Create a group and send the link to your friends.
Create Free Group 🚀