If you’re looking to send money to Russia—whether for family, purchases, or other financial obligations—you’ve likely faced challenges. Today, this process has become increasingly difficult. Sanctions block transfers through traditional banks, the disconnection of several Russian banks from SWIFT creates additional hurdles, and traditional international money transfer systems like MoneyGram are no longer available.

So how can you transfer money despite these limitations? Which methods guarantee successful transactions, and what should you do if the bank you’re using is under sanctions?

For those who need to send money quickly and with minimal risks, traditional bank transfers may be disappointing, prompting a search for reliable alternatives. Below, we explore the main available methods and explain how NoWALL ensures your transfers are as safe and efficient as possible.

We will provide a detailed breakdown of the available transfer methods, step-by-step instructions, and key considerations for each option. Additionally, we’ll explain how NoWALL bypasses barriers to make transfers as fast and reliable as possible.

Available Money Transfer Methods in 2024 and Their Features

Bank Transfers

Bank transfers remain a classic option, but under current conditions, they may not work for everyone. Since 2022, several major Russian banks have been disconnected from SWIFT, complicating transfers. However, transfers are still possible through banks like Gazprombank, Rosbank, Raiffeisenbank, and Alfa-Bank, albeit with some limitations.

How to Make a Bank Transfer:

• Ensure the recipient’s bank supports SWIFT and is not under sanctions. Transfers can only be made to accounts connected to SWIFT.
• Be mindful of limits: Many banks impose caps on transfers for individuals. The Russian Central Bank allows transfers up to $1 million or the equivalent in foreign currency per month, but limits may vary by bank.
• Bank transfers typically take several days to a week, and fees can range from 1% to 5%, depending on the destination and currency.

Disadvantages of Bank Transfers:

• Slow processing: Transfers can take up to a week, especially if additional checks are required.
• High fees: Banks often charge significant fees, including hidden costs, making transfers less economical.
• Risk of blocks: Transfers may be frozen if the bank or recipient’s country is under sanctions.

Bank transfers are secure but slow and prone to rejection if the recipient’s bank is sanctioned. It’s important to verify current sanctions lists to avoid delays or blocked funds.

Money Transfer Systems

Traditional systems like Western Union and MoneyGram have suspended operations in Russia. Amid these sanctions, systems like Unistream and Zolotaya Korona remain among the few options available for sending money to Russia, but their use comes with restrictions, particularly when transferring from Europe.

Unistream

Unistream currently operates in 17 countries, including seven in Europe: Greece, Cyprus, the UK, Turkey, Moldova, Italy, and Belarus. However, transfers from most major European countries (e.g., Germany, Spain) may be restricted.

• Minimum transfer amount: 50 to 300,000 RUB.
• Currency conversion: Transfers in foreign currencies (e.g., EUR, USD) can only be received in RUB, with rates set by Unistream, which may differ significantly from official exchange rates.
• Speed: Transfers are usually completed in minutes.
• Fees: Depend on the sender’s country.

How to Send and Receive Transfers via Unistream:

• The sender must visit a bank or office supporting Unistream and provide the recipient’s details: country, city, full name, and phone number.
• In Russia, funds can be collected at Unistream offices or partner banks like Post Bank or Rosselkhozbank.

Zolotaya Korona (Korona Pay)

Transfers via Zolotaya Korona have also faced restrictions due to sanctions, making it impossible to send money from many European countries. However, transfers are still supported from countries like Uzbekistan and select European nations.

• Transfer limits: Minimum: 4 EUR; Maximum: 5,000 EUR.
• Fees and rates: No fees for currency conversion, but exchange rates may be less favorable than Unistream’s.
• How to send: Transfers must be made through the app using a local bank card.
• How to receive: Funds can be collected as cash or credited to a card.

Note: Both systems restrict transfers for business transactions, investments, or income from securities.

Cryptocurrency Transfers

Cryptocurrencies have become a popular method for bypassing sanctions and banking restrictions. Funds are sent to the recipient’s wallet, and they can convert cryptocurrency to local currency via exchanges or exchange services.

How to Send Cryptocurrency:

1. Create a cryptocurrency wallet and purchase the desired cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin or Ethereum).
2. Transfer it to the recipient’s wallet, who can exchange it for fiat currency on a local exchange or via an exchanger.

Disadvantages of Cryptocurrency Transfers:

• Volatility: Cryptocurrency values may fluctuate, affecting the final amount received.
• Complexity: Requires knowledge and experience with wallets and exchanges.
• Regulatory restrictions: Some countries limit cryptocurrency usage, complicating transactions.

How NoWall’s Transfer System Works

NoWall offers a unique solution to the challenges of money transfers. We use proprietary liquidity and operate through branches in six countries: the UK, Czech Republic, Spain, Hong Kong, Estonia, and the UAE. The key to our speed is that rubles sent to Russia remain within the country, while foreign currency stays abroad. NoWall acts as an intermediary, ensuring seamless exchanges without crossing borders.

How a Transfer Works via NoWall:

1. Initial Contact: Reach out to the NoWall bot on Telegram and specify the amount and currency.
2. Cost Calculation: Our manager calculates the cost using Binance’s exchange rates and determines the commission based on the transfer amount.
3. Payment: Confirm the details and pay via your preferred method: card, SEPA transfer, or cryptocurrency (USDT).
4. Transfer Processing: Funds are sent to the specified recipient’s account in RUB.
5. Confirmation: You receive a notification once the transfer is complete. Most transfers are processed within 1-2 hours.

Why Customers Choose NoWall

• Speed: Transfers are completed within 30 minutes to 2 hours.
• Security: Funds do not cross borders, eliminating risks of freezing or blocking.
• Flexible payment methods: Supports SEPA, SWIFT, cryptocurrency, money transfer systems (Wise, PayPal), and popular bank cards.
• Transparent conditions: Commissions are calculated using Binance rates for full transparency.
• Money-back guarantee: If a transfer fails, funds are refunded within 24 hours.

Building Trust Through Customer Experiences

We care deeply about each customer and strive to resolve any issues that arise. One recent case highlights our commitment: a customer sent a transfer to pay for tuition in the U.S., but the funds were delayed in reaching the recipient. We initiated communication with the bank, conducted negotiations, and when it became clear that the transfer was impossible, we paid the tuition directly from NoWALL’s account. Importantly, every customer can test our service with a small transfer—this is how most new users experience and trust the reliability of NoWALL.

Choosing the Right Option for Your Needs

• Bank Transfers: Suitable for those who prefer traditional methods, though less reliable under sanctions.
• Money Transfer Systems: Limited availability but useful for specific regions.
• Cryptocurrency Transfers: Ideal for experienced users, but volatility requires caution.
• NoWALL: The best choice for those prioritizing speed, reliability, and dedicated support.

To calculate your transfer cost, contact us via the NoWall bot on Telegram, specify the amount and destination, and start with a small transfer to experience our service’s reliability and speed.