At first glance, the task seems simple—to deposit dirhams onto a card in Russia. But in practice, a host of nuances arise: exchange rates, fees, and transfer speeds. Therefore, it’s important to understand in advance how to properly top up a Russian bank card with dirhams . In fact, there are several methods, each suitable for different situations. Let’s take a closer look.
Bank transfer: the classic option
The most obvious method is an official bank transfer from the UAE to Russia. However, there are a few nuances.
Many Russian banks have limitations on international payments. Not all can directly accept transfers from Dubai. Most often, they have to use intermediary banks, which means transfers can take a long time and incur fees.
Pros:
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formality and transparency;
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you can transfer a large amount in one payment;
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Suitable for those who value reporting.
Cons:
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Not all banks accept transfers from the UAE;
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the commission can “eat up” a significant portion of the amount;
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The translation speed sometimes reaches 5–7 business days.
A bank transfer is worth considering if you have time and it is important that the money goes through official channels.
International money transfer systems
Previously, many people used Western uniоn or MoneyGram. But now these systems are virtually unavailable to customers in Russia.
However, there are alternative solutions. Some local services in the UAE allow sending money to Russia, but the amounts are often limited and the fees are not the best. This option is only suitable for small transfers for everyday expenses.
Exchange services: a quick way to top up your card
In practice, the most popular and convenient option is exchange services that operate between Russia and the UAE.
The scheme is simple: you hand over dirhams in cash in Dubai, and rubles are credited to your bank card in Russia. This could be a card from Sberbank, VTB, Tinkoff, or any other Russian bank.
What’s convenient:
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speed – money arrives on the card within an hour or two;
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the exchange rate between dirhams and rubles is usually more favorable than the official conversion;
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There is no need to personally carry cash across the border.
In fact, this is a modern analogue of an international transfer, but faster and simpler.
“Table to table”: reliability and transparency
The “table-to-table” format deserves special attention . This method allows money to be transferred simultaneously in two countries.
How it works: in Dubai, you hand over dirhams to a service representative, and at the same time, in Moscow or another Russian city, rubles are credited to your card. Everything happens simultaneously, without any waiting.
This option is especially convenient when dealing with large sums of money—for example, when transferring money to purchase real estate, investments, or a business.
Hawala: the traditional money transfer systеm
The hawala systеm has long been in use in Middle Eastern countries, including the UAE. Its essence is that money doesn’t physically cross borders. You hand over dirhams in Dubai, and the partner network hands over rubles in Russia.
For the client, it looks like this: you agree on the amount, hand over the cash, and within a short time, the money arrives on your Russian bank card. It’s simple and convenient.
How to make a transfer secure?
To easily top up your Russian bank card with dirhams, it’s important to consider a few things:
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Use trusted exchange services;
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Check the exchange rate and the amount that will be credited to your card in advance;
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for large amounts, choose the “table to table” format;
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Keep agreements in writing (chats, receipts).
These steps will help avoid misunderstandings and make the process as comfortable as possible.
Result
There are various ways to top up a Russian bank card with dirhams. Bank transfers remain the official option, but they are time-consuming and expensive. International systems are almost never operational. However, exchange services, hawala, and the “table-to-table” format allow you to quickly and conveniently convert dirhams to rubles and deposit them directly to your card.
If you’re looking to transfer money from Dubai to Russia , your best choice is a reliable exchange service. It allows you to quickly and securely top up any Russian bank card with dirhams and access your funds without restrictions.
