In recent years, interest in Dubai has grown significantly among Ukrainians. Some travel there for vacation, others to open businesses, some to buy real estate, and still others to work for international companies. In almost all of these cases, the need arises to transfer money from Ukraine to the UAE. And people are especially often looking for an answer to the question: how to safely transfer cash—hryvnia or dollars—to Dubai?
The situation seems complex, but in practice, there are several viable options. Some are more formal and familiar, while others are quick and convenient. Let’s take a closer look at them.
Bank Transfers: The Official Way
The first thing that comes to mind is a bank transfer. Ukrainian banks still actively use the SWIFT systеm and can send money to banks in the UAE.
Here’s how it works in practice: you deposit hryvnia cash into your bank account, convert it to dollars, and send the transfer to Dubai. The recipient in the UAE receives the money in their account in dirhams or dollars.
Pros:
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formality and transparency;
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the ability to transfer a large amount;
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a familiar and understandable process.
Cons:
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bank fees may be high;
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the exchange rate for hryvnias to dollars and then to dirhams is not always favorable;
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The translation takes several working days, sometimes up to a week.
Therefore, a bank transfer is convenient when formality and transparency are important, but it is not suitable when you need speed and minimal losses.
International payment systems
Another common option is international money transfer systems. Western uniоn, MoneyGram, and similar services are available in Ukraine. The process is even simpler: you visit a branch, deposit cash, enter the recipient’s details, and within minutes, the money can be picked up in Dubai.
Pros:
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speed – the recipient can pick up the money almost immediately;
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Simplicity – minimum documents.
Cons:
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the commission is quite high, especially when it comes to amounts of 5-10 thousand dollars and above;
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There are limits on maximum amounts.
Therefore, such systems are more often used for small transfers: sending money to relatives, paying for a trip, or covering current expenses.
Exchange services: a fast and flexible way
In practice, more and more people are choosing exchange services that operate between Ukraine and the UAE. The process is simple: you transfer cash in Kyiv or another Ukrainian city, and in Dubai, your partner or relative receives the agreed-upon amount in dirhams or dollars.
Advantages:
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high speed – money can be received on the same day, often within an hour;
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favorable exchange rate of hryvnia to dirhams;
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Convenience – minimum bureaucracy and formalities.
This is especially convenient if you are preparing for a trip, paying rent, or planning a large purchase.
Hawala: The traditional way without banks
The hawala systеm is still active in many Middle Eastern countries. It works by ensuring that money doesn’t actually cross borders. You give cash to a partner in Kyiv, and in Dubai, another partner in the same network gives the equivalent to the recipient. The intermediaries then settle accounts through trade transactions, offsets, or other arrangements.
For the client, it’s as simple as it gets: pay here, get paid there. Usually, it all happens within an hour.
“Table to table”: an option for large sums
This is a transfer where cash is transferred simultaneously in both countries. In Kyiv, you hand over hryvnias or dollars to an exchange service representative, and in Dubai, your recipient receives dirhams at the same time.
Advantages of “table for table”:
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everything happens at the same time, without waiting;
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convenient for large transactions, such as buying an apartment or paying for an investment;
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creates a sense of transparency and control—you know that the money is received exactly when you transfer it.
Typically, such transactions take place at the office of the exchange service or at another pre-agreed location.
How to make a transfer secure?
To ensure a smooth and trouble-free cash transfer from Ukraine to the UAE, simply follow a few rules:
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Choose only verified exchange companies or services with a good reputation;
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Check the exchange rate and the amount your recipient will receive in advance;
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for large translations, give preference to the “table to table” format;
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Record agreements to avoid misunderstandings.
These simple steps make the translation process as convenient and stress-free as possible.
Result
There are various ways to transfer cash from Ukraine to Dubai. Bank transfers remain the official option, international systems are convenient for small amounts, and exchange services and hawala systems allow for quick and profitable transfers without unnecessary formalities. For larger transactions, the “desktop to desk” option is optimal.
If you’re looking for a safe way to transfer hryvnias to the UAE , it’s important to choose the right method and work with reliable partners. This will make cash transfers simple and convenient, requiring minimal time and effort.
