Stop overpaying - start transferring money with Ogvio. Sign up, invite friends & grab Rewards now! 🎁
Moving money across borders is often the least glamorous part of expat life, but it is easily one of the most important financial skills to master. If you are tired of losing value on every transaction, you are likely on the hunt for the best way to send money to the UAE that maximizes every Dirham received.
Today, the market is crowded with agile fintech apps, remittance services, and digital wallets, all claiming to be the best. But which one actually fits your needs and preferences? Here are the top five recommendations I will cover in this article:
- Ogvio - Send Money to UAE for Free
- Paysend - Send Directly to a UAE Visa or Mastercard
- Western Union - Huge Network of Pickup Locations
- Wise - Better Fees With the Real Mid-Market Rate
- MoneyGram - Partners Directly With UAE Mobile Wallets
Before you decide whether to choose Ogvio, Wise, Paysend, or any other services, let me tell you that you have the chance to win a stake in the $15,000 Airdrop. How? Simply check out BitDegree Airdrop Season 8 and collect as many Bits as possible before the time runs out!
That being said, let’s jump straight to my first recommended service.
1. Ogvio - Send Money to UAE for Free
Ranks #1 out of 5 Money Transfer Services
- + Remittance-oriented
- + Instant transfers
- + Incremental-to-no fees
- + Crypto support
- + @Tag functionality
- + Free transfers between users
- - No card (coming soon)
If you know how to send money to the UAE for free, without a doubt, you’d ditch any other remittance options and stick with that one. Good news! It is not a hypothetical situation, and you can actually do it with Ogvio.
The platform lets you send money to other Ogvio users for free, no matter where they are. Additionally, transferring funds using Ogvio is very simple. With the tag feature, you only need to enter the recipient’s account handle instead of using a complicated IBAN.
|
|
|---|---|
|
|
| Per-transaction | |
|
|
|
| A global money transfer service with an additional volatile currency rate pegging to USD or EUR. | |
| Visit site Read review |
Table: Ogvio main information
Because of that, I genuinely think that this method is one of the easiest ways to send money to the UAE. But Ogvio doesn’t limit you to just transferring money to another Ogvio user.
You can also transfer money to a UAE bank account directly from the platform. But unlike sending money to an Ogvio account, this method may include additional fees depending on where you are. For example, you will have to pay a $0.25 fee for sending $100 from the US to the UAE. Not too bad, right?
It is worth noting that you need to complete a KYC verification process to use any bank-related features, such as sending money to a bank account or topping up using bank transfers.
Ogvio also supports cryptocurrency. You can buy crypto directly on the platform, then send it straight to your recipient’s wallet address. While this may be a bit niche, crypto support actually makes Ogvio more flexible than some of its competitors because you can transfer money from a region that doesn’t really support traditional transfer methods to the UAE.
Key Features
So what makes using Ogvio one of the best ways to send money to the UAE? Take a look at some of its key features:
- Super Quick Transfers. In most cases, sending money between Ogvio users will be done instantly with no freezes.
- Top-Tier Security. Ogvio implements advanced 256-bit AES encryption and biometric security to secure your account.
- Self-Custodial by Design. Ogvio is self-custodial by design, meaning that nobody else but you can touch, let alone control, your money. Not even Ogvio itself.
- Wide Coverage. Ogvio is available in more than 160 countries and supports around 40 currencies.
Knowing what it has to offer, are you willing to try Ogvio out? Personally, I think this is a strong contender if you’re looking into how to send money to the UAE for free.
2. Paysend - Send Directly to a UAE Visa or Mastercard
Ranks #2 out of 5 Money Transfer Services
- + Large number of receiving countries available (170+)
- + Responsive 24/7 support
- + Fixed fee upfront
- + Various payout methods
- - Countries you can send money from are limited
- - Occasional transfer delays
Paysend is a remittance service that, of course, lets you pay for services and send money across borders in more than 170 countries, including to the UAE. One of PaySend’s most unique offerings is that it lets you send money in AED directly to Visa or Mastercard cards in the UAE.
This method will involve a £1 fee if you’re sending money from the UK to the UAE. Alternatively, you can send money directly to a UAE bank account or via SWIFT, which will cost you around £10.
|
|
|---|---|
|
|
| Per-transaction | |
|
|
|
| A simple money app with one low fee that’s suitable for big transfers. | |
| Visit site |
Table: Paysend's main information
In most cases, Paysend will deliver your money on the same day. But keep in mind that this depends on some factors like the recipient’s bank processing times, the payment method you choose, and whether the transfer falls on weekends or public holidays.
Key Features
Before you decide whether using Paysend is the best way to send money to the UAE, let’s take a look at some of its core offerings:
- Enterprise-Payout Support. Beyond consumer transfers, Paysend offers an API to enable businesses to send bulk payments to accounts around the world.
- Transparent Fees. Paysend uses a fixed-fee pricing model for many corridors and shows the fee, exchange rate, and the amount your recipient will get upfront.
- Multiple Receiving Options. Paysend allows various payout methods such as bank cards, bank accounts, digital wallets, or cash pick-up.
- Quick Transfers. Most transfers on Paysend are delivered in minutes or the same day for supported corridors like the UAE.
Another thing worth noting is the possible money transfer limit to the UAE on PayBis. Each account tier has a different limit, so check the details before you send the money.
3. Western Union - Huge Network of Pickup Locations
Ranks #3 out of 5 Money Transfer Services
- + An established money transfer service
- + Available in most countries
- + Multiple delivery types, including cash pickup
- + Various ways to fund a transfer
- - High fees and exchange rate markup
- - Outdated app interface
- - Doesn't allow long-term fund storage
For some people, the only option for sending money abroad is cash pickup. If that’s the case for you, then I recommend checking out Western Union. As a veteran in the remittance industry, Western Union has an extensive and strong network of physical agent locations in 200 countries & regions, including the UAE.
In the UAE, Western Union partners with financial exchange companies like Al Ansari Exchange and digital payment providers such as NymCard.
|
|
|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Visit site Read review |
Table: Western Union asset movement information
Aside from letting you send money via cash pickups, Western Union also offers digital transfer solutions. So, if you prefer sending money via the website or the mobile app, you definitely have the option to do so.
However, using Western Union is not exactly the cheapest way to send money to the UAE. Make sure to pay attention to the potential fees associated with using the service.
Key Features
Is using Western Union really the best way to send money to the UAE? To help you make a better decision, check out some of its key features:
- Extensive Agent Location Network. Western Union has more than 500 thousand agent locations globally, making it relatively easy to access.
- Mobile App. Western Union offers a mobile app that lets you send money, track transfers, and pay bills in various countries.
- Easy Transfer Tracking. Western Union assigns a Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) to each transfer, and you and the recipient can use it to track your money.
- Prepaid Card. Western Union offers a prepaid VISA card that lets you receive, manage, and spend your money.
You can always check if there is an agent location near you by visiting Western Union’s website. If there is, you can always visit it and send money in person to the UAE.
Did you know?
All Money Transfer Services may look similar to you, but they're NOT all the same!
4. Wise - Better Fees With the Real Mid-Market Rate
Ranks #4 out of 5 Money Transfer Services
- + Transparent fees
- + Fair exchange rates
- + A smooth user experience
- + Multi-currency accounts
- - Service coverage is broad, but not entirely worldwide
- - Cash pickups aren’t available
- - Added compliance checks for large transfers
If you ever try making any remittance, chances are, you know what Wise is or at least have heard of it. Wise is quite popular for sending money abroad, not just to the UAE, but to more than 170 other countries.
|
|
|---|---|
US
Canada
Germany+160 more |
|
|
EN DE FR +15 more |
|
USD
CAD
EUR+40 more |
|
|
Fiat-only |
|
| Visit site Read review |
Table: Wise coverage information
One of Wise’s biggest strengths is its implementation of the real mid-market exchange rate. This means it uses the actual rate you’d see on Google or Reuters, without adding hidden markups. This makes it possibly one of the best apps to send money to the UAE in terms of cost.
Aside from that, Wise also provides multiple sending and receiving methods to make your transfers more flexible, including transferring money to UAE bank account. Remember that the availability will vary depending on your country of residence.
Key Features
As I said, Wise is pretty popular already. But you might not know what it really has to offer. To help you with that, here are some of its key features:
- Multi-Currency Account. You can hold, manage, and convert more than 40 currencies in a single Wise account.
- Fast International Transfers. Wise’s transfers to many countries are often completed in minutes or hours, with relatively low fees compared to usual bank or remittance services.
- Debit Card. Wise issues a debit card in many regions that lets you spend or withdraw money abroad, with automatic currency conversion at mid-market rates.
- Business Solutions. Wise also offers services for companies, including API integration, payment solutions, team accounts, and more.
As you can see, Wise can be a decent choice to send money to the UAE, considering its fees and features. Is it the best option? The answer is up to you!
5. MoneyGram - Partners Directly With UAE Mobile Wallets
Ranks #5 out of 5 Money Transfer Services
- + Over 350,000 agent locations worldwide
- + Fast cash transfers
- + Multiple send and receive options
- + Wide currency support
- - Applies exchange rate markup
- - ACH transfers take days to arrive
MoneyGram is one of the more familiar names in the remittance space, and it’s a solid option if you’re sending money to the UAE, especially if the recipient prefers cash pickup. The service supports transfers to banks and mobile wallets, but cash pickup is where it really shines in this corridor.
Your recipient can collect money at well-known partners like Al Ansari Exchange, Comera Pay, Index Exchange, and Beyon Money locations across the country. These networks are widespread, so chances are your receiver won’t have to travel far.
|
|
|---|---|
|
UK
Germany
US +200 more |
|
|
EN ES FR +6 more |
|
EUR
USD
GBP+90 more |
|
USDC
BTC
ETH
LTC |
|
| Visit site |
Table: MoneyGram coverage information
It’s also convenient if you need to send money in a hurry, since many UAE pickup locations offer extended hours or even operate late into the evening.
Transfers are usually quick, and the process is straightforward. You choose the payout method, enter the recipient’s details, and MoneyGram handles the rest. Just keep in mind that fees and exchange rate markups can vary depending on the payment method you use.
Key Features
Now, let’s take a look at some of MoneyGram’s key features to understand the platform better and decide if using it is the best way to send money to the UAE for you:
- Wide Coverage. MoneyGram partners with major UAE exchange houses like Al Ansari Exchange, Al Fardan Exchange, Lulu Exchange, and UAE Exchange, giving recipients plenty of convenient locations to collect cash.
- Fast Transfers. For the UAE, MoneyGram is often one of the quicker options. Cash transfers can be ready in minutes, making the platform useful for urgent remittances.
- Support for Bank Account Deposits. MoneyGram supports deposits to major UAE banks. Transfer times can vary, but it’s a good alternative if you want more direct delivery.
- Multiple Sender Payment Options. When sending to the UAE, you can pay using a bank account, debit card, credit card, or cash at an agent.
Keep in mind that there is a transfer limit when using MoneyGram. It depends on your account verification level, your payment type, and the receiving method available in the UAE.
Comparing the Best Ways to Send Money to the UAE
Even with my coverage of the top 5 recommendations for the best way to send money to the UAE, it can be hard to pinpoint the perfect one for you. No worries, here is a simple table to help you compare the solutions more easily:
Transfer Methods | Typical Speed | Key Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
Ogvio | Ogvio-Ogvio, bank transfers, cryptocurrency | Instant - same day | Tag feature, self-custodial, quick transfers |
Paysend | Direct to cards, bank transfers | Same day | Business features, quick transfers, transparent fees |
Western Union | Cash pickups, bank transfers, and mobile wallet | A few minutes - 2 days | Huge agent location network, mobile app, MTCN tracking |
Wise | Bank transfers, email transfers | Instant - a few days | True mid-market rate, quick transfers, multiple transfer methods |
MoneyGram | Cash pickups, credit/debit cards, bank transfers | A few minutes - a few days | Cash pickup options, quick transfers, multiple payment options |
Table: Comparison between the best money transfer apps to the UAE
As you can see, while some of the solutions in my list share some key features, each of them has features that make them unique in a way. My suggestion is to always understand what you need first, before doing any research.
📚 Related Reading: Cheapest Way to Send Money Internationally
This will make it easier to pinpoint the best solution that fits you. Is it Ogvio’s quick and flexible transfers or MoneyGram’s cash pickup options? No matter what your choice is, it should be the option that gives you the most confidence and the least friction.
How to Send Money to UAE from UK
Now that you know five recommendations for the best money transfer app to the UAE, let’s actually learn how to do it. First, let’s cover how to send money to UAE from the UK. But before we do, take a look at this table:
Common Transfer Methods | Online money-transfer services, cash-pickup networks, and traditional bank transfers. |
|---|---|
Average Cost | ~ 5.7% for a $200 transfer. |
Transfer Time | Minutes-hours for cash pickups and remittance service. 1-3 business days for bank transfers, depending on service & routing. |
Details Needed to Send | Recipient full name, recipient bank’s IBAN (UAE uses 23-character IBANs), bank’s SWIFT / BIC code (or branch address), bank name & branch details, recipient address, depending on provider |
Table: Essential information for the UK-UAE remittance
There are a few things to consider when sending money from the UK to the UAE. Unlike many countries where bank deposits dominate, the UAE has huge cash pickup networks through exchange houses like Al Ansari Exchange, Lulu Exchange, Al Fardan Exchange, and UAE Exchange.
If your recipient prefers cash, make sure your provider supports these partners.
Additionally, transfers to UAE banks like Emirates NBD, ADCB, FAB, and RAKBANK can take 1-3 business days, depending on the provider. But understand that it is not set in stone. For example, Ogvio uses MENA local transfer, which usually takes just around 5 minutes.
Speaking of which, let’s cover how to send money from the UK to the UAE using Ogvio:
Keep in mind that sending money to a UAE bank account on Ogvio will incur fees. For example, if you send $100, you’ll need to pay $0.7. Additionally, you may need to complete a KYC verification process to use any bank transfer-related features on Ogvio.
How to Send Money from USA to UAE
Another corridor I want to highlight is the USA. Check out the essential aspects of the USA-UAE remittance:
Common Transfer Methods | Bank wire, fintech apps, cash pickup. |
|---|---|
Average Cost | ~ 6.5% for $200 transfers. |
Transfer Time | Minutes-hours for cash pickups and remittance service. 1-3 business days for bank transfers, depending on service & routing. |
Details Needed to Send | Recipient full name, bank account number or IBAN/equivalent, bank SWIFT/routing code + bank name and address. Details may vary depending on the method. |
Table: Essential information about USA-UAE remittance
Because the AED is pegged to the USD, the exchange rate barely moves. This means you don’t need to worry about timing the market, but you do need to watch for providers that inflate the rate.
If you (or your recipient) don’t prefer fiat, you can also opt for cryptocurrencies. As of recent reforms, crypto transactions for individuals in the UAE are not subject to VAT[1], and there is no capital gains or income tax on personal crypto holdings or trading. So, it is a nice alternative for moving funds to the UAE.
Speaking of which, Ogvio supports sending cryptocurrencies from the USA to the UAE. Here is how you can do it:
If you value privacy, sending crypto via Ogvio is a recommended option because you don’t need to complete any KYC verification.
If your recipient in the UAE also uses Ogvio, it is also possible to send them money for free and have them withdraw the funds as USDC to their crypto wallet.
The cost of sending money to an external wallet address from Ogvio is a fixed $0.30. So, I think this can be great if you want to save money on transfers.
Cheapest Ways to Send Money to the UAE
Cost is one of the most important factors to consider when sending money abroad. In fact, depending on the sending method, average fees can vary quite a bit.
For example, sending via a traditional bank account has an average cost of 7.9%[2], while mobile money or debit/credit-card funded transfers tend to cost around 5-5.4%.
Because of that, looking for the cheapest ways to send money to the UAE should be your top priority. Here are three of my top recommendations for the best platforms to save costs:
- Ogvio. Sending money between Ogvio users is free. Bank transfers in most corridors are also relatively more affordable.
- Paysend. Paysend offers free transfers if you send directly to a UAE bank account. However, availability varies depending on where you live.
- Wise. Wise implements a true mid-market exchange rate, so you’ll get more favorable fees compared to some other providers that apply markups.
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Bank - free Crypto - free Card - varies |
Bank - free Card - varies SWIFT - varies |
Card - free Bank - varies |
|
| Varies |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Visit site Read review | Visit site Read review | Visit site |
Table: Comparison between Ogvio, Paysend, and Wise pricing models
I highly encourage you to take your time on your research to get the best possible deals. Some regions may have niche providers that offer cheaper ways to send money to the UAE. In other cases, some providers might run special deals or discounted rates for your corridor.
Also, don’t forget to assess your needs. If you just need to make a one-time transfer to the UAE, it might be worth looking for services that offer first-time discounts. But if you need to send money regularly, I recommend choosing a service that gives you a better rate overall.
Conclusions
Finding the best way to send money to the UAE is about using the right tool for the right job. If you need to send money for free, transfers between Ogvio users can be the way to go. If your recipient needs cash in hand within minutes, Western Union or MoneyGram is still hard to beat.
The landscape is also shifting fast. With the UAE Central Bank rolling out initiatives like Aani (an instant payment platform) and planning a Digital Dirham for late 2025, the friction of cross-border payments is disappearing.
We are moving toward a future where sending money from London or New York to Dubai will be as instant and cheap as sending a text message. Until then, your best defense against high fees is thorough research.
Now, armed with the right info, you’re ready to pick the smartest, cheapest way to send your money to the UAE.
Scientific References
1. Mouannes Legal Consultant: 'Cryptocurrency Regulations in the UAE: Legal Insights for Investors';
2. World Bank Group:' Remittance Prices Worldwide Quarterly - Issue 50, June 2024'.
Send Money Worldwide
Check out the best ways to send money to other countries quickly, safely, and with minimal fees.
About Article's Experts & Analysts
Disclosure: To keep our site running & free of charge, we may sometimes receive a small commission if a reader decides to purchase services via some links on site, at no extra cost.
