For International wire transfer, you will definitely need the SWIFT Code or else the sending bank do not know where to send the money to as there are probably several thousands of banks in the world with probably millions of branches around. The SWIFT Code would address that issue.

SWIFT also known as SWIFT-BIC, BIC code, SWIFT ID or SWIFT code is a standard format of Bank Identifier Codes approved by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It is the unique identification code of a particular bank. These codes are used when transferring money between banks, particularly for international wire transfers, and also for the exchange of other messages between banks. The codes can sometimes be found on account statements.

• First 4 Characters - Bank Code (Only Letters)
• Second 2 Characters - Country Code (Only Letters)
• Third 2 Characters - Location Code (Letters and Digits)
  (if the second character is '1', then it denotes a passive participant in the SWIFT network)
• Last 3 Characters - Branch Code (Letters and Digits), Optional ('XXX' for primary office)