> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.garden.finance/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.

<Info>
  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.
</Info>

## Supported Networks

Garden Finance supports WBTC on multiple networks:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Ethereum" icon="ethereum">
    **Mainnet WBTC**\
    Most established with highest liquidity\
    Higher gas fees but maximum DeFi compatibility
  </Card>

  <Card title="Arbitrum" icon="triangle">
    **Layer 2 WBTC**\
    Lower fees and faster transactions\
    Growing DeFi ecosystem
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## What You'll Need

<Steps>
  <Step title="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)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Network Assets">
    * WBTC tokens on the source network
    * Gas fees for transaction approval (ETH on Ethereum, ARB on Arbitrum)
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Common Cross-Chain Routes

### Ethereum to Arbitrum

Moving WBTC from Ethereum to Arbitrum for lower transaction costs.

<Steps>
  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="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)
  </Step>

  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="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
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Arbitrum to Ethereum

Moving WBTC from Arbitrum back to Ethereum mainnet.

<Steps>
  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Reverse Swap">
    1. **Send**: WBTC on Arbitrum
    2. **Receive**: WBTC on Ethereum
    3. Enter transfer amount
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete Transfer">
    1. Approve the transaction (low Arbitrum gas fees)
    2. Wait for completion
    3. Switch wallet to Ethereum to see received WBTC
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Why Move WBTC Cross-Chain?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Cost Optimization" icon="dollar-sign">
    **Lower Fees**: Move to Arbitrum for cheaper DeFi transactions\
    **Batch Operations**: Perform multiple operations on L2 then return to mainnet
  </Card>

  <Card title="Ecosystem Access" icon="network-wired">
    **Different DeFi Protocols**: Access unique opportunities on each network\
    **Liquidity Arbitrage**: Take advantage of price differences between chains
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## 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

<Info>
  **Same Address**: Your WBTC will appear at the same wallet address on the destination network. Garden's atomic swaps ensure safe cross-chain transfers.
</Info>

<Warning>
  **Network Verification**: Always verify you're on the correct network before initiating transfers. Sending to wrong networks may result in permanent loss.
</Warning>

<Note>
  **Gas Requirements**: Ensure you have gas tokens on both source and destination networks for optimal experience.
</Note>

## 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

<Steps>
  <Step title="Verify Receipt">
    Switch your wallet to the destination network and confirm WBTC arrival
  </Step>

  <Step title="Update Portfolio">
    Your portfolio trackers should reflect the new network location
  </Step>

  <Step title="Explore Opportunities">
    Research DeFi protocols available on your new network
  </Step>
</Steps>

## 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

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="BTC to WBTC" icon="bitcoin" href="/home/resources/guides/swap/btc-wbtc">
    Wrap Bitcoin to get WBTC for cross-chain transfers
  </Card>

  <Card title="WBTC to BTC" icon="arrows-rotate" href="/home/resources/guides/swap/wbtc-btc">
    Unwrap WBTC back to native Bitcoin
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## 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](/developers/overview) for integration details

<Info>
  Cross-chain WBTC transfers open up new DeFi opportunities across different networks. Always verify network compatibility before interacting with new protocols.
</Info>
