Send Money to Albania like a pro with These Tips

Find out which companies to use to send money to Albania.

If you need to send money to Albania, whether for business or personal reasons, only a couple of companies can help. Albanian leks are an exotic currency and not something most foreign exchange providers deal in.

Household names Western Union and MoneyGram both have a presence in Albania and can send a cash payment quick, but speed transfers can be expensive.

Below you can find a comparison of different money transfer companies you can use to send money to Albania.

Banks versus money transfer companies

You can make use of your bank’s international payment services to send money to Albania. Banks do not publish their AUD / ALL exchange rate; however, you can find out the rate you’ll get by logging into your online banking facility. The below table highlights the main differences between companies you can use to send money to Albania.

Correct 1.00PM 16/02/16

How do I compare money transfer companies

Have a look at these features when you compare a quote to send money to Albania.

• Exchange rate. Which providers will let you exchange Australian dollars to Albanian lek, and if so, at what rate of conversion. Some providers offer best rate guarantees on international money transfers.

• Transfer fee. The additional cost for sending money to Albania. Some providers give you your first transfer for free and other providers don’t charge a transfer fee at all. Be sure to compare the exchange rate on free transfer offers. Sometimes the transfer fee can be included in an additional exchange rate margin.

• Transfer time. The transfer time is based on the payment and collection methods. Bank transfers can take a couple of business days to clear. Add a few more days to the transfer time when you’re paying for the transaction using a bank account deposit.

• Collection options. Do you want to send cash or do you want to send the money to a bank account in Albania?

• Payment options. Different payment options can include bank account deposits and debit or credit card payments. Credit and debit card payments clear almost instantly.

• Transfer options. Cash transfers, forwards contracts, spot orders and recurring payments are some of the different transfer options on offer from different providers.

• Transfer limits. Compare transfer limits for orders under $100 or over $5,000.

• Customer service. Is there an Australian based customer service team available to contact if you have a question about your payment to Albania.

How do I send money to Albania from Australia?

Below is a brief description of the process to send money to Albania.

Banks

Providers Citibank and HSBC do not include Albania in their free global transfer networks. You can use the international transfer services of your bank for a fee. Log into your online banking facility and select the menu that lets you make an international payment. If this is the first time you’ve made a payment to this bank account in Albania, you’ll need to add a the payee as a beneficiary first. You’ll need some information such as the payee’s bank name, BIC, SWIFT code and account number.

International cash payment service

Companies such as Western Union and MoneyGram can send cash to Albania in minutes. These companies have more than a handful of cash collection agents throughout Albania.

• Western Union. Western Union tend to have partnerships with a wider range of Albanian merchants compared to MoneyGram.   
• MoneyGram.  MoneyGram are partnered with Albanian banks and credit agencies.

Online money transfer companies

These companies operate online and can deposit funds into an Albanian bank account.

• Worldfirst. Worldfirst have a flat transfer fee for transactions under $10,000. Payments greater than $10,000 are free. Worldfirst offer spot payments, forward contracts, rate fixing and recurring payments.
• Compass Global Markets. Compass Global Markets can offer you a currency trading account for spot transactions, forwards contracts, limit orders and more.

How do I receive money from Albania in Australia?

How are the funds being sent?

• Receiving funds in your bank account. You’ll need to provide you bank account and personal details to the sender to receive funds in your bank account.
  • Your name
  • Your account number
  • The bank’s SWIFT, BSB, BIC or IBAN. This information is available from your financial institution’s website.
• Collecting cash. Provide your name and the transaction reference number to collect cash from an agent like Western Union. Note that cash payment services can also deposit funds into a bank account.
• PayPal transfers. If someone in Albania wants to send you a PayPal payment. The sender can find your account if you give them your email address or phone number. Once you receive the money, you can transfer the funds to your bank account and then make a withdrawal.

Emergency cash transfers in Albania

Have a look at these options if you’re looking to get cash to Albania in an emergency.

• International cash payment. International cash payment companies such as Western Union or MoneyGram can send cash to Albania in minutes. You can send a cash payment by logging on to the provider’s website. Pay using card for an almost instant cash transfer to an Albanian collection agent.
• Emergency cash. Card schemes such as Visa or MasterCard can provide emergency cash if your card is lost or stolen. The funds in your account up to your available credit limit can be issued as cash to collect from a bank or cash agent in as little as a day.
• Travel insurance. You may be eligible to receive an emergency cash benefit from your travel insurance provider for some covered events. Your travel insurance product disclosure document outlines when an emergency cash benefit can be paid.

Cash pickup locations in Albania / Western Union / MoneyGram branches in Albania

Have a look at the different Western Union and MoneyGram agents in Albania. Many banks act as Western Union and MoneyGram agents in Albania’s major cities.

Western Union

MoneyGram

Tips for picking up cash in Albania

Smarttraveller.gov.au advises Australians should exercise a normal degree of caution in Albania. While pickpocketing and petty theft do occur, instances of violent crime against Australians in Albania are rare. Travel in a group if you’re picking up cash. You may also want to ask your hotel for an escort. They may be able to assist you or at least offer some advice on the current local situation.

What are the steps to send money to Albania?

Bank

To make an overseas telegraphic transfer from your bank account, log on to your internet banking and look for the option that lets you make an international payment. You’ll need to add the payee as a beneficiary if this your first payment. You’ll need to provide the payee’s details such as the SWIFT code, BIC, bank account number. Most financial institutions lets you do a search for a bank using the bank name or SWIFT code. Ensure you have all the right information so the funds get to the right account.

Money transfer company

Register for an account to use the services of one of the companies compared on this page. It’s free and it can completed in a couple of minutes. Provide the following about yourself:

• Personal details
• Contact details
• Identification — some providers may ask for a faxed or emailed copy of your passport or licence and a utility bill.

You should be issued with a tracking number or code. You can use this information to check on the status of your funds transfer to Albania.

If you have any questions about the comparison on this page, feel free to ask us a question. We can’t provide personal or financial advice, but we’re happy to help aid your comparison of products you can use to send money to Albania.