Between zero problems getting as many cards and accounts as one wants, instant issue virtual cards and NFC/apps on the phones here in Russia, those stories from US sound ridiculous.

I only carry plastic because I find paying with the phone a bit cumbersome and besides the card doesn't have a battery and fits better in a pocket.

I have multiple spares laying around just in case. Sometimes the cats hide one, so what, the branch office is in 15 minutes walking distance.

Internet access is better and much cheaper too.

Maybe because Russia haven't had monstrous incumbents in either place and as a result the market worked as intended.