Dubai is a hub for business and investment, and a popular destination for Ukrainians buying property, relocating for work, or simply vacationing. But a practical question arises: how can you send money from Ukraine to the Emirates quickly, safely, and affordably?
Option 1. Bank transfer (SWIFT)
How it works:
You make a transfer at your bank in Kyiv, and the money is sent via SWIFT to an account in the UAE.
Pros:
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official method;
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Suitable for large amounts (for example, purchasing real estate).
Cons:
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long lead times (3–7 working days);
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bank and intermediary commissions can reach 2–5%;
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Strict currency controls in Ukraine (documents on the origin of funds are required).
This option is suitable for large official payments, but it is not the fastest or most convenient.
Option 2. International translation services
For example: Western uniоn, MoneyGram, Wise.
Pros:
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fast (from a few minutes to 1 day);
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You can send cash and receive cash.
Cons:
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limits on amounts (usually up to $5,000 at a time);
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high fees;
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Not suitable for real estate and business.
This option is more suitable for sending money to relatives or for personal expenses.
Option 3. Cryptocurrency
How it works:
You buy USDT or another cryptocurrency in Ukraine and transfer it to a wallet in Dubai. There, the funds can be withdrawn or deposited into your account.
Pros:
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fast (15–30 minutes);
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there are no limits on amounts;
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It’s easy to store money in a crypto wallet.
Cons:
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knowledge and experience are needed;
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Not all developers accept cryptocurrency directly;
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There is a risk of volatility or blocking on exchanges.
Option 4. Cash-to-cash / hand-to-hand
This is a format where you deposit cash in Kyiv, and your partner pays you cash in Dubai.
Pros:
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very fast (from several hours to 1 day);
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Convenience: you hand over hryvnia, dollars or euros and receive dirhams on the spot;
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minimal commissions.
Cons:
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you need to trust the intermediary;
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there are no bank guarantees.
Option 5. Hawala / currency swap
One of the most popular methods among businessmen and real estate buyers.
How it works:
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you give money in Kyiv (hryvnia, dollars or euros);
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a partner in Dubai issues the equivalent in dirhams to your recipient or even directly to the developer;
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Money does not physically cross the border; everything is built on trust and mutual settlements between intermediaries.
Pros:
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speed (usually the same day);
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there are no limits on amounts;
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minimal commissions and favorable rates;
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the possibility of paying directly to the developer.
What to choose?
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For small amounts (up to $5,000) → transfer services are suitable.
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For official and documented payments → it is better to use SWIFT, but be prepared for delays.
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For buying an apartment, investing, or making large transfers, it’s best to use hawala or cash exchange because it’s fast, convenient, and free of unnecessary bureaucracy.
Result
There are several ways to transfer money from Kyiv to Dubai. It all depends on the amount and the purpose .
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If the goal is personal expenses, international services will suffice.
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If we are talking about real estate or business, it is better to choose currency exchange or hawala.
This will allow you to quickly close the deal, pay the developer, and save on commissions.
