You have USDT sitting on TON, but the app or DeFi protocol you want to use lives on Base and needs USDC. TON and Base are separate networks, so you can't just send tokens from one wallet to the other. You need a cross-chain swap, which exchanges the asset and delivers it on the other chain in one flow.

Here's how it works with STON.fi's cross-chain interface.

What you need.

- A TON wallet holding the USDT, plus a little TON for network fees

- An EVM wallet that supports Base (MetaMask, Rabby, etc.)

- A few minutes, and a small test amount

Step 1: Open the interface and connect both wallets.

Go to STON.fi's cross-chain swap page. Type the address yourself or use a bookmark you trust, because fake swap sites are common in crypto. Connect your TON wallet as the source and your EVM wallet as the destination.

Step 2: Set the route.

- From: USDT on TON

- To: USDC on Base

Double-check both the token and the network on each side. This is the most common place to make a mistake.

Step 3: Enter the amount and read the quote.

The interface will show the USDC you should receive. Before moving on, look at:

- The expected amount and exchange rate

- Fees

- The minimum amount you'll receive

- The estimated completion time

Stablecoins should trade close to 1:1, so a big gap between what you send and what you get is a red flag.

Step 4: Review Swap and Verify the destination address.

Confirm the Base address shown is the wallet you actually control. Funds sent to the wrong address usually can't be recovered.

Step 5: Confirm in your TON wallet.

Click to proceed and your TON wallet will ask you to approve the transaction. Read the details, then confirm.

Step 6: Wait for settlement.

After the TON transaction confirms, the swap settles across the two networks. You can follow its status in the interface. Don't resubmit while it's pending.

Step 7: Check your Base wallet.

When it completes, open your Base wallet and look for the USDC. If it doesn't show up, you may need to add the token manually using the official USDC contract address for Base.

Tips before you swap.

1. Test small first. Send a few dollars before moving your full balance.

2. Keep gas on both sides. You'll need TON for the source transaction and a little ETH on Base for later activity.

3. Check the quote every time. Fees and rates change.

4. Beware of fake links and "support" DMs. Nobody legitimate will ask for your seed phrase.

Final thoughts

Moving stablecoins between TON and Base takes seven steps: connect, pick the route, enter the amount, review the quote, verify the address, confirm, and wait. Once the USDC arrives, you can use it across the Base ecosystem. Always double-check the route and address before you confirm.

This is not financial advice. Crypto transactions are irreversible, so verify everything yourself.