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How to send money to Kiribati

Send money to Kiribati using an international money transfer service and you could beat the bank's rates.

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If you have a hankering to send money to Kiribati, but don’t know where to start, then look no further. Compare money transfer services with this handy guide to find the best fit for your particular situation, and you may even save a sizable chunk of change in the process.

Min. Transfer Amount Transfer Speed Online Transfer Fee Rate Amount Received Description CTA Details
Wise (TransferWise) International Money Transfers
CAD 1 1 - 2 days CAD 45.00 1.047 AUD
5,187
 Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 45+ currencies. Go to site Show details

Compare up to 4 providers

Disclaimer: Exchange rates change often. Confirm the total cost with the provider before transferring money.

What's in this guide?

Banks versus money transfer companies

Banks have a lot to offer in the way of broad-based financial services, but when it comes to international money transfers, they may not be able to offer the same benefits as specialized money transfer services. How so? Banks have a tendency to raise exchange rates, along with charging a high administrative fee. Money transfer companies are more prone to lay low, charging minimal fees and rates to remain competitive while maintaining the same, if not a better level of service.

Case Study: Keith Sends Money to Kiribati

Keith wants to send $1,000 to his daughter Leah, who is spending a month traveling and volunteering in Kiribati. Leah has managed to spend her entire holiday budget in only two weeks, so Keith promises to forward on a bit of pocket money as soon as possible. Keith knows that his bank will drive up the exchange rates and take more time to complete the transfer so he decides to do a comparison between two local cash pickup transfer companies to see if he can find a better deal. Kiribati uses the Australian dollar as currency.

Money transfer company 1Money transfer company 2
Exchange rateCAD$1 = AUD$1.03CAD$1 = AUD$0.98
Transfer FeeCAD$10CAD$3
Amount received for $1,000AUD$1,030AUD$98
Turnaround time1-3 days1-3 days
Transfer optionsBank accountCash pickup

Keith realizes that he can save approximately AUD$32 in the exchange rate alone by using the first money transfer service, even though he will lose CAD$7 in fees.

Today’s exchange rate CAD to AUD

How do I compare transfer companies when sending and receiving money via Kiribati?

Keith gained a wealth of knowledge from looking into his money transfer options. When comparing services, he recommends that you look for the following features, to find the service that is custom-fit for your needs.

  • Competitive exchange rates. It’s best to compare 3-4 services to find the most competitive exchange rates, as these will often have the biggest impact on your bottom line.
  • Minimal fees. High fees can really cut into your budget, so if you can find a service that charges little to no fees, you’ll end up with more moola on the other end.
  • Various transfer methods. Finding a suitable transfer method (such as transferring bank-to-bank, facilitating cash pick-up or loading a mobile wallet) that works for both you and your recipient will eliminate unwanted headaches.
  • Fast transfer times. Sometimes you need money fast, so it’s best to find a cash pickup company that can load your wallet with same-day delivery.
  • Reliable customer service. Bad customer service can be a deal breaker when it comes to transferring funds, so look for a reputable service that isn’t afraid to put its money where its mouth is.

How do I send money to Kiribati from Canada?

  • Canadian Banks. Most Canadian banks have the ability to send your money across the ocean, but cost more than a dedicated international money transfer service.
  • Money Transfer Services. Many money transfer services are up to snuff when it comes to offering lower exchange rates and fees than the bank.
  • Cash pickup transfer companies. Cash pickup locations like Western Union cost more than other specialized money transfer services, but, as a bonus, guarantee fast service.

Compare money transfer services

Money Transfer ServiceTransfer Fee (CAD)Exchange Rate MarkupTotal in AUD minus fees (from $1,000)
Wise$10$1.0093$999
Canadian Forex$15$1.0045$989
XE Money Transfer$0$1.0094$1,009
Currency Solutions$0$1.0088$1,009
WorldFirst$10$1.0100$1,000

Emergency cash transfers in Kiribati

If you’re in a bit of a pickle and you need to get money to Kiribati yesterday, then have a look around for a cash pickup option like Western Union, which specialize in completing transactions in as little as 10 minutes. Buyer beware: this type of service also comes with a higher price tag, so make sure you’ve read all the fine print before you sign on the dotted line.

Cash pickup locations in Kiribati / Western Union branches in Kiribati

With scores of locations in Canada and three main locations in Kiribati, Western Union can offer fast and convenient cash transfers between the two countries. You’ll typically need to provide a reference number, transfer details and some identification when picking up cash.

Western Union

Tips for picking up cash in Kiribati

If you do plan to visit Kiribati, the Government of Canada recommends that you exercise a normal degree of caution. That being said, if you need to go to an agent to pick up cash, avoid travelling alone and return to your hotel to stow cash in a safe place before continuing on with the rest of your day.

Background on Kiribati

Kiribati is small patchwork of islands in the Central Pacific, famous for their topaz lagoons and white-sand beaches. Many of Kiribati’s islands are uninhabited, offering a remote setting for plenty of sea-faring activities, including fishing and diving. The crowded capital, South Tarawa, has historic sites and artifacts where one of the bloodiest battles of World War II , the Battle of Tarawa, was fought.

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