Using Moneygram In Belarus: What You Need To Know

MoneyGram is an international money transfer service that allows users to send and receive money across the world. The company offers its services in several countries, including Belarus, where it has numerous cash pickup points in various cities and towns. However, it is worth noting that MoneyGram, along with other payment majors like Western Union, suspended its services in Russia in response to the Ukraine conflict. This decision was made amid escalating military tensions in Ukraine and sweeping sanctions imposed by the West.

MoneyGram cash pickup points in Belarus

MoneyGram does operate in Belarus, with 40 cash pickup points in 7 cities and towns. These include locations in the capital, Minsk, such as:

• TECHNOBANK - MINSK - URM 1 RKC 3
• DOLGINOVSKIY TRAKT 188
• KROPOTKINA ULITSA 44
• LEONARDO DA VINCI ST.3
• TECHNOBANK - MINSK - REMOTE WORKPLACE 1
• MELNIKAYTE ULITSA 8
• MSTISLAVTSA ULITSA 11
• NEZAVISIMOSTI PROSPEKT 117A
• BTA BANK - AO URUCHYE
• POBEDITELEY ULITSA 65
• PROSPECT POBEDITELEY 9
• TECHNOBANK - MINSK - 701/7
• JSC TECHNOBANK - MINSK

However, it is worth noting that MoneyGram has halted its services in neighbouring Russia due to the Ukraine conflict.

Online money transfers to Belarus

There are several options for transferring money online to Belarus. MoneyGram is one such service, with 40 cash pickup points in 7 cities and towns in Belarus. However, it is not the cheapest option, and there are alternatives that offer better rates.

Remitly

Remitly is the cheapest option for money transfers to Belarus in 90.1% of searches over the past three months. It is a quick, convenient, safe, and cheap way to send money, with an average cost of 2.1% of the amount sent, including fees and exchange rate margins.

Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise is a great service for bank-to-bank transfers, especially if you are new to the service, as you will get a fee-free transfer of up to £500 (or equivalent) when sending money to Belarus.

World Remit

World Remit is faster and cheaper than MoneyGram or Western Union. It is similar to buying something online with your debit card and is probably the quickest way to transfer money to Belarus.

PayPal

It is possible to send money to Belarus with PayPal, but it is expensive. The average cost of transfers with PayPal is higher than the cheapest online services.

Other Options

Other options for sending money to Belarus include Western Union and mobile money/wallet accounts.

MoneyGram vs other money transfer services

MoneyGram is a money transfer service that allows you to send and receive money both domestically and internationally. It is the second-largest money transfer company in the world, operating in over 200 countries and territories. The company has over 400,000 agents globally, and offers several options for sending money: via the MoneyGram app, in person at an agent location, or by starting the transfer in the app and paying at an agent location. MoneyGram also allows users to pay by cash, wire transfer, debit or credit card, and supports over 135 currencies, including some cryptocurrencies.

In Belarus specifically, MoneyGram has 40 cash pickup points in 7 cities and towns.

MoneyGram is similar to other money transfer services such as Western Union and Wise. Western Union is the larger company, with instant name recognition and about 500,000 agent locations in over 200 countries and territories. Western Union also offers a wider range of payment methods, including by phone, online, or in person. However, MoneyGram's fees are generally cheaper than those of Western Union, and it supports slightly more currencies.

Wise, on the other hand, is a better option for international transfers to bank accounts, as it uses the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden costs and low transparent fees. Wise also offers the convenience of setting up transfers online or via a mobile app, without having to leave home.

Sending money to a bank account in Belarus

MoneyGram does facilitate money transfers to Belarus, with 508 cash points in 89 cities, 128 cash points in 27 cities, and 42 cash points in 7 cities. However, it is not the cheapest option available.

If you are looking to send money to a bank account in Belarus, Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a great service that offers bank-to-bank transfers. If you are new to the service, you can follow this link to get a FEE-FREE transfer of up to £500 (or the equivalent in any other currency).

Remitly is another option for sending money to Belarus. It is the cheapest provider in 90.1% of searches on Monito.com over the past three months. However, it might not be available in the country you are sending money from, and its pricing can vary depending on the country and change over time. Therefore, it is always best to launch a live comparison to find the cheapest provider for your specific transfer.

Other Options

If you are looking for a cash pick-up option, World Remit is faster and cheaper than MoneyGram or Western Union. You can use your debit/credit card, Apple/Android Pay, or bank details to securely send funds online through a reputable international money transfer service that has a partnership with a local cash pick-up point in Belarus. In Belarus, this includes any branch of Technobank and Fransabank.

Money transfer comparison apps

MoneyGram is one of the oldest money transfer services and is available in over 200 countries, with about 50 different currencies. However, it does not operate in Russia, having shuttered its services there in 2024 amid the Ukraine conflict.

When it comes to money transfer apps, there are several options available, each with its own unique features and capabilities. Here is a comparison of some of the top money transfer apps:

Wise

Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a UK-based peer-to-peer money transfer service available in 59 countries, with plans to expand further. It offers straightforward money transfer options and a multi-currency account that lets users hold over 50 currencies simultaneously and convert them as needed. Wise provides a dynamic calculator on its website, allowing users to estimate fees before initiating transfers. It also offers business pricing with additional free features, such as receiving money in several currencies without charge.

Venmo

Venmo is a popular money transfer app, especially among millennials, and is owned by PayPal. It offers social features that allow users to share updates about purchases with others in their social group. Venmo allows quick and easy peer-to-peer transfers and has no monthly or annual fees. However, credit card transactions incur a 3% fee. It offers instant transfers to the Venmo balance and 1-3 business days for direct deposits or instant transfers to a bank account for a 1% fee.

PayPal

PayPal is a well-known and widely used service for both individuals and businesses. It offers flexible payment options, such as PayPal Credit, which allows users to finance large purchases interest-free for six months. While PayPal is excellent for domestic transfers, international transfers can be expensive, with fees ranging from $2.99 to $4.99, plus a 2.9% transaction fee and an additional location-based fee.

Zelle

Zelle is a convenient app for bank-to-bank transfers, often included in mobile banking apps. It offers instant transfers, typically occurring in minutes, and is compatible with hundreds of US banks and credit unions. However, it does not support credit card transfers or international bank accounts.

Remitly

Remitly is a money transfer app that offers convenient delivery options, including bank deposits, cash pick-up locations, mobile wallets, or home delivery. It provides a straightforward fee structure based on the country and amount transferred. Economy transfers are affordable, taking 3-5 business days, while express transfers start at $3.99.

Cash App

Cash App is a secure platform that offers free basic services and additional features such as investing in stocks and buying/selling Bitcoin. It provides instant deposits for a 1.5% fee and free ATM withdrawals with a minimum monthly direct deposit. However, it charges a 3% processing fee for credit card transactions.

Meta Pay

Meta Pay is integrated with Facebook Messenger and, in some cases, WhatsApp, allowing users to send and receive money conveniently through these platforms. It offers additional security options, such as two-factor authentication. However, it has relatively low maximum transfer amounts, ranging from $3,000 to $10,000.

Apple Cash

Apple Cash is built into iPhones as part of Apple Wallet, allowing users to send and receive money domestically. It offers instant, free transfers to other Apple Cash users and can be used at most US retailers. It provides strong security features, such as Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode authorization.

Each of these money transfer apps has its own strengths and unique features. The best option depends on individual needs, such as transfer speed, fees, international capabilities, security, and social features.

Frequently asked questions