Sending money from Israel to Russia in 2026 is doable, even though direct bank transfers between the two countries barely work. Russian-speaking workers most often send money home via Korona Pay (Zolotaya Korona), while transfers to other CIS countries go through MoneyGram, Western Union and RIA. In this guide we cover how to transfer money from Israel to Russia and the CIS, which methods exist, their pros and risks, and what the recipient needs to do to collect the transfer.

Korona Pay — the main way to send money to Russia

Money transfers from Israel to Russia today mostly go through the Korona Pay (Zolotaya Korona) system. In Israel it operates through official partner cash points — you will find them in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Ashdod, Netanya and other cities with large Russian-speaking communities. The process is simple: bring cash shekels, show your ID, give the recipient's details — and the transfer reaches Russia within minutes.

What the sender needs:

  • a passport or another valid ID document;
  • cash shekels — the amount is converted to rubles at the system's exchange rate;
  • the recipient's full name and phone number in Russia.

Fees and limits change from time to time — check the current tariffs on the official website or directly at the sending point. If your employer pays you by cheque, cash it first — see our guide on how to cash a cheque in Israel.

There are two ways to receive the money in Russia. The first is the Korona Pay mobile app: the recipient registers with their phone number, enters the transfer number and credits the money to a Russian bank card. The second is a partner bank office: with a passport and the transfer number, the money is paid out in cash or credited to a card.

MoneyGram, Western Union and RIA — for the CIS, except Russia

The classic international systems — MoneyGram, Western Union and RIA — do not work with Russia: they suspended operations there back in 2022. However, for transfers from Israel to other CIS countries they remain a convenient option:

  • Uzbekistan — payout to local cards or in cash;
  • Kazakhstan — collection at partner banks in cash or to a card;
  • Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Armenia, Georgia — cash payout at service points.

You can send a transfer in cash at these systems' service points in Israel. Rates and fees depend on the country and the amount, so compare two or three services before sending — the difference can be significant.

Private exchangers: cash shekels straight to a Russian card

In cities with large Russian-speaking communities, private exchangers operate as follows: you hand over cash shekels, and the recipient in Russia almost instantly gets rubles credited to their card. It is fast and the rate is often better, but it is a trust-based deal — no receipts, no official guarantees. That is why safety rules are a must.

Safety rules when dealing with exchangers

  • Verified reputation only. Work through recommendations from people you know personally who have repeatedly exchanged money with this specific person.
  • Start with a small amount. Send a small test amount first, wait for confirmation of the credit, and only then transfer the main sum.
  • Confirmation before handing over cash. Give the cash only after the recipient sends a screenshot or message confirming the money arrived on the card.
  • No middlemen or "couriers". Do not hand money to third parties and do not accept sudden changes of terms or payment details.

Transfers from Israeli STB Union and GMT cards

Foreign workers in Israel are often issued STB Union or GMT payment cards — convenient for receiving wages and paying in shops. Technically, you can also send an international transfer from these cards via the app or at a service branch. But for Russia this route is usually a poor deal: fees are high and the final exchange rate is worse than with Korona Pay or a trusted exchanger. Keep these cards for everyday spending and choose cheaper channels for sending money home. More about cards for workers without citizenship in our article on getting a bank card in Israel without citizenship.

How to receive a transfer from Israel: a recipient's checklist

If your family member works in Israel and has sent you money, the steps depend on the country:

  • In Russia: download the Korona Pay app, register with your phone number, enter the transfer number — the money will be credited to your card. Alternatively, visit a partner bank with your passport and the transfer number.
  • In Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Moldova and other CIS countries: go to a Western Union, MoneyGram or RIA payout point with your passport and the transfer reference number — the money will be paid in cash or credited to a card.
  • Safety: never share the transfer number with anyone except the recipient — this code alone is enough to collect the money.

Transferring money from Israel to Russia and the CIS is entirely realistic: to Russia — via Korona Pay or a trusted exchanger, to other CIS countries — via international transfer systems. And the more stable your job, the more regular the transfers home. Browse fresh offers for Russian speakers in our Israel job listings, or leave a request for job matching — our manager will help you find a verified vacancy.