Find the best ways to transfer money to Belarus

The exchange rate plays a key role in determining how much BYN your recipient in BY will get.

For example, in the past 7 days average rate for USD to BYN was 2.8856 BYN.

Since USD-BYN exchange rates fluctuate with market conditions, waiting a couple of days could result in a better rate, giving your recipient more BYN.

If you need to make an urgent transfer, we recommend using Wise, which consistently offers the best rates for Belarussian Ruble transfers.

The most cost-effective way to fund your transfer to Belarus is through a bank transfer with Wise, which is 0.23% cheaper than the second-best service.

The way you fund your transfer to Belarus impacts the cost, speed, and how much BYN the recipient will receive.

Based on our live data for a $7,000 transfer from the US to Belarus, the following are your best options:

• Wise with bank transfer deposit costs $60.74 and has a -0.61% markup.

• with a debit card deposit costs $ with % markup.

We suggest against using bank transfer, as they tend to be the most expensive option for BYN transfers.

Credit card transfers may incur cash advance fees and higher interest rates on BYN, and are usually more expensive.

Whenever possible, avoid transfers via the SWIFT network to BY. SWIFT transfers to Belarus are slower and come with higher fees.

Instead, look for a cheaper option such as ACH or account balance.

Money transfer companies often have min and max limits on how much BYN you can send.

The amount you transfer can also affect the fees and the BYN exchange rate you receive. For instance, Wise is the best choice for sending large amounts to Belarus.

Additionally, there may be government-imposed restrictions, commercial limitations, and other factors that influence the amount of BYN you can send.

This is why it’s really important to compare your options when transferring money to Belarus.

The speed of sending Belarussian Ruble to Belarus depends on factors like the amount, timing, deposit, and withdrawal method chosen. Typically, faster transfers come with higher fees.

For example, based on a $7,000 transfer to Belarus:

Use MoneyGram for fastest transfers

Of the 3 companies offering BYN transfers, MoneyGram consistently offers the fastest delivery times across all deposit methods.

For bank account & card deposits use MoneyGram

MoneyGram offers fast and affordable Belarussian Ruble transfers, with fees of around $490.00000000000006 for bank deposits and $ for debit card deposits, plus a small 2% markup on top of the BYN rate.

For urgent transfers use cash transfer

If you need money urgently, we recommend cash pickup services through providers like Western Union or MoneyGram.

Avoid the SWIFT network

Avoid using SWIFT transfers for BYN transfers. Due to intermediary banks on the way to Belarus, SWIFT is slower and comes with higher fees.

There are a few different ways to move money to Belarus:

Money transfer services

You can transfer money online using an FX broker (managed service) such as OFX or an online-only company (self-managed) such as Wise.

Based on our analysis, Wise stood out as the top money transfer company servicing Belarus.

Mobile apps and e-wallets

Most money transfer services that accept Belarus offer mobile transfer apps, which often have better deals on BYN exchange rates.

You can check our guide on the best money transfer apps to find one that suits your needs.

Cash transfers

Cash transfers to Belarus are sent in person through services like Ria Money Transfers, MoneyGram, or Western Union.

Transferring Belarussian Ruble as cash is almost always instant but requires the recipient to visit a nearby agent in Belarus to collect the BYN.

Bank wire transfers

You can transfer Belarussian Ruble via your bank.

We strongly recommend not using your bank to wire BYN directly to Belarus due to high fees and slow transfer times.

Instead, use the bank transfer deposit option with Wise and send BYN from there.

There are multiple ways to receive money in Belarus. Picking the right one can save you on fees and speed up the BYN transfer process. Here are your options:

Deposit to the bank account

To deposit money directly into a recipient’s bank account in Belarus, we recommend Wise.

The card transfer will also land in the recipient’s bank account in Belarus. Use to deposit with a debit card at just $ per transfer.

Cash pickup and delivery

If the recipient in Belarus needs BYN urgently or doesn’t have access to a bank account in Belarus, cash pickup or home delivery are good options.

Mobile and digital wallets

You can receive BYN directly into digital wallets like PayPal, though this often comes with more limitations and costs more compared to services like Wise.

When sending money to a bank account or e-wallet in Belarus, Belarussian Ruble will arrive without any involvement from the recipient.

However, if you're sending BYN as cash or transferring large amounts to Belarus, the recipient may need the following:

• Government-issued ID: A national ID of Belarus, a valid passport, or driver's license.

• Sender’s details: The sender's personal details such as full name and address.

• Transfer Details: The amount of BYN being received.

• Confirmation No.: This is usually given at the time of transfer.

• SWIFT Code / IBAN: Occasionally required for bank transfers.

The exact documents required may vary depending on the money transfer company and the transfer method used.

When sending bigger amounts to Belarus, companies may request proof of funds such as bank statements and address verification with the utility bill in line with AML (Anti-Money Laundering) policies.

We recommend using Wise to send large amounts of Belarussian Ruble.

There may be tax obligations and government-imposed limits or restrictions on BYN transfers/payments to BY.

Some BYN transfers could be subject to taxes such as gift tax or commercial tax.

Even if no limits or taxes apply, certain BYN transfers (especially large sums of Belarussian Ruble) may need to be reported to the tax authorities in Belarus or in your country.

When unsure, it’s best to consult with a tax professional in Belarus or your home country to ensure compliance with the regulations.