Russian Post expands Western Union money transfer service

Russian Post is expanding its partnership with money transfer specialists Western Union through its network of post offices. The federal postal operator has been working with Western Union since 2006, but previously offered Russian customers only services transferring money to individuals in foreign countries.

The service has now been expanded to allow for payments to foreign businesses.

Russian Post said it would allow its customers to pay for foreign goods and services from more than 1,500 partner organizations outside Russia, including airlines, automotive spare parts companies and fashion brands.

The service will help Russian Post customers pay for goods from foreign online retailers such as automotive site Exporttrader.com, sportswear firm Eastbay, Kids Footlocker, fitness website Bodybuilding.com and designer store Raffaello-network.com.

Russia Post’s deputy general Igor Mandrykin said: ”Today’s world requires quick and convenient ways to pay for goods and services, regardless of territorial boundaries.

“I am sure that the customers of Russian Post will appreciate the advantages of the new service through which you can easily get access to a wide range of goods and services from foreign companies.”

Western Union, which has its world headquarters in the US state of Colorado, said the new phase of cooperation with Russian Post would expand its payment services into more areas, including remote corners of Russia.

Jonathan Knaus, Western Union’s regional vice president for Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States, said: “This service is already popular in places like the US market, and I’m sure it will be useful for business development in Russia. With this new service we offer customers a convenient and secure way to pay for purchases, while it will be easier for foreign companies to work with customers in Russia.”