So you need to send money overseas as quickly as possible, but aren’t sure where to start? Compare international cash transfer providers to send money to hundreds of locations around the globe in a matter of minutes. Check out our handy guide to find a fast and affordable service that allows you to send money overseas with low fees and competitive exchange rates.
WorldRemit International Money Transfers
WorldRemit can help you get your money where it needs to go in minutes, with upfront exchange rates and low fees.
Use promo code FINDERCA on your first transfer and pay zero fees. T&Cs apply.
Transfers to 150+ countries
Send to bank account, cash pickup, mobile money, airtime top up
If you’re looking to send money overseas from Canada, one of the best places to start is to figure out whether or not your timeline is flexible. Cash transfers allow you to send money to your destination country in minutes while money transfer companies typically take between one and three business days.
Money transfer services. Online money transfer services typically offer the best exchange rates and fees on overseas transfers, with fees ranging between $0 and $20 and exchange rate markups falling below 5%.
Cash transfer services. Cash transfer providers can help you send money internationally if you’re in a tight spot, but they also have a tendency to overcharge, both on exchange rates and transfer fees. For this reason, it can be well worth your time and energy to compare your options
Ways to send cash transfers overseas
There are three reputable money transfer companies that allow customers to send cash to overseas recipients.
Western Union. Western Union is a virtual ninja when it comes to global payment services, with a whopping 550,000+ agent locations and 100,000 ATMs and kiosks in over 200 countries around the world. Lodge a transfer either online, through the WU mobile app or in person, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
MoneyGram. MoneyGram is a leading provider of innovative global money transfer and payment services, with a staggering 350,000 agent locations in 200 countries around the world. Recipients simply collect funds from convenient locations or have money deposited directly into their bank account or a mobile wallet.
WorldRemit. With numerous payment and delivery options, WorldRemit makes it even easier to send money from Canada to 140+ destinations across the world, with outstanding exchange rates and lower fees than the bank.
Each of the three options is a convenient and affordable way to send cash overseas. However, choosing the best option for you will depend on where and how you choose to send money overseas.
How do I compare cash transfers?
Competitive exchange rates and fees. Ask for quotes from 3 – 4 providers to find the best fees and exchange rates. Keep in mind that cash transfer providers will typically charge higher fees than traditional money transfer companies in exchange for a faster turnaround time.
Fast turnaround time. Most cash transfer agents will offer to process your transaction within minutes, while others might take a couple of hours. If you anticipate that you may need to send cash overseas in a matter of minutes, it might pay to register for and verify a cash transfer account in advance of sending your transfer.
Range of pickup methods. Different providers offer different pick-up options, which range from the provider’s agent location to community locations like post offices and bank branches. Choose the provider that offers the most convenient option for your recipient.
High quality customer service. Some companies set the bar high when it comes to customer service, so make sure to settle on a service that will make sure your transfer ends up in the right place at the right time, no questions asked.
What are the pros and cons of cash transfers?
Pros
Wide range of options.If you need to send money overseas in a matter of minutes, there are a number of services that offer affordable and fast cash transfers to suit your unique set of needs and budget.
Fast transfers. Cash transfers are known for being the fastest way to send money overseas. Most cash transfers can be picked up at an agent location within minutes of processing.
Safe and secure.There are many trusted and reliable providers who have the proper authorities to transfer your funds safely and efficiently to your recipient.
Cons
Lack of competitive fees and exchange rates.Different providers charge different fees for transferring funds but most cash transfer providers charge high fees and offer less competitive exchange rates. It pays to book your transfer with a traditional money transfer service if you have a more flexible timeline for delivery of funds.
Tips for picking up cash
If you’re planning to pick up cash overseas, it pays to check in with the Government of Canada travel advisories for the country where you intend to collect funds. Canadian tourists have had run-ins with petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, in many countries. Avoid showing signs of affluence and always keep your personal belongings, passports and travel documents secure. If you do need to collect cash, look for an agent location in a safe neighborhood and call ahead to make sure they’ll have cash on hand. Visit during daylight hours in the company of a good friend and return to your hotel to stow your cash in a safe place as quickly as possible.
Common questions about international cash transfers
The best transfer method for you will depend on the amount of your transfer as well as the destination country. A transfer of $1,000 to Uganda might be the least expensive with one money transfer provider, while a transfer of $3,000 to Vietnam might be the most expensive with the same provider. Make sure to compare all of your options before you settle on a service.
It depends. Certain currencies like the Euro and the US Dollar are widely traded on global currency markets and are offered by every provider. More exotic currencies are often harder to come by so you may need to do your homework before you’re able to find a service that can send your money to the country of your choice.
If you’re overseas and need to send funds back home to Canada, the best cash transfer method depends on a number of factors. Transfer providers like Western Union, MoneyGram and WorldRemit can often help you to send funds from other countries that can then be picked up from a Canadian agent location, post office or bank within minutes.
Yes, services like Western Union, MoneyGram and WorldRemit allow you to instantly transfer cash overseas. You can send a transfer multiple ways including in-branch and online. The funds can typically be picked up instantly or within minutes from an agent location in the destination country.
With 240,000+ locations in 130 countries, Ria is the third-largest provider of international money transfers in the world. It offers great exchange rates, minimal fees and fast, secure transactions when you need to send funds overseas. Read more…
Claire Horwood graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Victoria, and became a freelance writer in 2017. She has traveled extensively (24 countries and counting) and enjoys working remotely for clients all over the world. In her spare time, Claire loves rock climbing, drinking inordinate amounts of coffee and reading the epic graphic novel series, SAGA.
Read more on this topic
Review: Ria money transferWith 240,000+ locations in 130 countries, Ria is the third-largest provider of international money transfers in the world. It offers great exchange rates, minimal fees and fast, secure transactions when you need to send funds overseas.
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You will need to be over 18. If under the age of 18, you’ll need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian if you’re sending it in person. If doing it online, you will need a parent or guardian to do it for you.
How can i use this service cox i need to send money to a friend, what are the details that will be given to pick the money, i need fast respond on this
Please click on ‘Go to site’ and follow the prompts to initiate the transfer. You’ll need the details of your recipient bank to complete the process, such as their IBAN or SWIFT number, BSB and account number.
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Is there any age policies?
What age do you have to be, to be able to transfer money overseas?
Hi Casey,
Thanks for your question.
You will need to be over 18. If under the age of 18, you’ll need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian if you’re sending it in person. If doing it online, you will need a parent or guardian to do it for you.
Hope this helps.
How can i use this service cox i need to send money to a friend, what are the details that will be given to pick the money, i need fast respond on this
Hi Gabrielle,
Thanks for your question.
Please click on ‘Go to site’ and follow the prompts to initiate the transfer. You’ll need the details of your recipient bank to complete the process, such as their IBAN or SWIFT number, BSB and account number.
Cheers,
Shirley
how can i check the worldremit tracking if its right
Hi Rubie,
thanks for the question.
To find out the status of your transfer with WorldRemit, please contact them directly. We’ve published their contact details on our review page.
I hope this helps,
Marc.
hello how can i know if money is to be ready to pick up becouse i dont get meaanged from wordremit?
Hi Lovely,
thanks for the question.
If WorldRemit hasn’t sent you an SMS message it’s advised you contact them using the details on their contact us page.
I hope this helps,
Marc.
someone send me in worldremit .. but im not sure if its laready available to pick up now
thanks
Hi Jacqueline,
Thanks for your enquiry.
WorldRemit will send you a notification with a transaction number and instructions of how you can collect the funds.
If you have any issues collecting the money, please contact WorldRemit directly.
Thanks,
Belinda