How to Send Money from UAE — Step-by-Step Guide 2025
Whether you are sending money to India, Pakistan, the Philippines, or anywhere else in the world, this guide covers the key steps: choosing a provider, understanding the true cost, what documents you need, and how to verify before sending.
Step-by-Step: How to Send Money from UAE
Compare providers for your corridor
Start by identifying your corridor — the country and currency you want to send to. Then compare the main options: UAE exchange houses (Al Ansari, LuLu, Al Fardan), digital apps (Wise, Remitly, WorldRemit), and UAE bank transfers.
Use the remit.ae comparison tool to see options for your corridor, or visit each provider directly and enter your transfer amount to get a live quote.
Compare providers on remit.ae →Understand fees vs rate margin — the true cost
Providers charge in two ways — sometimes both:
Transfer fee
A flat amount (e.g. AED 15) or a percentage (e.g. 0.5%) charged on top of the exchange rate. Visible in the fee breakdown.
Exchange rate margin
The difference between the mid-market rate (Google rate) and the rate you receive. Embedded in the rate — less visible but often the larger cost.
The only way to compare total cost accurately is to look at the final recipient amount — not the rate or fee in isolation.
Documents you need
Have the following ready before initiating your transfer:
- •Your Emirates ID (UAE residents) or valid passport
- •Recipient's full name exactly as on their bank account or ID
- •Recipient's bank details: account number, IBAN or SWIFT/BIC code (for bank deposits)
- •Recipient's address and phone number (required by some providers)
- •For large amounts: some providers may ask for proof of source of funds (salary certificate, bank statement)
Requirements vary by provider and transfer amount. Verify current requirements on each provider's website.
Payment methods
Cash (branch)
Available at all exchange house branches. Immediately processed. No card fees.
Debit card
Accepted by most digital apps and some exchange house apps. Near-instant funding.
Bank transfer (from UAE account)
Lower cost for funded digital apps. May take a few hours to settle.
Credit card
Accepted by some providers but may incur a cash advance fee from your card issuer — check before using.
Verify before sending — the most important step
Before you confirm your transfer, always check:
- ✓The exact exchange rate applied to your transfer (not just the indicative rate)
- ✓All fees — transfer fee, card processing fee, receiving bank fee
- ✓The exact recipient amount in their currency
- ✓The recipient's name and account details (a typo can delay or lose the transfer)
- ✓The estimated delivery time
UAE Central Bank requirement: Licensed money transfer operators must provide a Key Facts Statement (KFS) before you confirm. This document discloses the rate, fees, recipient amount, and delivery time. Read it before proceeding.
Safety Tips
- •Always use UAE Central Bank licensed money transfer operators
- •Never use informal or unlicensed channels — they offer no consumer protection
- •Double-check recipient account details before confirming
- •Keep your transfer receipts — they are your proof of payment
- •If something goes wrong, contact the provider immediately — and the UAE Central Bank if the provider is unresponsive
Always verify directly with the provider before sending
remit.ae is a comparison platform — not a live rate feed or money transfer service. Rates and fees shown may be estimated or stale. Confirm these before transferring:
- Current exchange rate — rates change, always re-check just before sending
- Transfer fee and any hidden charges
- Exact recipient amount in their currency
- Payout method (bank deposit, cash pickup, mobile wallet) availability
- Estimated delivery time for your corridor
Related guides and corridors
Best Money Transfer UAE 2025
Compare all transfer options from UAE in one place.
UAE Exchange Rates Today
Check today's AED exchange rates for all major currencies.
AED to INR
Compare providers for UAE to India transfers.
AED to PKR
Compare providers for UAE to Pakistan transfers.
Al Ansari vs LuLu Exchange
Compare the two biggest UAE exchange houses.
UAE Remittance Guide 2025
Complete MENA remittance reference: regulations, CBDC, corridors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to send money from UAE?
Emirates ID or passport, recipient's full name, recipient's bank account details (for bank deposit), and the transfer amount. Larger transfers may require additional documentation.
How long does an international transfer from UAE take?
Cash pickup: often minutes. Bank-to-bank via exchange house or digital app: typically same day to 2 business days for major corridors. SWIFT bank transfers: 2–5 business days. Always check with your specific provider for your corridor.
What is the Key Facts Statement (KFS)?
The UAE Central Bank requires licensed money transfer operators to provide a KFS disclosing the exchange rate, all fees, the exact recipient amount, and the estimated delivery time. Review it carefully before confirming any transfer.
Is it safe to send money online from UAE?
Yes, when using UAE Central Bank licensed providers. Always verify the provider's regulatory status. Never use unlicensed channels.
remit.ae is an independent comparison platform. It does not transfer money, hold funds, or process payments. It is not a licensed money transmitter or financial adviser. All comparison information is educational. Always verify current rates, fees, and terms directly with the provider before sending money. Disclaimer · Methodology