Dubai and the United Arab Emirates as a whole have long been an attractive destination for Ukrainians. Some come here for vacation, others work for international companies, and still others consider the Emirates as an investment destination. And quite often, a practical question arises: how to top up a Ukrainian bank card with dirhams .
It may seem complicated: different currencies, different countries, and different banking systems. But in fact, there are several convenient and accessible ways to transfer money from the UAE to Ukraine and receive it on your card in hryvnia or dollars.
Bank Transfer: The Official Way
The classic method is a SWIFT bank transfer. In the UAE, you hand over cash dirhams, the bank converts them into dollars and sends them to the Ukrainian bank. In Ukraine, the money is received either in dollars or automatically converted into hryvnia.
Pros:
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official and transparent option;
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suitable for large amounts;
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money comes directly to your account.
Cons:
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the commission can be significant, especially with double conversion (dirham → dollar → hryvnia);
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the crediting period is usually from 2 to 5 business days;
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To make a transfer, you need bank details and sometimes confirmation of the purpose of payment.
A bank transfer is convenient if you need to carry out a transaction officially and you have no time constraints.
International money transfer systems
Western uniоn, MoneyGram, and other similar services are still operating in Ukraine. You can use them to send money from the UAE, and in Ukraine, the recipient can quickly pick it up at a branch or receive it on their card.
Pros:
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you can get money almost immediately;
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Convenient process, minimum paperwork.
Cons:
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high commission when transferring large amounts;
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limits on maximum transfers.
This method is usually used for small amounts – to pay for a trip, help relatives, or cover daily expenses.
Exchange services: a fast and profitable option
In recent years, exchange services operating between the UAE and Ukraine have become increasingly popular . The process is simple: in Dubai, you hand over cash dirhams, and in Ukraine, your account or card is topped up with hryvnia or dollars.
Advantages:
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speed – you can receive money on the same day, and sometimes even within an hour;
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favorable exchange rate of dirhams to hryvnia;
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minimum of formalities.
This is convenient for those who frequently travel to Dubai or make regular transfers home.
Hawala: Traditional Transfer Without Banks
The hawala systеm is still popular in the Emirates . It operates on the principle of trust and a network of partners: you give money in one country, and a partner in another country gives the equivalent to the recipient.
For the client, it looks very simple: you transfer dirhams in Dubai, and within an hour the money arrives on a Ukrainian bank card in hryvnia or dollars.
“Table to table”: a solution for large sums
If we are talking about a large sum of money—for example, buying real estate or investing in a business—it is convenient to use the “table to table” format .
Here’s how it works: in Dubai, you hand over cash dirhams to an exchange service representative, and in Ukraine, your money is instantly credited to your card. Everything happens simultaneously and without any waiting.
This option is convenient because both parties immediately see the result, which adds confidence and transparency.
How to make a transfer secure?
To easily top up your Ukrainian bank card with dirhams, simply follow a few rules:
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work only with trusted 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, use the “table to table” format;
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record agreements and preserve correspondence.
These simple steps will help you avoid unnecessary worries and make the translation as convenient as possible.
Result
There are several ways to top up a Ukrainian bank card with dirhams. Bank transfers remain an official and reliable option, but they take time. International systems are convenient for small amounts. However, exchange services, hawala, and the “table-to-table” format allow you to quickly and efficiently convert dirhams into hryvnia or dollars and deposit them onto your card.
If you’re looking to transfer money from Dubai to Ukraine , the best option is a reliable exchange service. It’s fast, secure, and convenient for any amount.
