After 2022, the conditions for international money transfers from Russia have changed significantly. Some popular payment systems have suspended operations, and How to Transfer Money  banking restrictions have made it difficult to transfer money abroad in the usual way.

However, the possibilities for transfers have not completely disappeared. In this article, we will look at 6 current ways in which you can safely send money abroad today.

What prevents you from freely transferring money abroad from the Russian Federation?

After 2022, the usual methods of international transfers for  How to Transfer Money  Russians became unavailable or severely limited. The main reasons:

1. VISA and MasterCard cards no longer work with Russian banks, both payment systems have left the Russian market. Therefore, the usual transfer of money to Europe, Germany or other countries now requires alternatives.
2. International money transfer services such as Western Union, MoneyGram and others have suspended operations in Russia.
3. Asian payment systems JCB, Alipay and a number of others do not support transfers abroad from Russia.
4. Disconnection from SWIFT – most Russian banks have lost access to the international payment system, making SWIFT transfers possible only through a limited number of banks.

Because of these restrictions, Russians are forced to look for alternative ways to send money abroad. 

Why people transfer money abroad: popular destinations

International transfers are in demand in a variety of life situations – from supporting loved ones to business cooperation.

1. Helping relatives . Many people send How to Transfer Money  money to family members living abroad – for everyday expenses, medical treatment or emergency needs.
2. Tuition fees .  Students studying at foreign universities need regular money transfers to a foreign card to pay for tuition, accommodation and other expenses.
3. Buying goods on online platforms. Some foreign stores and platforms are still available to Russians, but require payment in foreign currency.
4. Transactions with foreign counterparties.  Small and medium businesses often make payments to foreign suppliers, especially in the import sector.
5. Online payment for contractor work. Freelancers and remote specialists living abroad accept payment for completed orders through international payment systems.

Even under restrictions, such transfers remain relevant. That is why it is important to know which methods still work and which of them are the most convenient.

What is important to know before transferring money abroad

Before sending money abroad, it is important to consider a How to Transfer Money  few key points to avoid your transaction being rejected or frozen.

• Transfer limits. After 2022, the following restrictions apply: up to $1 million per month for transfers to foreign bank accounts, up to $10,000 via money transfer systems. These measures have been extended until September 30, 2025. The restrictions apply to  special lead individuals (residents of the Russian Federation and non-residents from friendly countries) and foreign exchange transactions. Transfers in foreign currency between residents of the Russian Federation are prohibited , with the exception of certain cases.
• Work of banks and payment systems. Not all Russian banks can send funds abroad. It is also important to know whether a foreign bank or service accepts such transfers. Otherwise, the operation may be frozen or delayed.
• Commissions and rates. Payment systems and banks set their own exchange rates and fees. Before transferring, check how much you will actually lose on commissions and conversion.
• Document requirements.  The bank may you can easily make your site bulletproof  request confirmation of the origin of funds. Without the necessary documents, the transfer may be rejected.

By clarifying all the conditions in advance, you will reduce the risks and increase the chances of successfully sending money.

How to send money abroad: working methods

SWIFT transfers from Russian banks

The SWIFT system has long been the main method of international transfers, but after the introduction of sanctions, most Russian financial institutions were disconnected from it. However, some banks, such as Gazprombank , Raiffeisenbank and Russian Standard, retain access to the system.

Before making a transfer, it is important to check the conditions at a specific bank: there may be restrictions on the amount, countries and currencies. For example, at Raiffeisenbank, you can only send money to the EU from 20,000 euros. Before the operation, check whether the  belgium numbers   bank’s application works with the required country and currency. 

SWIFT transfers are considered reliable and legal, but in the current conditions they are associated with risks. The transfer may take a long time to process or be rejected by a foreign bank. In addition, banks almost never open new currency accounts for such transactions. The probability of refusal is especially high for transfers to unfriendly countries.