> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.garden.finance/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to swap EVM assets across chains

> Step-by-step guide to moving Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) between Ethereum, Arbitrum, and other supported networks using Garden Finance

# How to swap WBTC cross-chain

Move your Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) between different blockchain networks. Garden Finance enables seamless cross-chain transfers without requiring you to unwrap to Bitcoin first.

> [!NOTE]
>
> This guide covers transferring **WBTC between different networks** such as Ethereum to Arbitrum, Arbitrum to Ethereum, or to other supported chains. The process typically completes in under 30 seconds.

## Supported networks

Garden Finance supports WBTC on multiple networks:

> [card] Ethereum
>
> **Mainnet WBTC**\
> Most established with highest liquidity\
> Higher gas fees but maximum DeFi compatibility

> [card] Arbitrum
>
> **Layer 2 WBTC**\
> Lower fees and faster transactions\
> Growing DeFi ecosystem

## What you'll need

**1. Wallet requirements**

* **EVM wallet**: MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, or other EVM-compatible wallet
* **Source network**: WBTC on the blockchain you're moving from
* **Destination network**: Gas tokens for the destination network (if needed)

**2. Network assets**

* WBTC tokens on the source network
* Gas fees for transaction approval (ETH on Ethereum, ARB on Arbitrum)

## Common cross-chain routes

### Ethereum to Arbitrum

Moving WBTC from Ethereum to Arbitrum for lower transaction costs.

**1. Connect wallet**

1. Visit [Garden Finance](https://app.garden.finance)
2. Connect your EVM wallet containing Ethereum WBTC
3. Ensure your wallet is connected to Ethereum network

**2. Configure cross-chain swap**

1. **Send Section**: Select **WBTC on Ethereum**
2. **Receive Section**: Select **WBTC on Arbitrum**
3. Enter the amount you want to transfer
4. The interface will show you the receiving address (same as your sending address on different network)

**3. Review transfer details**

* **Source**: WBTC on Ethereum
* **Destination**: WBTC on Arbitrum
* **Rate**: Should be approximately 1:1 (minus fees)
* **Gas cost**: Ethereum gas fees for approval
* **Completion time**: Usually under 30 seconds

**4. Execute transfer**

1. Click **Swap** to initiate the transfer
2. Approve the WBTC transaction in your wallet
3. Pay the Ethereum gas fees
4. Monitor progress on the Garden interface

**5. Verify receipt**

1. Switch your wallet to Arbitrum network
2. Check that WBTC appears in your wallet on Arbitrum
3. You can now use WBTC in Arbitrum DeFi protocols

### Arbitrum to Ethereum

Moving WBTC from Arbitrum back to Ethereum mainnet.

**1. Setup**

1. Connect your wallet to Garden Finance
2. Switch your wallet to Arbitrum network
3. Ensure you have WBTC on Arbitrum and enough ARB for gas

**2. Configure reverse swap**

1. **Send**: WBTC on Arbitrum
2. **Receive**: WBTC on Ethereum
3. Enter transfer amount

**3. Complete transfer**

1. Approve the transaction (low Arbitrum gas fees)
2. Wait for completion
3. Switch wallet to Ethereum to see received WBTC

## Why move WBTC cross-chain?

> [card] Cost optimization
>
> **Lower fees**: Move to Arbitrum for cheaper DeFi transactions\
> **Batch operations**: Perform multiple operations on L2 then return to mainnet

> [card] Ecosystem access
>
> **Different DeFi protocols**: Access unique opportunities on each network\
> **Liquidity arbitrage**: Take advantage of price differences between chains

## Network comparison

| Aspect | Ethereum | Arbitrum |
| - | - | - |
| **Gas Fees** | High during congestion | Very low |
| **Transaction Speed** | 12-15 seconds | 1-2 seconds |
| **DeFi Ecosystem** | Most mature | Growing rapidly |
| **Security** | Highest (Layer 1) | Inherits Ethereum security |
| **WBTC Liquidity** | Highest | Good and growing |

## Advanced strategies

### DeFi arbitrage

1. **Monitor Rates**: Watch for rate differences between networks
2. **Move Capital**: Transfer WBTC to the network with better opportunities
3. **Execute Strategy**: Participate in farming, lending, or trading
4. **Return Profits**: Move gains back to preferred network

### Cost management

1. **Batch Transactions**: Accumulate transactions on Arbitrum
2. **Strategic Timing**: Move during low Ethereum gas periods
3. **Fee Planning**: Consider gas costs in your profit calculations

## Security considerations

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Same address**: Your WBTC will appear at the same wallet address on the destination network. Garden's atomic swaps ensure safe cross-chain transfers.

> [!WARNING]
>
> **Network verification**: Always verify you're on the correct network before initiating transfers. Sending to wrong networks may result in permanent loss.

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Gas requirements**: Ensure you have gas tokens on both source and destination networks for optimal experience.

## Fees and timing

### Fee structure

* **Source network gas**: Pay gas on the network you're sending from
* **Garden protocol fee**: Small percentage for the cross-chain service
* **No double bridge fees**: Direct cross-chain transfer without multiple bridge hops

### Timing expectations

* **Approval**: Immediate wallet confirmation
* **Processing**: 30 seconds typical completion time
* **Finality**: Near-instant availability on destination network

## Troubleshooting common issues

### Transaction stuck

* **Check network**: Ensure wallet is on correct source network
* **Gas price**: Increase gas price if transaction is pending
* **Cancel & retry**: Cancel stuck transaction and retry with higher gas

### Wrong network

* **Prevention**: Double-check network selection before confirming
* **Recovery**: If sent to wrong network, contact Garden support immediately
* **Verification**: Always verify destination network in Garden interface

### Insufficient balance

* **Gas tokens**: Ensure you have ETH (Ethereum) or ARB (Arbitrum) for gas
* **WBTC balance**: Verify you have enough WBTC plus a small buffer for precision
* **Fee reserve**: Keep some gas tokens for future transactions

## After your cross-chain transfer

**1. Verify receipt**

Switch your wallet to the destination network and confirm WBTC arrival

**2. Update portfolio**

Your portfolio trackers should reflect the new network location

**3. Explore opportunities**

Research DeFi protocols available on your new network

## Popular use cases

### Moving to Arbitrum

* **DeFi farming**: Lower fees for yield farming strategies
* **Active trading**: Cheaper transactions for frequent trading
* **Experimentation**: Test strategies with lower gas costs

### Moving to Ethereum

* **Blue-chip DeFi**: Access to most established protocols
* **Maximum liquidity**: Largest liquidity pools and trading volume
* **New protocol access**: Many protocols launch on Ethereum first

## Related guides

> [card] [BTC to WBTC](https://docs.garden.finance/docs/home/resources/guides/swap/btc-wbtc.md)
>
> Wrap Bitcoin to get WBTC for cross-chain transfers

> [card] [WBTC to BTC](https://docs.garden.finance/docs/home/resources/guides/swap/wbtc-btc.md)
>
> Unwrap WBTC back to native Bitcoin

## Need help?

* **Discord support**: Join our [community](https://discord.gg/B7RczEFuJ5) for assistance
* **Technical issues**: Reach out for [support on Discord](https://discord.gg/B7RczEFuJ5)
* **Documentation**: Review our [developer docs](https://docs.garden.finance/docs/developers/overview.md) for integration details

> [!NOTE]
>
> Cross-chain WBTC transfers open up new DeFi opportunities across different networks. Always verify network compatibility before interacting with new protocols.


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