Swapping on and across Avalanche

Avalanche is a Layer 1 blockchain known for fast finality. Its primary contract chain is EVM-compatible, so it uses the same token standards and address format as Ethereum, while its native asset AVAX pays for gas.

That combination of EVM familiarity with a distinct, fast base layer is why Avalanche carries meaningful stablecoin liquidity and active swap volume. USDC and USDT exist here as separate deposits from the same tickers on other chains.

Multiswap compares routes from the engines that serve Avalanche rather than holding its own liquidity. For an Avalanche swap it queries same-chain and cross-chain engines in parallel and ranks quotes by net output after estimated gas.

Comparing across engines matters most on a chain with several venues: the best route for one pair often isn't the best for another, and the aggregator checks them together so you don't have to.

Gas on Avalanche is paid in AVAX, so you keep a little AVAX available to cover transactions. Fees are generally low and fast to confirm, though, as always, the exact cost moves with network conditions.

Stablecoins on Avalanche are separate from their versions elsewhere. Sending Avalanche USDC to a destination expecting another network can mean lost funds, so match the network to the receiving side every time.

Receiving on Avalanche suits destinations that support it and users who want fast, low-cost settlement on an EVM chain. If your destination expects another network, route there instead.

Avalanche's contract-chain addresses use the standard EVM format, which makes network mistakes easy. Confirm the destination network before you send, since confirmed transfers can't be reversed.