How to donate from abroad: Wise, Revolut, PayPal, SWIFT

Introduction.

Support from abroad today is crucial for the sustainability and speed of humanitarian and recovery projects. You help not only with money, but also with predictability: regular contributions allow us to plan procurement and logistics and reduce costs. This makes every euro or dollar work more efficiently, and the aid reaches those in need faster.
"TheInternational Unity Movement directs contributions to transparent purposes: medical and tactical procurement, support for civilian initiatives, training and rehabilitation programs. You receive clear reporting and confirmation of enrollment, which ensures trust and control. We follow clear procedures for verifying suppliers and document every stage of the use of funds.
In this article, you will find practical instructions for donating via Wise, Revolut, PayPal, and SEPA/SWIFT bank transfers. We’ll explain how to estimate fees, take into account limits, avoid common mistakes, and speed up the process. This will help you choose the best transfer method and make your contribution as effective as possible for the International Unity Movement.

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How to choose a transfer method: a quick comparison

To choose the best donation channel, first of all, consider the availability of services in your country. Wise and Revolut cover most European countries and some non-European jurisdictions, while PayPal has selective restrictions on transfers in certain regions. SEPA operates within the EEA for payments in euros, while SWIFT operates almost globally but requires accurate bank details.
Crediting speeds vary depending on the channel and currency. Wise and Revolut often credit funds within the same day or the next banking day, especially for SEPA transfers in euros. PayPal is usually fast, but conversion and internal checks can add a delay; SWIFT transfers take 1-3 banking days on average.
Fees consist of fixed charges, percentages of the amount, and exchange rate markups. Wise usually offers a transparent fee structure and competitive conversion rates, while PayPal may have higher conversion costs. Revolut within SEPA often minimizes fees, while SWIFT transfers through banks may include additional correspondent bank fees.
Limits also vary by service and account status. For Revolut and PayPal, limits may depend on the level of verification, and for Wise, higher amounts often require additional documents. It is logical to choose SEPA/SWIFT for large donations, Wise for regular moderate contributions, and Revolut or PayPal for small quick donations.

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Preparing for the transfer

Start by checking the official details on the UNITY INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT website and pay attention to the domain and secure connection (https). Carefully check the recipient’s name, IBAN, bank, SWIFT/BIC and purpose of payment - a single letter error may result in rejection or delay. If possible, save the details page as a PDF so that you have the exact data at hand during the checkout process.
Before submitting, evaluate the fees and conversion rates of the chosen service. Wise, Revolut, and PayPal have calculators that show the total amount to be credited; compare it with an alternative channel or a transfer in the fund’s base currency. If your bank has preferential rates for SEPA, a transfer in euros may be significantly more profitable.
Choose a currency that minimizes conversion losses and speeds up enrollment. If the fund accepts EUR through SEPA, it is better to send EUR; for SWIFT transfers in dollars, it is sometimes more profitable to convert at your bank rather than in the service. In the purpose of the payment, indicate "Charitable donation to the INTERNATIONAL UNITY MOVEMENT" and, if necessary, the name of the project - this will speed up the identification of the contribution.
Take care of KYC/AML compliance, especially if you plan to donate a large amount. Gather a basic package of documents: passport or ID, proof of address, certificate of origin (if requested by the service/bank). This will help you avoid blocking, additional checks, and delays in crediting your donation.

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Transferring through Wise: step-by-step instructions

Wise is a convenient service for international transfers with transparent fees and competitive rates. It is well suited for regular and medium-sized donations and allows you to quickly track the status of your payment. Before you start, prepare your exact Unity International Movement details and make sure your account has been verified.
Quick instructions:
  • Create or log in to your Wise account and complete the identity verification.
  • Select "Transfer to bank account" → recipient country: Ukraine → type: charitable organization.
  • Add the recipient’s details: full name - CHARITY ORGANIZATION "INTERNATIONAL UNITY MOVEMENT CHARITY FUND", IBAN, bank, SWIFT/BIC, bank address (if necessary).
  • Specify the amount and currency, check the commission and exchange rate. Select the source of funding: bank transfer, card or Wise balance.
  • In the purpose of payment, indicate: Charitable donation to CO CF "lnternational Unity Movement" (+ project name, if available).
  • Confirm the transfer, save the receipt, and track the status in the application until it is "Completed".
Pay attention to the limits and possible checks. Medium amounts are usually available without additional documents, but large contributions may require KYC/AML verification of the origin of funds. If you want the fund to receive the full amount, add an estimated fee to the top of the request in advance to avoid misunderstandings during the crediting process.
To minimize costs, compare the options for sending in EUR (for SEPA) versus USD/GBP (via SWIFT) and always check the "Recipient receives" field. Bank transfers via Wise are usually the cheapest, while card payments can be faster, but sometimes more expensive and risk 3D Secure blocking by the issuing bank.
Typical mistakes include an inaccurate IBAN, incomplete recipient name, unfavorable conversion, or no payment purpose. To avoid them, copy the details from the fund’s official page, make a test transfer of a small amount, and check the final amount before crediting. In case of a delay, check the status in Wise, prepare documents to request support, and inform the foundation of the transaction ID for quick verification.

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Transfer via Revolut: step-by-step instructions

Revolut is convenient for quick transfers within Europe, especially if you send EUR via SEPA. The service offers competitive exchange rates and flexible limits that depend on the account level (Standard, Plus, Premium, Metal) and the degree of verification. Before transferring, prepare accurate "INTERNATIONAL UNITY MOVEMENT" details and check if international payments are active in your account.
Brief instructions:
  • Log in to the Revolut app and make sure your account is verified.
  • Add a new recipient: country - Ukraine; type - bank account; name - "INTERNATIONAL UNITY MOVEMENT"; enter IBAN, bank, SWIFT/BIC.
  • Select the currency: EUR for SEPA (if possible) or USD/GBP/EUR via SWIFT if SEPA is not available.
  • Specify the amount, check the fee and conversion rate; select the source of debiting (account in the desired currency or conversion from another currency).
  • Add the purpose of the payment: Charitable donation to CO CF "lnternational Unity Movement" (+ project name).
  • Confirm the transaction, save the receipt, and track the status in the Payments section.
Please note the difference between SEPA and SWIFT. SEPA transfers in EUR within the EEA usually take 1 banking day with minimal fees, while SWIFT can take 1-3 days and include additional correspondent bank fees. If you have a EUR account with Revolut, try sending without conversion to reduce costs.
The limits in Revolut depend on your tariff and transaction history. For large amounts, the service may request documents confirming the origin of funds as part of KYC/AML. Prepare your passport/ID, proof of address, and, if necessary, bank statements to avoid blockages and delays.
Typical mistakes include an incorrect IBAN or BIC, sending in a currency that the recipient bank does not accept for a particular account, and not having a clear purpose for the payment. To avoid this, copy the details directly from the fund’s official page, check that the selected currency matches the channel (EUR for SEPA), and avoid emojis or special characters in the purpose.
If the payment is delayed, check the status in the app and contact Revolut support with the transaction number. At the same time, inform the foundation of the payment ID for quick verification. In case of cancellation or refund, check the currency settings, the type of fees, and the correctness of the details, and then try again in the appropriate channel (SEPA or SWIFT).

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Transferring via PayPal: step-by-step instructions

PayPal is convenient for quick small and medium-sized donations, especially if you already have a card linked or have a balance in the payment currency. The service is widely available in many countries, but the terms of fees and conversion may differ depending on the region and the method of financing. Before making a payment, please prepare your official account details or the UNITY INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT donation link and check whether the currency you plan to send is supported.
Quick instructions:
  • Log in to your PayPal account and follow the official donation link of the foundation or enter the registered address of the recipient’s account.
  • Select the amount and currency; if necessary, activate a regular payment (monthly).
  • Specify the source of funding: PayPal balance, linked card or bank account; check the total amount with the commission.
  • In the destination/message field, add: Charitable donation to CO CF "lnternational Unity Movement" (+ project name).
  • Confirm the payment and save the receipt; check the status in the Activity section.
Pay attention to fees and conversion. PayPal may apply a flat fee and a percentage of the amount, as well as an exchange rate markup if the currency of the transfer is different from the currency of your funding source. To reduce costs, send funds in the recipient’s account currency whenever possible, or allow your card bank to convert if the exchange rate is more favorable.
PayPal limits depend on the level of account verification. If you have not passed full identity verification, the amount of a one-time or monthly donation may be limited. For larger donations, prepare documents: proof of identity, address, and source of funds - this will help avoid delays and additional requests during the transaction moderation process.
Typical mistakes include sending a payment as a "product/service" instead of a donation, unfavorable conversion, lack of a clear purpose of the payment, or using an outdated donation link. To avoid them, check the type of transaction, compare the conversion rate with your bank’s rate, and always copy the link/address from the official page of the foundation. In case of a delay, check the Resolution Center section, contact PayPal support, and provide the foundation with the transaction ID to verify the credit.

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Transfer via SEPA/SWIFT: step-by-step instructions

SEPA and SWIFT are classic banking channels for international transfers, suitable for medium and large amounts. SEPA is used for payments in euros within the EEA and usually has lower fees and faster crediting. SWIFT covers almost all countries and currencies, but may involve correspondent bank fees and take longer to complete.
Quick instructions:
  • Check the official details: full name - "INTERNATIONAL UNITY MOVEMENT", IBAN, bank name and address, SWIFT/BIC, purpose of payment.
  • Select the channel: EUR within the EEA - SEPA; other currencies/countries - SWIFT.
  • Create an international transfer in your bank: fill in the recipient, IBAN, SWIFT/BIC (for SWIFT), currency, amount.
  • Type of fees: for SEPA, SHA is standard; for SWIFT, usually SHA, but if the full amount is required for the fund, OUR.
  • Specify in the purpose: Charitable donation to CO CF "lnternational Unity Movement" (+ project name).
  • Confirm the payment, save the payment order/receipt, and track the status.
Pay attention to the speed and cost. SEPA is usually credited within 1 banking day (sometimes the same day), and the fee is fixed and low. SWIFT can take 1-3 banking days and include additional fees of intermediary banks; if the full amount to be credited is critical, choose the OUR fee type or add an estimated amount of expenses on top.
The choice of currency affects the final result. If you have a EUR account and the fund accepts SEPA, sending in euros will usually minimize costs. For dollar or pound transfers via SWIFT, compare your bank’s conversion rates with alternatives; sometimes it is more cost-effective to convert before sending, and sometimes it is more cost-effective to send in the currency that matches the recipient’s account.
Limits and checks depend on your bank’s policy and the amount. Larger transactions may require proof of origin, contracts, or invoices for the charitable donation. Prepare your passport/ID, proof of address, and bank statements in advance to avoid delays.
Typical mistakes include an inaccurate BIC, missing bank address, incorrect IBAN format, inappropriate currency for the selected channel, or lack of a clear purpose of the payment. To avoid them, copy the details from the official page, check each field letter by letter, and agree on the type of fees with the bank. If the payment is delayed, contact your bank’s support for a trace (MT103 for SWIFT) and inform the foundation of the transaction details for quick reconciliation.

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How to minimize fees and conversion losses

Cost optimization starts with choosing the right currency and channel. If the fund accepts EUR through SEPA, sending in EUR is usually the most cost-effective: fees are lower and crediting is faster. For dollar or pound payments, compare the rates of your bank and the service (Wise/Revolut/PayPal) and choose the one with the highest total "recipient’s" value.
Use the built-in calculators in the applications to see the total amount to be credited before confirmation. Check whether the conversion is done by the service or your bank - the difference in exchange rates can be significant. If possible, fund your wallet in the desired currency in advance to avoid double conversion.
Regular donations of a fixed amount can sometimes reduce the relative cost, as you avoid frequent minimum fees. Schedule payments during business hours and days - this can speed up processing and reduce the time spent in the Pending status. For large amounts, check with the bank for an individual rate or the possibility of the OUR fee type if it is important that the foundation receives the full amount.
Before sending a large amount, test the channel with a small transfer to check the speed and accuracy of the transfer. Keep your receipts and compare the actual amount received with the estimated amount - this way you can quickly identify hidden fees or exchange rate deviations. If the results differ, adjust the currency, channel, or time of payment.

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Checking the success of the transfer and reporting

After sending the donation, make sure that the payment has received the status "Completed/Settled" in the chosen service. Check to see if you received an email receipt or push notification with transaction details and an identifier. Save this information - it will be useful for reconciliation and, if necessary, for tax reporting in your country.
If the payment is in the "Pending" or "Processing" status for a long time, first of all, check the currency settings and the accuracy of the details. Contact the service support (Wise/Revolut/PayPal) or your bank for a trace - for SWIFT, request an MT103 report. At the same time, inform the foundation of the transaction ID and amount so that the team can quickly verify the receipts.
Reporting for donors and partners is a key element of transparency of the International Unity Movement. Final reports, updates on procurement and implemented projects are published on official resources. If your contribution is targeted or significant, you can apply for individual confirmation of the use of funds with a link to the relevant project.
For your own records, create a small archive of confirmations: receipts, screenshots of statuses, confirmation letters. This will help in case of technical failures or the need to confirm the donation to the tax authorities. If you plan to make regular donations, create a table with dates, amounts, channels, and transaction IDs to help you track your history and optimize your expenses.

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Security and compliance

Check the authenticity of the resource: the site must have https and the correct domain, and the certificate must be valid. Don’t follow random links; open the UNITY INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT page directly. Always check the details before paying, even if you donated earlier.
Protect your accounts by enabling 2FA, using unique passwords, and updating your apps. Avoid making payments over public Wi-Fi without a VPN. Keep track of the "recipient receives" result and who performs the conversion - the service or the bank.
KYC/AML is a normal practice for large amounts. Prepare a passport/ID, proof of address, and, if necessary, documents on the origin of funds; transfer them only through official support channels. For EUR in the EEA, choose SEPA if possible - it is cheaper and faster.
Keep receipts and transaction IDs (PDF/screenshots). In case of suspicious requests, do not disclose codes or passwords and contact the official support of the service and the International Unity Movement team. This reduces risks and speeds up the crediting of your donation.

Conclusion.

In this article, you have received a brief but practical map for donors from abroad: Wise and Revolut are suitable for fast and regular transfers with transparent fees, PayPal for convenient small contributions, and SEPA/SWIFT for medium and large amounts. The key is to choose the right currency, channel, and carefully check the details to minimize fees and avoid delays. If necessary, test the channel with a small amount and keep all receipts.
Thanks to your support, the foundation is able to plan purchases consistently, deliver aid faster, and scale projects. Choose a method that is convenient for you, follow simple security and transparency rules, and your donation will have the maximum effect. Together, we are strengthening the impact of UNITED MOVEMENT initiatives where it is needed most.

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