A simple guide
Money transfer app, bank or exchange house?
Understand the different ways to send money and choose an option that works for both you and your recipient.
Last reviewed: September 2026
Three ways to send money abroad
Specialist transfer apps, banks and exchange houses can all be used to send money abroad. Banks and exchange houses may also have their own apps, so compare the service behind the app—not only how you access it.
The providers below are examples, not recommendations or a complete list. Availability, fees and supported destinations can change.
Using a specialist money transfer app
Services such as Remitly, e& money and Wise are designed around digital payments and international transfers.
- Send through an app or website
- Review the quoted rate, fee and recipient amount
- Choose from supported delivery methods
- Track the transfer digitally
Remitly and e& money currently support international transfers from the UAE. Wise states that transfers generally cannot be funded directly from AED unless the money is already held in a Wise account. Check current availability before comparing a service.
Using an exchange house
UAE examples include Al Ansari Exchange, LuLu Exchange and GCC Exchange. They operate physical branches, while some services are also available digitally.
- Visit a branch for in-person assistance
- Pay with cash where available
- Use supported bank, wallet or cash-pickup delivery
- Access some services through an app or website
A familiar brand or nearby branch does not automatically provide the best result. Compare the exchange rate, fee and final recipient amount.
Sending through your bank
UAE banks offering international transfers include Emirates NBD, ADCB and Mashreq. Transfers may be available through mobile or online banking.
- Send from a bank account you already use
- Transfer through the bank's app or website
- Use direct remittance services for supported destinations
- Use a traditional international transfer where required
Check whether correspondent or receiving-bank charges may apply. The service, pricing and delivery time can vary by account, destination and transfer route.
Which option suits you?
No option is automatically cheapest or best. Before confirming, compare:
- The total amount you pay
- The exchange rate and all visible fees
- Any possible intermediary or receiving-bank deductions
- The amount your recipient is expected to receive
- The receiving method and estimated delivery time
Ready to compare?
Choose where you are sending money
Frequently asked questions
Are money transfer apps cheaper than banks or exchange houses?
Not necessarily. The price can vary by provider, destination, amount, payment method and receiving method. Compare the exchange rate, fee and final recipient amount for the same transfer.
Can I pay with cash when sending online?
Online services normally require a supported electronic payment method. If you need to pay with cash, a physical exchange house may be more suitable. Payment options vary by provider.
Can my recipient collect cash if I send through an app or bank?
Some providers offer cash pickup through local partners, but it is not available for every destination or transfer. Confirm the receiving method before paying.
Is one option safer than the others?
The channel alone does not determine whether a transfer is safe. Use a legitimate provider, access it through its official app, website or branch and check all payment and recipient details before confirming.