Here are some scenarios in which you might find the services of the companies mentioned below useful for sending money to other countries:

So let’s get started!

 

 

 

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

In this article, we will explore the distinction between the “official/commercial exchange rate” and the “tourist exchange rate.”

To put it simply, it is always more advantageous to exchange your money at the official/commercial exchange rate or the closest rate available. This minimizes losses when converting currencies. The commercial exchange rate is the rate used in the financial market for trading large sums of money, similar to “wholesale” exchange rates.

Most of the recommended companies below utilize the official/commercial exchange rate or something very similar, with a few exceptions that we will mention.

On the other hand, the tourist exchange rate is the rate offered at airports, banks, and exchange offices when you exchange money. They apply this rate to cover additional costs and to profit from the transaction. This is the least favorable exchange rate.

Therefore, it is important to always aim for the official/commercial exchange rate and NOT the tourist exchange rate when exchanging currencies. We have indicated which rate each company uses in the list below.

 

How to Send Money Abroad and Save Money While Traveling?

As you may recall from our previous article on managing money and currency exchange while traveling, using your debit, credit, or prepaid card abroad incurs a 6.38% IOF charge on each transaction. This can amount to a significant sum!

The most cost-effective option is to exchange money in your home country before traveling, purchasing dollars, euros, or other currencies at commercial rates from banks or exchange offices, and using them while abroad. However, carrying a large amount of cash while traveling is not advisable, and the rates offered by exchange brokers are often tourist rates and may not be very favorable, resulting in a loss of money.

A more affordable alternative for travelers is to use one of the options below to send money to family and friends in the countries you plan to visit during your trip. Upon arrival, you can collect the money in the local currency from the acquaintances who received the funds from your home country.

For instance, if you’re in Brazil and planning to travel to Australia where your brother is studying, you can use one of the nine companies listed below to transfer money to your brother’s checking account. He can withdraw the funds in dollars and return it to you upon your arrival in Australia. This way, you don’t have to exchange money before leaving Brazil or upon arriving in Australia.

Now, let’s delve into the nine best and most cost-effective companies and websites for sending, receiving, and transferring money abroad. But first…

 

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

 

#1) BANKS

Many people around the world mistakenly believe that using a bank is a simple and cost-effective way to send or receive international funds. However, this is far from the truth!

International transfers through banks can be incredibly EXPENSIVE! Banks typically use SWIFT code (or BIC) and IBAN for incoming and outgoing global wire transfers… and they will take advantage of you!

They often charge a percentage of the total amount transferred, along with fees that can sometimes be nearly equal to the transfer itself… and to make matters worse, the exchange rates they offer are usually unfavorable! So, if you choose to transfer money to another country using a bank, you are likely to lose a significant amount of unnecessary money.

For example, if you use a US bank to transfer money to a European bank, fees can quickly add up to at least $45 for a single wire transfer (in addition to a poor exchange rate).

Xe (one of the companies I recommend below) provides a comprehensive comparison of their rates with the rates of major banks for global wire transfers (formerly known as HiFX, which they acquired).

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

These are two of the largest money transfer companies worldwide. Unfortunately, this also implies that many people use them and unwittingly waste their money, simply because they are unaware of better alternatives.

But if so many others use Western Union and MoneyGram, why should you steer clear of them?

Because they…

• Are exorbitantly costly and charge a significant percentage of the funds you are sending (For example, MoneyGram will charge you nearly 25% of the amount you are transferring – which is $22 for a $100 transfer…an absolute ripoff!)
• Do not provide online options for sending or receiving money (you must personally visit their branch and so must the recipient) 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 Panama:

#1) Banks

#2) Western Union

#3) MoneyGram

 

 

 

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

 

    1. Wise (formerly Transferwise)

Wise (formerly known as TransferWise) is an excellent and user-friendly option for affordable global money transfers. It’s a service that I personally use and highly recommend.

To use Wise, you will need to have a bank account in the currency of the recipient’s country. The account doesn’t necessarily have to be in your name, which makes it convenient for sending money to family and friends. Simply enter the currency and amount you want to transfer, such as BRL to EUR, and the specific sum you wish to send, like BRL 1,000. Wise will then provide you with the final amount that the recipient will receive in euros, including all fees, taxes, and other charges.

It’s important to note that Wise uses the official exchange rate provided by Google for BRL to EUR conversions, ensuring that you get the best possible rate, regardless of the currencies or transfer direction.

To proceed with the transfer, fill in your details, including the recipient’s bank information, even if it’s your own overseas account. Wise will generate a payment slip for you to pay the transfer amount, with no additional charges for issuing the slip. You can pay the slip at a bank, even if you don’t have an account there, or make an online payment using internet banking from your own country.

In certain cases, depending on the country of origin, you may also have the option to transfer money to Wise using a domestic transfer, debit card, or credit card (with an additional fee for credit card payments).

Typically, the funds will reach the recipient’s account within 1-3 business days, although the exact timeframe may vary depending on the location.

 

 

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

 

 

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 well-known and trustworthy online platform that facilitates international money transfers. Similar to CurrencyFair and Wise, Xe also offers this service.

In addition, Xe is one of the largest websites globally that allows you to compare exchange rates between any two currencies, including their historical values. This feature is particularly valuable in determining whether a specific currency is strengthening or weakening compared to another.

To determine the transfer costs, you will need to create a free account with Xe.

It’s important to note that Xe may not provide money transfer services to certain countries. However, it is an excellent alternative for individuals of other nationalities who wish to send or receive money from various countries around the world.

 

 

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. WorldRemit

WorldRemit, with its headquarters in Brussels, is a fully authorized company by the National Bank of Belgium. It operates globally in more than 150 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, India, Brazil, and several European countries, enabling transactions in over 90 currencies.

In addition to facilitating money transfers, WorldRemit also provides mobile top-up services in over 110 locations. They apply minimal service and exchange fees, and the first international money transfer comes at no cost.

 

 

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. Remitly

Remitly is a prominent player in the global money transfer industry. Initially operating solely in the United States, it has now expanded its services to several countries worldwide.

One of the significant advantages of using Remitly is its remote remittance feature. This allows users to send money to another country and have it physically delivered to the recipient’s preferred location in the form of cash through Remitly’s delivery service.

Furthermore, in addition to their delivery service, Remitly offers online transfers to both traditional and digital bank accounts.

 

 

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. CurrencyFair

 

 

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. Instarem

Instarem is a global fintech company specializing in currency exchange and money transfer services. Established in Singapore in 2014, the company operates in over 25 countries, utilizing advanced technology to deliver efficient, cost-effective, and convenient financial solutions to its clients.

One of Instarem’s key advantages is its competitive rates, which are clearly outlined for customers. Additionally, they offer a rewards program where users can earn points for quick and convenient money transfers from anywhere.

In terms of travel insurance, Instarem offers comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and more. Their insurance products are tailored to individual needs and can be easily purchased through their mobile app or website. Instarem also collaborates with leading insurance providers to ensure customers receive the best possible coverage.

 

 

 

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. Ria

Ria is a prominent global financial services company specializing in money transfer solutions. With its establishment dating back to 1987, the company is headquartered in the United States and boasts a substantial global presence.

Ria offers a wide range of services, including wire transfers, bank deposits, and bill payments. It has an extensive international network comprising over 436,000 agent locations spanning across more than 160 countries worldwide.

The company’s primary objective is to deliver secure, convenient, and cost-effective money transfer options to individuals and families seeking to send funds to their loved ones anywhere in the world.

 

 

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. TransferGo

TransferGo is a renowned financial institution based in Europe that specializes in international money transfer services for European residents and visitors who need to send money abroad.

Their services are available in more than 60 countries worldwide, although currently not in Brazil, where they exclusively cater to customers with European bank accounts. Nevertheless, TransferGo offers customers various transfer options at competitive rates.

Customers can initiate transfers directly from their bank accounts, debit cards, or credit cards. They provide both fast transfers that can be completed within 30 minutes and low-cost transfers that may take up to three days to finalize.

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

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

 

 

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 is a prominent global financial institution specializing in international money transfer services for individuals and businesses. Established in 1988 in Australia, the company has expanded its operations worldwide, serving customers in Canada, the United States, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. OFX offers competitive exchange rates, low transfer fees, and personalized services tailored to meet each customer’s specific needs.

With a focus on security, speed, and cost-effectiveness, OFX provides 24/7 customer support and a variety of transfer options, including wire transfers, bill payments, and recurring transfers.

OFX is an excellent choice for individuals and businesses looking to transfer significant amounts of money overseas, including expatriates, international students, and companies involved in global commerce. Known for its exceptional customer service and high customer satisfaction, OFX is a trusted and well-established name in the international money transfer industry.

 

 

Pros of using OFX for international money transfers:

• Low transfer fees: OFX charges a low transfer fee or even no fees for transfers above a certain amount, depending on the country of origin and destination.
• Customized Services: OFX offers customized services to meet each customer’s individual needs, including scheduled transfers, wire transfer options and bill payments.
• Customer support available 24/7: OFX offers 24/7 customer support to ensure you get help whenever you need it.
• Extensive transfer options: OFX offers a wide range of transfer options, including wire transfers, bill payments and scheduled transfers, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your needs.

Cons of transferring money using OFX:

• OFX doesn’t support all currencies, so there may be some limitations on which countries or regions you can send money to.
• Also, while OFX offers competitive exchange rates, it is possible that other companies or services may offer even better rates at certain times.
• Finally, transfer processing time can take a few business days, which can be inconvenient if you need to send money urgently.

Personal experience with OFX:

Although I haven’t had the opportunity to personally use OFX’s services, user reports are often highly positive. Based on this positive review, OFX can be considered an excellent option for those who need to send someone money.

 

 

   Bonus 3. PayPal

 

 

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

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are a recent addition to the global financial market, but they are gaining popularity quickly.

A major benefit of using digital currencies is their ability to enable inexpensive international money transfers compared to conventional methods. Additionally, transactions can be completed in a matter of minutes, regardless of the recipient’s location.

 

• Coinbase (for getting digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin)

I recommend utilizing Coinbase as a reliable platform for conducting international money transfers using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Coinbase is renowned as the largest cryptocurrency exchange globally and has gained the trust of many users.

To get started, simply create a free account on Coinbase and provide the necessary personal information. Next, transfer funds from your bank account to your digital wallet on the platform and proceed to purchase the cryptocurrency of your choice. Coinbase offers popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.

Once you have acquired the cryptocurrency, you can send it to anyone worldwide who possesses a digital wallet. Simply input their wallet address and initiate the transfer through your own digital wallet.

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

The platform is user-friendly and the entire process is straightforward. Moreover, if you are interested in investing in cryptocurrencies, Coinbase is an excellent option due to its size and reputation in the industry.

 

 

 

How to invest in Bitcoins or other digital currencies

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:

 

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….  

When it comes to sending or receiving money internationally, it’s important to approach the decision with careful consideration. Conducting thorough research and comparing options is crucial to ensure you get the most out of your transaction. Factors such as exchange rates, transfer fees, and other relevant details can have a significant impact on the amount of money involved.

To simplify the process, you can choose a specific amount, for example, $500 USD, and test each of the mentioned options to see which one offers the highest value in terms of the amount received. While this may take some extra time, it can help you save money and secure the best possible deal in the long run.

 

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…

Planning your next trip?

 

Then don’t forget travel insurance! You don’t want to get stuck paying a ton of money and ruining your trip if you get sick or have an accident without travel insurance. WorldNomads is ideal for adventurous travelers, backpackers, or anyone looking to be protected during their trip. They cover almost every single activity you can image! Plus, you can have a 5% discount with the coupon code comfort5.

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! 

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. 

 

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!