I have no problem cross-dressing myself and be a woman for a handsome and horny straight guy. In fact, I am looking for a salon in Bangkok to do my makeup before going out to clubs
To be able to "go out" with customers (i.e. drinks, dinners) and earn the fees for those activities, the models need to be communicative and have fun personalities, not just being sex horses in bed. I don't think many models can do this.
And customers can pay in foreign currencies or the equivalent Rubles at the time of payment, although most merchants will probably prefer foreign currencies. And, I am talking about the hotels and things in Russia.
I don't think you have to commit yourself when you connect with someone from the APPS. You can promise to his taxi money to come meet you first. If the guy look quite different from his photos, you can just tell him no.
Not sure about African guys, but I have seen Russian escorts (this was before Covid), their prices were at least double the local Thai counterparts rates, and they were very popular among the affluent Thai customers.