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<p>People around the globe are more connected than ever, so it’s no surprise if you need to send money to someone abroad. You might be supporting family, conducting business, or just sending a thoughtful gift to someone special. But what’s most important is finding a hassle-free and reliable solution that doesn&#8217;t break the bank.<br><br>While you’d hope the process would be relatively simple, sending money overseas has far more hurdles than a domestic transfer. Depending on the method, everything from local banking regulations and time zones to the relationships between financial institutions can slow your transfer or make it more expensive.<br><br>In fact, how you send money internationally could cost you a significant amount in fees. Plus, it could take days to land in the recipient’s account. That&#8217;s why it pays to understand the best ways to send money to someone abroad. Here, we break down the pros and cons of five common methods for how to send money internationally to ensure you pick the ideal solution for your needs. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">International Bank Transfer</h2>



<p><br>Making an international bank transfer seems the most obvious choice when sending money overseas. After all, if you and the recipient have bank accounts, entering their details and pressing send is simple. Unfortunately, this isn’t the only thing to consider, as banks often require substantial fees to use their services. As a result, it&#8217;ll likely cost much more to send the same amount.<br><br>Banks often have weaker exchange rates than other options, ensuring you get less value for your money. Meanwhile, sending money overseas with your bank can incur expensive third-party charges and foreign transaction fees. In addition, opening a foreign currency bank account to make regular international transfers can come with high monthly costs and restrictive eligibility criteria that might be more hassle than it&#8217;s worth. <br><br>Alongside the financial concerns, you have to weigh the time it takes to send money abroad. If you have a friend or family member in need, you want to know the funds will arrive fast. You typically won’t know how soon your transfer will arrive when sending an international bank transfer, as it typically takes from one to five business days. If someone needs the money quickly, you might consider another way to send money internationally.<br><br>So, what’s the advantage of international bank transfers? As banks exist in virtually every country, it&#8217;s usually possible to get money into someone’s account, regardless of location. Plus, bank transfers are highly regulated, increasing the safety and security of your funds. If you don’t mind the extra fees and potentially slow timeline, using an international bank transfer to send money abroad is a convenient option.<br><br><strong>What you need to send international bank transfers: </strong></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Recipient name</li>



<li>Account number or IBAN</li>



<li>Bank name and address</li>



<li>SWIFT, BIC, or NCC code</li>



<li>Reason for the transfer</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">International Wire Transfer</h2>



<p><br>Some people use &#8220;wire transfer&#8221; and &#8220;bank transfer&#8221; interchangeably, but there are fundamental differences between these payment methods. While a bank transfer entails sending money directly from one bank account to another, a wire transfer sees the sender’s bank act as an intermediary. Using a messaging network like SWIFT, your bank exchanges payment data with the recipient&#8217;s bank or financial institution.<br><br>When finding the ideal way to send money abroad, the pros and cons of <a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en/blog/how-to-send-an-international-wire-transfer/">international wire transfers</a> are similar to international bank transfers. Speed is often an advantage, with some international wire transfers processed same-day and arriving quickly. However, there can be numerous reasons for delays. For example, if your bank doesn’t have a relationship with the recipient’s institution, intermediary banks must help route international wire transfers. This can slow transfers and lead to additional costs.<br><br>You’ll also encounter several fees when sending an international wire transfer. In some cases, there’s a bank sending fee, an exchange markup, correspondent bank fees, and receiver bank fees. While this process costs the sender and receiver more, it might be acceptable if you’re sending a large sum abroad and need the extra safety provided by an international wire transfer. <br><br>As a wire transfer requires direct communication between banks and financial institutions, it&#8217;s generally regarded as a safe way to send money internationally online. However, be extra careful when entering someone’s account details. After you send the funds and the recipient’s bank accepts them, you can’t reverse the transfer, unlike some international bank transfers.<br><br><strong>What you need to send international wire transfers: </strong></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Recipient name, address, and contact details</li>



<li>Recipient account type and IBAN</li>



<li>Bank name and address</li>



<li>SWIFT, BIC, or NCC code</li>



<li>Reason for the transfer</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">International Money Order</h2>



<p><br>It might seem strange to send paper documents around the globe in the digital age, but <a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en/blog/how-to-send-an-international-money-order-a-complete-guide/">international money orders</a> remain a common way to transfer funds internationally. Rather than slipping cash into an envelope and hoping it reaches its destination, international money orders are a safer, more reliable, and more convenient way to transfer funds to people without access to digital financial services.<br><br>For example, post offices, retail stores, banks, and international money transfer businesses often sell international money orders. All the sender has to do is fill in the amount they want to send, enter the payee information, and fund the transfer. Yet as this document reaches its destination via the traditional mail system, the recipient can expect to wait days or even weeks for it to arrive.<br><br>International money orders also come with several associated fees. Depending on location and service, you could pay a flat rate or a percentage of the total order amount. There’s also the risk that your international money order gets lost in the mail. Fortunately, someone can’t steal the funds as easily as cash, and you can replace a missing international money order. However, there might be delays and extra fees for doing so.<br><br>While there are usually more convenient ways to send money abroad, an international money order could make sense if you or the recipient don’t have a bank account. Just know there are faster and cheaper methods that don&#8217;t require you to deal with the hassle of filling in paper documents and sending them in the post.<br><br><strong>What you need to send international money orders:</strong></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Recipient name and address</li>



<li>Valid ID </li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Money Transfer Services</h2>



<p><br>Banks might seem the obvious choice when transferring money abroad, but their services are slower and more costly than money transfer services. The World Bank’s Remittance Prices Worldwide report from September 2023 identified banks <a href="https://remittanceprices.worldbank.org/sites/default/files/rpw_main_report_and_annex_q323_1101.pdf">as the most expensive service providers</a> at an average cost of 11.48% of the total transfer amount. These significant fees have given rise to popular services like Ria Money Transfer.<br><br>Whereas banks offer a myriad of financial services, leading to higher costs, money transfer services like Ria specialize in foreign exchange. This streamlined approach means you can access vastly improved exchange rates while enjoying much lower fees. For example, the transfer fees for Ria customers in the United States can be as little as 3 USD, making it a clear winner over other international transfer methods.<br><br>Ria Money Transfer also provides senders and recipients with numerous online payment options. Senders can use a credit or debit card to fund their transfer to the recipient’s bank account, mobile wallet, or even as a cash pickup. Ria’s services are also available in person at over 500,000 physical locations worldwide, ensuring it’s easy to transfer funds to friends and family overseas. <br><br>Money transfer services like Ria are also a fast way to transfer funds. When you pay with a credit or debit card, your money usually arrives with Ria within 15 minutes. Then, you can keep track of your transfer on its way to the recipient. Featuring low fees and several convenient ways to send and receive money, Ria Money Transfer has emerged as a stellar option for sending money internationally.<br><br><strong>What you need to </strong><a href="https://help.riamoneytransfer.com/hc/en-us/articles/4406286465297-What-details-do-I-need-to-send-money"><strong>send money</strong></a><strong> using Ria Money Transfer:</strong></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Destination country</li>



<li>Recipient name and phone number</li>



<li>Recipient address and account details (depending on payment method)</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bitcoin</h2>



<p><br>Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have skyrocketed in popularity over the last decade, with many seeing this virtual currency as a viable method for sending money overseas. Once the sender and receiver have opened cryptocurrency wallets, it’s a relatively simple process to convert your local currency into Bitcoin and transfer the funds. After it arrives with the recipient, converting it into their currency should also be relatively straightforward.<br><br>Since Bitcoin doesn’t use the traditional banking system, it’s sometimes described as a hassle-free way to send money across borders with low transaction fees. However, the reality is often quite different. As Bitcoin transaction fees are calculated per byte, not by percentage or as a flat fee, small transactions can attract relatively high fees. You can also encounter prohibitively high fees when the Bitcoin network becomes congested.<br><br>The unpredictable nature of Bitcoin, alongside other cryptocurrencies, makes it unsuitable for the average person looking to send money abroad. Transfers with Bitcoin are also irreversible, and fraud is a genuine risk. With reliable services like Ria Money Transfer already offering fast and cost-effective ways to transfer funds overseas, avoiding needless complications is usually the best approach.<br><br><strong>What you need to send Bitcoin:</strong></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Recipient wallet address</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Discover the Best Way to Send Money Internationally</h2>



<p><br>There’s no shortage of ways to send money overseas, but most methods have upsides and downsides that require careful consideration. However, Ria Money Transfer offers an affordable and convenient service where transferring funds to friends, family, and businesses abroad is remarkably simple. Featuring web, app, and in-person payment methods, finding a solution that makes sense for your needs is never an issue.<br><br>You also won&#8217;t spend a fortune to send money overseas due to our low and transparent costs. Just use our online payment calculator to explore up-to-date exchange rates and associated fees when transferring funds to 190+ countries and territories. Supported by fast transfer speeds and real-time tracking, Ria Money Transfer is perfect for sending money internationally.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Send Money Abroad With Ria Money Transfer</h2>



<p><br>Make the most of Ria&#8217;s hassle-free international money transfer service. As a leading global money transfer company, we provide fast, secure, and affordable services to almost every country.<br><br>With our various delivery options, you can make a bank deposit, send money to a mobile wallet, organize a cash pickup at <a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en-us/locations/">an authorized location</a>, or even select home delivery in certain countries. <br><br><a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en-us/">Send your money overseas</a> using Ria Money Transfer to discover an accessible, efficient, and cost-effective way to remit money to loved ones worldwide.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



<p><br>To learn more about Ria Money Transfer, browse our frequently asked questions or <a href="https://help.riamoneytransfer.com/hc/en-us/p/contact-suggestions">get in touch</a> with our friendly team.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What are my payment options?</h3>



<p>Your payment options with Ria depend on where you live and whether you&#8217;re using the app or website to send money. <a href="https://help.riamoneytransfer.com/hc/en-us/articles/7907355982097-What-are-my-payment-options">View this list</a> to find out more about your options.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">How long do international transfers take?</h3>



<p><a href="https://help.riamoneytransfer.com/hc/en-us/articles/4406609602705-How-long-do-transfers-take">Several factors determine</a> how soon the funds you send arrive with the recipient. These include how you pay for your transfer, the delivery method selected, the time and day of the week, and if any security reviews are required.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">How do I find a cash pickup location?</h3>



<p>Featuring over half a million cash pickup locations, Ria Money Transfer spans more than 190 countries and territories. You can easily find the most convenient location for your recipient to collect cash with <a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/locations/">our location map</a>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What details do I need to send money?</h3>



<p>The details you must provide differ depending on the send and receive methods you choose, alongside other factors. However, the <a href="https://help.riamoneytransfer.com/hc/en-us/articles/4406286465297-What-details-do-I-need-to-send-money">minimum information</a> you need includes the recipient’s first and last name (matching their government-issued photo ID), their phone number, and the destination country.</p>


The 5 Best Ways to Send Money Internationally

About the author

Gabriela Solis

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