Today, Dubai is one of the most popular destinations for business, investment, and life. More and more Russians are buying property there, starting companies, or simply transferring money to relatives. But the main question is simple: how to quickly and safely transfer money from Moscow to Dubai?
Option 1. Bank transfer (SWIFT)
The classic method, but far from the most convenient.
Pros:
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officially and transparently;
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Suitable for large amounts (for example, purchasing real estate).
Cons:
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transfers may take up to 7-10 business days;
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bank and intermediary commissions may amount to 3–5%;
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Due to sanctions, some banks do not send transfers to the UAE;
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A full package of documents on the origin of the money is required.
If you have an urgent payment, SWIFT is not always an option.
Option 2. International payment services
For example, Wise, Western uniоn, Unistream and similar.
Pros:
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fast transfers (from a few minutes to 1 day);
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everything is official.
Cons:
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limits on amounts (usually no more than $5,000–$10,000 at a time);
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commissions are higher than banks;
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For large transactions (real estate, business) this option is inconvenient.
Option 3. Cryptocurrency
Many people use USDT, Bitcoin and other coins.
Pros:
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speed (can be translated in 10-30 minutes);
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there are no limits on amounts;
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You can store money in a crypto wallet.
Cons:
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knowledge and experience are needed;
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volatility risks;
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Developers in Dubai don’t always accept crypto directly, but rather through conversion into dirhams.
Option 4. Hawala / currency swap
One of the most popular methods now.
How does this work:
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In Moscow, you transfer rubles or dollars to an intermediary;
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his partner in Dubai gives the recipient dirhams or dollars;
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Money does not cross borders; everything is built on trust and a network of mutual settlements.
Pros:
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speed (usually from 30 minutes to 1 day);
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there are no limits on amounts;
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favorable rates and minimal commissions;
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You can pay directly to the developer when purchasing real estate.
Which option to choose?
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If the amount is small (up to $5,000) → transfer services are suitable.
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If you need an official transfer for reporting purposes → SWIFT, but allow for time and fees.
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If you have investments or real estate, it is faster and more convenient to work through currency exchange or hawala .
Result
There are various ways to transfer money from Moscow to Dubai, but in practice, it all depends on the amount and purpose.
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For family and everyday expenses, translation services are enough.
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When purchasing an apartment or business, it’s best to use hawala or currency exchange to avoid bank delays.
