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I tried to get a translation using KoronaPay, and I have to admit, I wanted to swear, but I'm well-behaved, and Irecommend says I shouldn't.
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Fortunately, the shipping was a breeze, but getting my translation was a different story...
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I think the issues I faced were due to the sanctions, because before, I could get a translation in Vоронеж at almost every corner, even at MTS.
I'll try to explain the difficulties I faced and how I found a way out.
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I needed to get a translation from a European country, and they even sent it without any fees. The problem was, I didn't know where to pick it up. Google Maps and Yandex showed me a ton of pickup points, and I thought it would be easy, even after reading reviews that said I could get it delivered to my card through the KoronaPay app or website, although I'd lose some money on the commission.
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This makes sense, so the first thing I did was head to the Golden Crown website to learn more:
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On the How to Get page, you can see a map.
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I got totally lost at this point, and these details threw me off track completely
If I'd used the site search, which was logical, I would've seen a ton of delivery points
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I counted a total of 38 delivery points, and it seemed like each one had its own twist
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It turned out I'd used the wrong search function
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I should've clicked here instead
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I wish I'd found this info sooner – it would've saved me a ton of stress, time, and money on transportation.
But only now I've managed to get the correct shipping points, which actually work.
Unfortunately, it took me a while to find this info, and I paid the price with my nerves, mood, time, and transportation costs.
I blame the website's incorrect data, lack of work, and, honestly, a bit of apathy.
After walking ten kilometers, visiting addresses with incorrect information, and getting responses saying Zolotaya Korona wasn't working, I was starting to lose my mind, literally walking up to every door in search of happiness...
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I remembered reading reviews about topping up on a bank card, so I sat down on a bench and tried to do it through the app. But when I tried to add the card from my Sberbank MIR card, it just wouldn't work. The website said I needed a visa or a Mastercard, so I rushed to the Sberbank and got a momentary Mastercard. But again, I got it wrong. The app said I needed a card from a different bank. At this point, I was getting really frustrated.
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I also called the MTS hotline from Sberbank, where the operator told me I could get the Korona at the MTS bank. It was just next door, in the neighboring building, but...
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Of course, being the crazy person I am, I rushed to the relocated branch...
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Yeah, I got a little carried away...
I'm still trying to get my Golden Crown, and I'm guessing you've probably figured out by now...it's not happening here either!
I called the MTS operator again, explained why I'm upset, and let them have it. They didn't even apologize, just said maybe the previous operator made a mistake :(
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I ran back to the Sberbank, got a master card, sat down on the couch in the bank, and tried to transfer my funds to a new card...and nothing happened. I was about to lose it :(
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I get that I need to keep trying or find a bank that's not under sanctions. But I decided to check out the addresses on the map with multiple branches.
You can see an example of the building where I couldn't find the Golden Crown point in the screenshot below:
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I turned the corner, following the map, and ended up on Kirov Street. Some miracle led me to this bank:
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The bank's office was cozy and had no line. I asked if I could get the Golden Crown, and they said yes, just go to the cashier.
I was over the moon :)
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I filled out the form on my computer while I waited for the cashier to process my transaction. They asked for my passport and proof of residence, which I provided. I had to sign two forms and another one was handed to me. The cashier gave me the cash clearly, without any deductions. It was in rubles.
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And on the website, the status of my translation had changed:
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And here are my doors to happiness:
*not sponsored
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I was too tired to go to the other pickup point, which was right next to me. I wanted to check the accuracy of the information.
There, where the blue circle is:
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The verdict: I got my money, but it was a struggle, and I wasted nerves, health, and time, which nobody gets back.
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Finally, I'm attaching a screenshot of my written complaint to the customer support team at ZK:
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I was really disappointed when I got the impression that the support team didn't understand Russian.
Why can't they just list the addresses in the email instead of making me jump through hoops? Maybe it's just me and my internet connection is being weird.
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The response I got was pretty unhelpful:
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If you click on the link they provided, you'll end up on a website where you can enter your city and see a map or a list of pickup points.
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For example, in Voronezh, there are only four pickup points.
I wasn't expecting a super quick response, but it took them over a day to get back to me - I submitted my query around 10 am and got the response the next evening.
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Trying to contact support over the phone:
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I got complete radio silence from the operator. When I tried to select a pickup point, the robot just kept asking me to go back to the main menu.
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Why and who I'm ranting at?
I'm still not getting any notifications, even though the recipient's phone number is listed.
⚠️ Come on, Golden Crown, can't you send a notification with the address where I can pick up my money?
The phone number is only useful if you log in online and get a code for entry.
⚠️ No communication with the operator, which would've made a huge difference in finding the pickup point.
I've come to the conclusion that Golden Crown is mainly used by foreigners, so I'd appreciate a more user-friendly service. When you're in an unfamiliar city, Google's being unhelpful, and you're too sick or tired to spend the whole day searching, you need a more reliable service.
⚠️ I'm only recommending it because I finally managed to get the translation, but it took a lot of effort and a smartphone. What about elderly people or those with simple phones? I'm not sure...
Moscowites don't use this service, and I haven't come across any locals who do
I consider the service's promises unfulfilled, so I'm giving it one star ⭐
⭐ Addresses in Voronezh:
AKIBANK
g. Voronezh, ul. Stankovicha, Dom 7
Send: USD RUR
Receive: RUR
+7 (473) 220-59-30
Mon-Fri: 09:00-17:00
Agrobank
Address: Voronezh, Plehanovskaya St, 9, Voronezh, Russia, 394018
Shipping: USD to RUR
Receipt: RUR
Phone: +7 (4732) 10-49-01
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:45 PM, lunch break: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
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⭐ Priobank ⭐ visited personally
Voronezh, Kirova St, 4
Shipping: USD to RUR
Receipt: RUR
Phone: +7 (473) 206-50-03
Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
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URALCIB BANK
Voronezh, Pushkinskaya St, 41
Shipping: USD to RUR
Receipt: RUR
Phone: +7 (473) 210-63-40
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
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I received another transfer in November, and they've introduced a commission of 150 rubles (I think it started in September 2023).
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To receive the transfer, you'll need your passport (mine's Russian, and I had to provide the transfer number). If your passport isn't Russian, you might need to provide your migration card and proof of address as well.
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