7 Cheapest Ways to Receive, Send, and Transfer Money from Ireland

Top 9 most cost-efficient online platforms for international money transfers. User-friendly interfaces with real-time calculation of shipping costs and converted final values before confirmation of transfer. Supports over 40 currencies in more than 70 countries, including transactions with Ireland!

Click here to directly access the full list of the nine best options.

Although this topic may not appear directly related to traveling, it can be incredibly helpful for those who are traveling or have relatives residing overseas who require financial transfers. (I will explain later how this article can be advantageous for travelers and expats).

(By the way, if you or someone you know is considering or desiring to live abroad, make sure to check out our page featuring 10 alternatives for residing in other countries).

 

Transfer money to Ireland

 

 

Here are some scenarios where you can use the services of some of the companies that will be mentioned below to send money to other countries:

  • You may find yourself in various situations where you need to send or receive money internationally. For example, you might be planning a trip abroad and want to save money when exchanging currency.
  • Or perhaps you are studying in Ireland and need to receive money from your family back home. Maybe you have a family member studying abroad and need to send money to them in Indonesia. Alternatively, you could be working in Indonesia and need to send money to your family back home.
  • Another scenario is when you need to send money to yourself, as you are living in Indonesia but your money is in your home country. Your spouse may be working abroad and need to send money back to you.
  • Additionally, you might need to send or receive money from international suppliers/customers, make an international payment, or transfer money to your home country for investments.
  • If you’re traveling and run out of money, your family might need to send you money to help you continue your journey. Or, in the unfortunate event of theft while traveling, you might need your family to send you money to help you out.
  • Furthermore, if you have international accounts, you may need to transfer money to your country. Finally, you might simply prefer to make online money transfers without physically going to a bank branch.

It’s essential to note that the online options presented below are valid for people who reside or hold citizenship in any country worldwide, including Portugal, the United States, Ireland, Argentina, Spain, among others.

 

So let’s get started!

 

receive money from abroad 3

 

 

Important note: Official/spot exchange rate vs. retail/tourist exchange rate

In this article, you’ll come across the terms “commercial exchange rate” and “tourist exchange rate”.

In simple terms, it’s always preferable to exchange your money at the commercial exchange rate or something close to it since you’ll lose less money while converting different currencies. This rate is used in the financial market where large sums of money are traded (think of it as “wholesale” exchange rates).

Most of the companies that I recommend below use the commercial exchange rate or something very close to it (I’ll mention when they don’t).

On the other hand, the tourist exchange rate is what you’ll come across when exchanging money at airports, banks, exchange offices, etc. They use the tourist exchange rate because they have more expenses and also because they want to earn more from you in the transaction. This is the worst exchange rate there is.

To sum it up, always try to exchange currencies using the commercial exchange rate and NOT the tourist exchange rate. We’ve mentioned below which rate each company uses.

 

How to save money while traveling by sending money abroad?

As you may already know (if you’ve read my article on handling money and currency exchange while traveling), if you use your debit, credit, or prepaid card abroad while traveling, you’ll have to pay the 6.38% IOF on the value of each transaction. That’s a lot of money!!

The cheapest option would be to exchange money in your home country before traveling (buying dollars, euros, or other currencies at commercial rates) at banks or exchange offices and using them abroad. However, besides not being very advisable to travel with a lot of cash, the rates used by exchange brokers are the tourist rates and are not always very attractive, so you could end up losing money in this transaction.

For those traveling, a more cost-effective alternative is to use one of the options below to send money to family and friends in countries you will be visiting on your trip. So, when you arrive in that country, you get the money back in the local currency from the acquaintances who received your money from your country.

For example, let’s say I’m in Brazil and planning to travel to Australia, where my brother is studying. I can use one of the 9 companies below to send money to my brother’s checking account. He will take this money in dollars and then give it back to me once I’m in Australia. That way, I don’t need to exchange money before leaving Brazil or right after arriving in Australia.

So now let’s talk about the 9 best and most cost-effective companies and websites to send, receive, and transfer money abroad. But first…

 

What’re the 3 ways you should NEVER send and receive money abroad?

 

#1) BANKS

Many people worldwide assume that utilizing a bank is a simple and cost-effective way to transfer or receive funds internationally. However, this is far from the truth!

Making global transfers through banks is EXPENSIVE!! Banks use SWIFT code (or BIC) and IBAN for incoming and outgoing international wire transfers…and they will overcharge you!

Typically, they apply a percentage of the total amount transferred along with a fee that can sometimes be nearly equal to the transfer itself…and to make matters worse, the exchange rate they provide is poor! So, if you transfer money to another country via a bank, it is likely that you will lose a significant amount of unnecessary money.

For example, if you use an American bank to transfer money to a European bank, charges could quickly add up to a minimum of $45 for a single wire transfer (plus a terrible exchange rate).

Xe (one of the companies I recommend below) offers a comprehensive comparison of their rates and the rates of major banks for global wire transfers (previously known as HiFX, which was acquired).

 

international wire transfers

 

And this table gives you an idea of the fees charged by banks for incoming and outgoing international wire transfers…ouch!

 

 

#2) and #3) Western Union or MoneyGram

send money abroad 9 international transfers

 

 

 

 

These are two of the largest money transfer firms globally. Unfortunately, this also means that many people use them and unknowingly waste their money, simply because they are unaware of better alternatives.

But if so many other individuals use Western Union and MoneyGram, why should you avoid them?

Because they…

  • Are extremely expensive and take a substantial percentage of the funds you are sending (For instance, MoneyGram will charge you almost 25% of the amount you are transferring – which is $22 for a $100 transfer…a complete ripoff!)
  • Don’t offer online options for sending or receiving money (you must personally visit their branch and the recipient must do the same) Typically use the retail/tourist exchange rate (also known as the unfavorable rate)

 

One last time, here are the 3 ways you should NOT do international transfers to Indonesia:

#1) Banks

#2) Western Union

#3) MoneyGram

 

international wire transfers 1

 

 

Then what are the cheapest and most practical ways to do international money transfers?

Here are some of my recommended options based on affordability and convenience via mobile apps or the web. Nonetheless, I recommend that you test all available options to determine which one suits your needs the best in terms of cost-effectiveness.

 

    1. Wise (formerly Transferwise)Wise

Wise (formerly known as TransferWise), created by the same team that launched Skype, is perhaps the most budget-friendly and straightforward way to transfer money internationally. It’s my personal favorite and the one I utilize the most.

You only need to have a bank account in the currency of the destination country (Note that the account does not have to be under your name, making Wise a suitable option for sending money to family and friends).

Just input the currency and amount you want to transfer (e.g., R$ to euros), then enter the sum you want to send (e.g., R$ 1,000). Wise will give you the final amount the recipient will receive in euros, including all fees, taxes, and other costs.

It’s crucial to note that Wise utilizes the official exchange rate offered by Reuters for the Real to Euro conversion. This indicates that it’s the best possible rate, regardless of the transfer direction or the currencies used.

Then, sign up with your details and enter the recipient’s bank information (even if it’s your own overseas account). Wise will also provide you with a payment slip to pay the transfer amount, with no additional costs for issuing the slip. You can pay the slip at a bank, even if you don’t have an account there, or online via internet banking from home.

In certain situations, depending on the source country, you may also transfer money to Wise via domestic transfer, debit card, or credit card (although paying with a credit card incurs an extra fee).

The funds will arrive in the recipient’s account within 1-3 days.

 

international transfers 6

 outgoing international wire transfers 4

 

And notice that the currency exchange rate from Wise is pretty much the same as the official one given by Google!

 

international transfers 4 international transfers 5

 

Pros of using Wise for international money transfers:

  • It’s the cheapest way to transfer money I’ve found– their fee is only around 0.35% of the total transfer value
  • They use the official exchange rate (which is much better than the “tourist” exchange rate)
  • It’s super practical – you can do everything online
  • It’s cheaper and easier than sending money internationally using banks
  • There isn’t a minimum transaction amount
  • You can use Wise to transfer money overseas for your Business and pay suppliers or employees
  • You can send money to more than 40 countries plus all the countries that use the Euro (19 in total) *
  • You can receive payments worldwide

 

By the way, if you want to send money to Spain, Portugal, Ireland, or other countries that use the Euro, the process is the same. All you need is to select Euro when you begin your transfer and then put the info of the bank account in the country receiving the money.

 

*Countries that use the Euro:

Germany, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Portugal, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, the Vatican, Kosovo, Montenegro.

 

Cons of using Wise for international money transfers:

  • Until recently, it was not possible to send money if the person did not have a current account in the destination country of the transaction. But now, with Wise’s digital and physical cards, you can make payments directly from your account on the platform, but check availability in your region!

However, if in the country you are in this service is not yet available, an easy way to circumvent this problem is by using the checking account of someone you trust. Here in Sweden, for example, I helped a fellow Brazilian receive money here from his family in Brazil. They transferred the money to my Swedish bank account, I withdrew the money from the ATM and gave it to him.

 

Personal experience with Wise:

I’ve used Wise to send money from the United States to Brazil (which can be done with a credit card!), from the United States to Sweden, from Australia to Sweden, from Australia to Sweden, and from Sweden to the United States. It’s always worked smoothly for me! So, I’d definitely recommend it.

 

If you want to see, here’s a video explaining how Wise works:

 

 

 

    2. Xe

Xe is a reliable option for international money transfers. Just like Wise and CurrencyFair, Xe offers the same services.

In addition to providing transfer services, Xe is also one of the largest websites globally for comparing exchange rates between any two currencies, including their historical trends. This is particularly useful for monitoring whether a currency is appreciating or depreciating against another.

To determine transfer fees, you will need to register for a free account with Xe in advance.

It’s important to note that Xe does not support money transfers to certain countries, but it remains an excellent choice for people of other nationalities who want to send or receive money across borders.

 

 

PROS of using Xe for international money transfers:

  • Xe does not have a minimum or maximum limit for the transfer value.
  • They charge a relatively low fee to send and receive money from abroad (for example: for transfers up to 500 USD a fee of 3 USD is charged)
  • They don’t charge any fees to send or exchange abroad
  • They use a rate close to the official rate
  • It’s super practical – you can do everything online
  • You can send money to more than 26 countries plus all the countries that use the Euro

You can see which currencies they work with on their homepage here.

And you can easily sign up on Xe for free to check how much you’d save on a transfer.

 

Cons of using Xe to transfer money:

  • They don’t with all currencies
  • You must open an account before getting a quote for the cost of your transfer…..but it’s free to open an account and super fast
  • Sometimes it costs more to transfer with Xe than with Wise or CurrencyFair because their rates aren’t always as good (you’ll have to compare for your individual transaction to see what is best)

 

My personal experience with Xe: 

Honestly, I’ve never used Xe. But I have a friend who tried using it to send money from the United States to Sweden and she said everything worked just fine and the cost was pretty good. Plus, I use them all the time to check currency exchange rates when I’m traveling overseas. 

 

 

   3. WorldRemitworld-remit

WorldRemit is a regulated financial institution authorized by the National Bank of Belgium and headquartered in Brussels. It operates in more than 150 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, India, Brazil, and numerous European countries, and supports over 90 currencies.

However, it is important to note that although WorldRemit offers transfers to Brazil, their website is not available in Portuguese. Along with money transfers, the company also provides mobile top-ups in over 110 locations. They charge low service and exchange fees, and the first international money transfer is fee-free.

 

world remit to brasil

 

Pros of using WorldRemit for international money transfers:

  • Low fees and first free transfer
  • Services available in several countries
  • Cell phone recharge option

 

Cons of using WorldRemit for international transfers:

  • No website in Portuguese

 

Personal experience with WorldRemit: WorldRemit really does work at low rates, so it’s worth making a quote through this site and comparing it to others on the list. Also, your first download is completely free!

 

 

   4. Remitlyremitly logo

Remitly is a well-known player in the worldwide money transfer industry. At first, it offered services exclusively within the United States, but now it has expanded its services to multiple countries globally.

One of the main benefits of Remitly is its remote transfer service. This enables users to send money to a different country and have it delivered in cash to the recipient’s preferred location through their delivery service.

Besides the delivery service, Remitly also offers online transfers to traditional or digital bank accounts.

 

A forma mais barata de transferir dinheiro do exterior para o Brasil

 

Pros of using Remitly for international money transfers:

  • Remittance option delivered in cash to the desired address;
  • Simple and super practical interface;
  • Transfer option for digital accounts.

 

Cons of using Remitly for international transfers:

  • The site is not available in Portuguese;
  • Compared to other companies on the list, it does not work with a large number of countries.

 

Personal experience with Remitly:

I’ve never used Remitly, but user feedback is pretty positive. This is really a great option if you need to send money to someone who is not comfortable with technology or if you need cash on hand for a trip, for example.

 

 

    5. CurrencyFairinternational transfers 0

CurrencyFair functions in a similar manner to Wise, employing an identical process for transferring money. However, CurrencyFair’s disadvantage is its limited currency coverage, as it does not support some currencies such as the Brazilian real.

 

international transfers 2
send money abroad 0 send money abroad 2

 

send money abroad

 

Pros of using CurrencyFair for international money transfers:

  • It’s a super cheap way to send and receive money from other countries – they only charge around 0.35% of the total value, like Wise does
  • They use the official exchange rate (which is much better than the “tourist” rates banks use)
  • It’s super practical – you can do everything online
  • You can send funds to more than 18 countries, including those that use the Euro
  • As with Wise, you can use CurrencyFair for your Business to pay suppliers or employees
  • It’s cheaper and faster than doing international transfers with a bank
  • There isn’t a minimum transaction amount
  • Now they are also working with Indian Rupee (INR)

 

Cons of transferring money with CurrencyFair:

  • It only works with about half the number of currencies Wise does

 

Personal experience with CurrencyFair:

I’ve also used CurrencyFair to send money from the United States to Sweden, and it worked just as well as Wise did.

Here’s a quick video on how to sign up for free:

 

 

And how to do a transfer with CurrencyFair:

 

 

 

   6. InstaremSeguro Instarem

Instarem is a financial technology firm that specializes in global currency exchange and money transfer services. Established in Singapore in 2014, the company operates in more than 25 countries around the world and leverages advanced technology to provide clients with efficient, convenient, and cost-effective financial services.

Instarem’s rates are highly competitive and transparently presented to customers. The company also has a rewards program that allows you to accumulate points when you make fast and hassle-free money transfers from anywhere.

In the realm of travel insurance, Instarem offers a comprehensive suite of products that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and other unforeseen events. Its insurance solutions are customized to meet each client’s unique requirements and can be easily purchased through its mobile app or website. Furthermore, Instarem partners with leading insurance providers to ensure that its customers receive the best possible coverage.

 

Seguradora Instarem

 

Seguradora Instarem

 

Pros of using Instarem for international money transfers:

  • The company is present in more than 25 countries, which allows it to serve a wide variety of customers around the world. In addition, the company’s geographic expansion has been constant and promising.
  • Great Value: Low fees. Great exchange rates. nothing hidden
  • Secure and reliable: Industry-leading technology moving $4 billion annually
  • Rewards: Send money and earn points to enjoy even greater value
  • Save time: skip the lines and send money quickly
  • Anytime, Anywhere: Send money anywhere with our app

 

Cons of transferring money with Instarem:

  • Transfer Fees and Limitations: Like any financial services company, Instarem charges money transfer fees and sets limits on transactions. This can make the company’s services less accessible to customers with lower purchasing power or who need to send large amounts of money.

 

Personal experience with Instarem:

Although I have never used Instarem, user feedback is generally very positive. This can be an excellent choice if you need to send someone money!

 

 

   7. RiaSeguro Ria

Ria is a global enterprise that offers financial services to individuals worldwide. Since its establishment in 1987, the company has expanded its global reach and is headquartered in the United States.

Ria’s comprehensive services comprise wire transfers, bank deposits, and bill payments, which are accessible through its extensive network of over 436,000 agent locations across 160 countries.

The company’s mission is to provide safe, affordable, and convenient financial services to individuals and families who want to send money to their loved ones worldwide.

 

Seguradora Ria

Seguros Ria

 

Pros of using Ria for international money transfers:

  • Ria has a global presence with over 436,000 agent locations worldwide, which makes sending and receiving money more convenient for its customers;
  • Ria offers a wide range of payment options, including wire transfers, bank deposits and bill payments.

 

Cons of using Ria for international transfers:

  • Ria imposes daily and monthly limits on the amount a customer can transfer, which can be an inconvenience for those who need to send large amounts of money;
  • Ria may charge additional fees, depending on the destination country and the payment method selected by the customer;
  • Ria may require customers to go through an identity verification process, which can be time consuming and inconvenient.

 

Personal experience with Ria:

Although I don’t have personal experience with Ria, user feedback is often highly positive. This can be an excellent option if you need to send someone money.

 

 

Bonus: Online International Money Transfer Companies

 

   Bonus 1. TransferGoBest ways to transfer money from Europe to Brazil

TransferGo is a renowned company that offers specialized international money transfer services for individuals residing or visiting Europe, intending to transfer funds across borders.

Their services are operational in over 60 countries globally, though at present, money transfers to Brazil are restricted to individuals holding European bank accounts. Nonetheless, they provide a range of transfer alternatives and market competitive rates for their customers.

TransferGo allows its customers to transfer funds directly from their bank account, debit card, or credit card. Customers can choose between speedy transfers that take up to 30 minutes to process or low-fee economic transfers that may take up to three days to complete.

The transfer process is straightforward and user-friendly, making TransferGo a convenient and stress-free alternative for international money transfers.

When making transfers with TransferGo, you can use this code or coupon: HMSESq

 

Best ways to transfer money from Europe to Brazil

 

Pros of using TransferGo for international money transfers:

  • There are no daily limits for transfers on TransferGo
  • They work with fast transfer options (for a fee of £2.99)
  • They allow transfers directly from your bank account, debit card or credit card to foreign accounts
  • They have a simple and practical interface to receive money from abroad

 

Cons of using TransferGo for international transfers:

  • Each transfer may not exceed the $30,000.00 limit
  • It is not possible to transfer money from the USA, Canada, among other countries to Brazil

 

Personal experience with TransferGo:

If you are looking for a company to transfer money from Europe to the rest of the world, this is a great option. In my experience, the whole process is done very simply and cheaply.

 

 

   Bonus 2. OFX OFX Logo

OFX is a globally recognized financial company providing cross-border money transfer services to both individuals and businesses. Established in 1988 in Australia, the company has expanded its operations globally, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. OFX offers competitive exchange rates and low transfer fees, along with customized services designed to meet the unique requirements of its customers.

The company’s primary objective is to provide safe, fast, and cost-effective money transfer services backed by 24/7 customer support. OFX offers various transfer options, including wire transfers, bill payments, and recurring transfers, catering to the diverse needs of its customers.

OFX is an ideal choice for individuals and businesses that need to transfer substantial amounts of money overseas, such as foreign students, expats, and international traders. With a proven track record of exceptional customer service and satisfaction, OFX has established itself as a reputable and well-respected name in the global money transfer industry.

 

Insurance OFX

 

 

   Bonus 3. PayPal

Paypal is a well-known platform used for making online transactions and payments to other parties. It is a popular choice among eBay shoppers as it offers a secure way to make payments.

While Paypal also offers international money transfer services, it has the limitation that you need a linked US bank account to withdraw funds. However, you can still use the funds in your Paypal account to purchase items at online stores that accept Paypal as a payment option, including eBay. Moreover, you have the option to transfer your Paypal balance to another person.

 

international transfers 1

 

Pros of using Paypal for international transfers:

  • It’s a very easy and practical way to send/receive money between almost any two people in the world
  • It’s very popular
  • You can use it to send/receive payments from overseas from any person that also has Paypal (since you only need an email to open an account)
  • It’s super practical – you can do everything online.
  • Works for people from all over the world (although you can only withdraw the money if you have a U.S. bank account)
  • There’s no minimum transaction

 

Cons of using Paypal for international transfers:

  • You can’t take money out of your Paypal wallet (if someone sends it to you) unless you have a bank account in the United States (otherwise, you’ll have to leave it in your Paypal account and can only use the money to buy things on websites that accept Paypal, like eBay)
  • They charge a 3% fee on some transfers
  • They don’t use the official exchange rate (they use the retail/tourist rate instead), so you’ll lose some money when you exchange from one currency to the other

 

Personal experience with Paypal:

I use Paypal directly to buy things on eBay and to receive payments from a few companies that only pay with Paypal. But I don’t use it for international transfers because I think the exchange rate is bad and the options above are better, so it’s up to you.

 

 

BONUS CRIPTO:

How to do international transfers using digital currency

Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin are a new option in the global financial market. Although they are a relatively new concept, their usage is increasing consistently.

One significant advantage of digital currencies is that they offer the possibility to transfer money internationally with minimal fees compared to traditional channels. Moreover, transactions can be completed in minutes, regardless of where the recipient is located.

 

  • Coinbase (for getting digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin)receive money from abroad 1

I recommend using Coinbase as a viable platform for international money transfers using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. It is the world’s largest and most trustworthy cryptocurrency exchange.

To begin, create a free account on Coinbase and provide your personal information. Then, transfer funds from your bank account to your digital wallet and purchase your preferred cryptocurrency. Coinbase offers three popular cryptocurrencies to choose from: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.

Once you have purchased your desired cryptocurrency, you can send it to anyone worldwide who has a digital wallet. Simply enter the recipient’s digital wallet address and transfer the coins from your own digital wallet.

After receiving the cryptocurrency, the recipient can convert it to their local currency (such as Reais, Euros, or Dollars) and transfer it to their bank account using the Coinbase platform.

The process is simple and the platform is easy to use. Moreover, if you’re interested in investing in cryptocurrencies, Coinbase is an excellent choice due to its size and reputation.

 

international transfers 3

 

How to invest in Bitcoins or other digital currencies

If you choose to hold onto digital currencies after purchasing them, you have the option to wait for their value to potentially increase and sell them in the future. However, it’s important to note that there is no guarantee that the currency will appreciate in value, and in fact, it can even decrease in value.

So be careful with investing in digital currencies! Don’t use money that you’ll need in short or midterm!

 

Pros of using cryptocurrency for international transfers through Coinbase:

  • It’s a cheap way to send money between almost any two countries in the world
  • It’s getting more and more popular
  • You can use your bank account, debit card, or credit card to do the deposit into your digital wallet in Coinbase
  • You can use it to receive payments from overseas from any person that has their own digital wallet (your digital wallet can be through Coinbase or any other platform that works with cryptocurrency)
  • It’s very easy – you can do everything online
  • There’s no minimum transaction

 

Cons of using cryptocurrency for international transfers through Coinbase:

  • The value of the digital currencies still varies a lot (AKA: it’s highly volatile), so it’s possible that the amount you send may already be worth more or less by the time it arrives at the destination
  • You have a pay a fee of a small percentage of the total value you deposit in Coinbase. If you use a credit card, this fee can be up to 3%
  • It can take a few days for the purchase of Bitcoin to be finalized. With Ethereum and Litecoin, the buy and sell confirmation is faster
  • It’s a new market and many people still don’t know how it works

 

Personal experience with Coinbase:

On a previous occasion, I opted to use digital currencies to pay for an online purchase, as it was more cost-effective compared to using credit cards. I chose to utilize Coinbase to purchase a small amount of Bitcoins and transferred them to the online store. The process was straightforward and the transaction went smoothly.

 

Summing up…

The 7 cheapest ways to receive, send, and transfer money abroad:

  1. Wise
  2. Xe
  3. World Remit
  4. Remitly
  5. Currency Fair
  6. Instarem
  7. Ria
  8. TransferGo
  9. OFX
  10. Paypal
  11. Coinbase

 

In Brief….  

Just like with any significant financial decision, it is crucial to conduct research and compare options before sending or receiving money overseas. It’s essential to analyze exchange rates, transfer fees, and other relevant factors to make an informed decision that ensures you receive the most value for your money.

One way to streamline the process is to pick a specific amount, such as $500 USD, and test each of the above options to identify which one gives you the most value in terms of the amount received. Although this may require extra time, it can result in significant savings and help you obtain the most favorable deal possible.

 

Protect yourself against fraud and common scams with international money transfers!!

Use only the companies listed above to transfer money to trusted individuals or reputable companies with positive feedback. Do not transfer money to anyone you don’t know personally. Additionally, be cautious if a family member or friend sends you an urgent message requesting money but you are unable to contact them through phone, Skype, WhatsApp, or other reliable means.

 

By paying attention to strange signs like the ones below, you can tell if you’re being the victim of a scam or not….and then avoid it if you are. Think very carefully before making a transfer. If you’re not sure, don’t take the risk!

Don’t send/transfer money to people or companies:

  • If you or your family/close friends don’t know them personally
  • For a deposit to buy a property or a rent payment. Take note of this one because it is one of the most common scams for people that live abroad!  ONLY send them if you are personally in the city where you are renting and you have personally visited the property & met with the agent/landlord of the place that’s to be rented or purchased. Seriously, this scam is a lot more common than you think….and a lot of people who move abroad get screwed by it!
  • To buy something online. You shouldn’t have to use an international transfer for this, better to use a credit card or Paypal (which have payment protections)
  • From a place claiming to protect you from a virus that doesn’t accept credit cards (since all trusted antivirus companies should)
  • For an emergency situation that hasn’t been confirmed by a friend or family member
  • To “redeem” lottery winnings or prizes….another super common scam!
  • To make charitable donations. Ask for another way to contribute…be wary of any charity asking for international money transfers
  • To start working as a mystery shopper. You should never have to pay for this, it’s free!
  •   To get a job….this is always a scam! Don’t pay a company to start working with them!
  • For a credit card fee or loan. These fees are ALWAYS paid via your credit card and not through international money transfers

Use only the companies listed above to transfer money to trusted individuals or reputable companies with positive feedback. Do not transfer money to anyone you don’t know personally. Additionally, be cautious if a family member or friend sends you an urgent message requesting money but you are unable to contact them through phone, Skype, WhatsApp, or other reliable means.

 

Conclusion…

That concludes the guide on how to easily, affordably, and securely make international transfers. Please feel free to leave a comment in the section below if you have any questions or concerns, and I will provide a prompt response to the best of my abilities.

Planning your next trip?

 

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Already reserved your hotel or hostel? If not, we recommend Booking.com. They have a huge selection of hotels and hostels all over the world. Plus, in most cases, you can cancel your reservation up to a few days before the check-in date without any costs! 

 

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Still haven’t booked your plane ticket and want to save big? Take a look at Momondo. It’s a flight aggregator that combines several other ticket search websites to make it easier for you to compare prices and make sure you are getting the best deal. 

 

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And finally, will you need to rent a car during your trip? Then check out Rentalcar.com to search and compare car rental companies from all over the world in a single website. Then, you can find the cheapest price for the best car!

 

 

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