Sending money abroad is something almost every expat in Dubai does — whether it’s for family, savings, investments, or paying for services in your home country.
The good news?
Dubai offers many fast, easy, and affordable options.
But fees can vary a lot: some services cost only 5 AED, while others can reach 50–120 AED per transfer.
Here is the simple, honest, and human guide to choosing the best solution in 2025.
1. Wise (Best Overall — Cheap & Transparent)
Wise is often the cheapest option.
Pros:
- real mid-market exchange rate
- very low fees
- fast transfers (often instant)
- very intuitive app
Cons:
- not all currencies available
Average cost:
5–15 AED per transfer.
2. Western Union (Best for Cash Pickups)
Western Union is ideal if the receiver needs cash.
Pros:
- available everywhere
- instant cash pickup
- perfect for developing countries
Cons:
- higher fees
- less competitive exchange rates
3. UAE Exchange / Al Ansari Exchange (Best Local Option)
Very popular in the UAE.
Pros:
- branches everywhere
- fast service
- reliable for Africa, Asia, Europe
Cons:
- requires going in person
- fees vary depending on currency
4. Bank Transfers (Convenient but Expensive)
Traditional banks can be convenient, but…
Cons:
- high fees: 40–120 AED
- weaker exchange rates
- slower transfers
Best for:
- large amounts
- business bank accounts
5. Wio Bank / Liv Bank / Mashreq Neo (Modern Digital Banks)
These digital banks offer simplified international transfers.
Pros:
- competitive prices
- transfers in seconds via mobile app
- excellent transparency
Ideal for:
- freelancers
- digital nomads
- regular transfers
6. Exchange Rates — What You Must Check Before Sending
Always check:
- mid-market rate (Google reference)
- hidden fees inside the rate
- fixed fee + percentage fee
Some platforms show “0% fees” but take 3–5% from the exchange rate.
7. Best Method by Region
Europe:
- Wise
- Wio
- bank transfer (for large amounts)
Africa:
- Al Ansari
- Western Union
- Remitly
Asia:
- Wise
- Al Ansari
- Xpress Money
US/Canada:
- Wise
- Wio
- bank transfer
8. Safety & Compliance (Important)
All services mentioned are:
- regulated
- secure
- compliant with UAE Central Bank
Avoid:
- informal transfers
- unlicensed individuals
9. How Long Do Transfers Take?
- Wise: instant to 24 hours
- Western Union: immediate
- Al Ansari: 1 to 12 hours
- Bank transfer: 1 to 3 days
10. Example: Monthly Transfer of 1,000 AED
Wise:
≈ 5–10 AED in fees
Best exchange rate
Western Union:
≈ 25–50 AED + variable rate
Al Ansari:
≈ 15–25 AED
Bank transfer:
≈ 40–120 AED
Conclusion
Sending money abroad from Dubai is easy — but choosing the right service can save you hundreds of dirhams every year.
For most expats:
- Wise is the best choice
- Al Ansari is excellent for certain countries
- Western Union is ideal for cash
- Banks are best for large professional transfers
Find financial advisors, banking services, and expat support providers on The Expat Services Directory your trusted partner for life in Dubai.
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