finder Hong Kong

How to send money to the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Find the best exchange rates when you want to send money to the United Arab Emirates from Hong Kong.

Adrienne Fuller
Adrienne Fuller

Updated

Fact checked

Sending money between Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Between banks and money transfer companies, you have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to converting your dollars to dirham. Be sure to compare the fees you’ll be charged and familiarise yourself with the common exchange rates in order to get the most out of your transfer.

Compare international money transfers to UAE

Min. Transfer Amount Transfer Speed Online Transfer Fee Rate Amount Received Description CTA Details
WorldRemit International Money Transfers
USD 1 Within an hour HKD 20.00 0.472 AED
4,711
 提供現金提取、銀行戶口之間轉賬與及Airtime匯款選擇的網上匯款服務，。 An online money transfer service with cash pickup, bank account to bank account and airtime transfers available. Go to site Show details
TransferWise International Money Transfers
USD 10 1 - 2 days HKD 380.00 0.474 AED
4,559
 以透明的匯率，低收費及低最低金額的網上服務作匯款。 Make online transfers with transparent exchange rates, low fees and low minimum amounts. Go to site Show details
OFX (Ozforex) International Money Transfers
USD 100 1 day HKD 15.00 0.467 AED
4,661
 非Finder客戶將獲得較昂貴的匯率。 Better exchange rates for Finder customers.
可用45種貨幣匯款。 Send money in 45 currencies. 		Go to site Show details
CurrencyTransfer International Money Transfers
GBP 5,000 1 - 2 days HKD 0.00 0.467 AED
4,668
 可匯款至20+個國家，無手續費。 Transfer money to 20+ countries with no transaction fees. Go to site Show details
CurrencyFair International Money Transfers
USD 5 1 - 2 days HKD 25.00 0.469 AED
4,680
 新客戶可享有首三個月無限次免手續費匯款。New customers get 3 months of unlimited free transfers.
可用15+種貨幣匯款，享有超越銀行的匯率以及快速轉賬時間。 Get bank-beating exchange rates and fast transfer times on 15+ popular currencies. 		Go to site Show details
TorFX International Money Transfers
USD 2,000 1 day HKD 0.00 0.467 AED
4,668
 TorFX保證提供最佳的匯率。需受條款約束。TorFX guarantees to match any competitor's exchange rate.
以30種貨幣匯款到全球。登記後，將會有一個客戶經理提供支持和引導。Send money overseas in 30+ currencies with competitive rates for transfer amounts over $2,000. 		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.
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How do international money transfers work?

International money transfers allow you to send Hong Kong dollars to another country in its currency. If you have friends or family in the UAE, then transferring HKD to AED makes it easy to help out when someone you love is in need. You can use cash, a credit card or transfer money directly from your bank account when you complete a transaction with a money transfer company. Your recipient can then pick up the cash in person or have the money deposited into their bank account. The process is generally quick, and if you compare fees and exchange rates ahead of time, it doesn’t have to be costly.

Banks versus money transfer companies

Because the UAE dirham is traded globally, your bank will be able to easily transfer money between Hong Kong and the UAE. However, banks tend to have larger fees than money transfer companies, so your transaction will likely be more expensive through your bank. The exchange rates tend to be worse than money transfer companies. Generally, you’ll save more money and be able to transfer more dirham when you go through a money transfer company instead of your bank.

What to compare when looking at money transfer companies

  • Exchange rates. How do each company’s rates compare to those offered by other providers? Are they higher, lower or roughly the same when compared to the competition?
  • Fees. How much will you have to pay when you send a transfer? Can you avoid a transfer fee when you send a large amount of money?
  • Transfer methods. What options are available for making transfers: online, over the phone or at a branch? Is there a smart phone app available?
  • Transfer options. Can you lock in an ideal exchange rate now and transfer the money later, known as a forward contract? Does the institution offer limit orders, which allows you to take advantage of changing market conditions by executing the money transfer when a certain exchange rate is met? Can you schedule recurring payments?
  • Turnaround time. How long will it take for the funds you send to make it into your recipient’s bank account or wallet?
  • Minimum amount. Is there a minimum transfer limit you will have to meet?
  • Pick-up methods. Will the funds be available for collection from a branch or will they be transferred straight into your recipient’s bank account?
  • Customer service. Are phone, email and/or online customer support offered?
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Foreign exchange rates explained

Exchange rate is determined by the global political and economic climate. A currency may be strong or weak against another depending on how the country is doing. Because exchange rates fluctuate, the best way to get more dirham out of your dollars is to find the trends and make a transfer on a day where a HK dollar is worth more UAE dirham.

Options for sending money to the UAE from Hong Kong

  • Bank transfers. You can safely and securely send funds from a Hong Kong bank account to an account in the UAE.
  • Online money transfer providers. There are plenty of trusted online money transfer companies that can send secure and affordable transactions.
  • Money transfer companies with cash pick-up options. Consider companies that offer this service, such as Western Union and MoneyGram
  • Cheques. International cheques can be obtained from your bank and sent overseas.
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How to send money to the UAE

Transferring money isn’t difficult, but it can be confusing if you’ve never done it before. Here are the steps you should follow when sending money from Hong Kong to the UAE.

  1. Compare the exchange rates and fees of the money transfer companies in the chart above.
  2. Click the “Go to Site” link and register with the provider.
  3. Enter your recipient’s information and confirm how much money you want to send.
  4. Pay for your transfer.
  5. Keep the tracking number close to make sure your transfer is completed successfully.

That’s it. If your recipient is picking up cash, they will also need the tracking and confirmation numbers to complete the transaction.

Tips for picking up cash in the UAE

There are a few simple precautions you can take to ensure you and your money remain safe. Avoid any dangerous parts of town and make sure not to advertise the fact that you’re carrying around a large sum of cash. Ask a friend to come along when you pick up your cash, and as soon as you can, deposit your money into a secure bank account or safe.

Emergency cash transfers to the UAE

Although there are companies that are willing to make emergency transfers of HKD to AED, be mindful that this is an expensive process that will have more fees and a worse exchange rate than the slower, more traditional process. You’ll have to pay extra to get the money to the UAE quickly, so if the transfer can wait, it’s best to compare your options and avoid unnecessary charges.

Cash pick-up locations in UAE

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