Sign up & start saving!
Get our weekly newsletter for the latest in money news, credit card offers + more ways to save
Guides
Exchange Rates
The best way to send money to Afghanistan depends on your payment method and transfer needs. Popular options like Western Union and MoneyGram offer cash pickups, but make sure there’s a convenient agent near your recipient. Compare money transfer services to see who offers the strongest exchange rates and lowest fees.
Compare international money transfers to Afghanistan
Use our comparison calculator to assess transfer fees, exchange rates and other details for sending funds to Afghanistan with our money transfer partners.
Disclaimer: Exchange rates change often. Confirm the total cost with the provider before transferring money.
What's in this guide?
What’s the best way to send money to Afghanistan?
Your options are limited when sending money to Afghanistan.
- MoneyGram. Using MoneyGram to send money to Afghanistan will enable you to send both to US Military bases and to stores for cash pickup.
- Western Union. Western Union is typically more expensive than MoneyGram, but you may have more cash pickup locations to choose from.
You can use cash, a credit or debit card, or transfer funds from your bank account, which will then either be deposited into your recipient’s bank account or mobile wallet, or made available as cash for them to pick up at a location in their country. Currently, the only providers that offer money transfers to Afghanistan are Western Union and MoneyGram.
Western Union vs. MoneyGram
Sending $500 to Afghanistan from the US will cost different amounts depending on which company you pick. We checked prices on September 28, 2020 for cash pickup when paying by bank account.
| Western Union | MoneyGram | |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate | 1 USD = 73.3015 AFN | 1 USD = 76.0642 AFN |
| Transfer fee | $12.50 | $4.99 |
| Transfer time | 0-4 business days | 0-4 business days |
| Transfer options | Online, agent location | Online, agent location |
| Transfer method | Cash pickup | Cash pickup |
| Transaction total | $512.50 | $504.99 |
| Total AFN received | 36,651 AFN | 38,032 AFN |
As you can see, with MoneyGram’s superior exchange rate you can send a little over 1,300 more Afghan afghanis while saving about $7.50 on fees.
Back to topSteps to send money to Afghanistan
- Sign up for a free account through Western Union or MoneyGram. Provide your name, address, contact information and ID.
- Provide your beneficiary’s name and the agent location where they will pick up the funds.
- Select the amount of money you are sending and complete your transaction.
- Make a note of your tracking number so you can monitor the progress of your money transfer.
How to compare transfer companies when transferring money to Afghanistan
By comparing a few elements of your transfer, you can ensure that you get the cheapest deal for your needs.
- Exchange rates. Nearly all providers skew exchange rates for a profit. Compare the rate you’re offered to the mid-market rate — the rate banks and transfer services use when they trade among themselves — and look for the smallest margin between them.
- Transfer fees. Find out whether the provider charges a flat fee or a percentage of your transfer. If you’re sending a large amount, ask whether you qualify for a fee-free transfer.
- Payment and delivery options. Some transfer companies allow you to pay with a credit card online, by phone or through an app. Others offer agent locations for cash payments and pickups. Also ask how your recipient can receive your funds: bank account, cash pickup, mobile wallet and more.
- Transfer speeds. If it needs to be there fast, companies like Western Union and MoneyGram allow for quick cash pickups, often in minutes. If you have more time, you’ll get better rates and fees with an independent provider.
- Transfer limits. Your best option might depend on how much you want to send. For large transfers, weigh the best exchange rate —especially since providers encourage large transfers by offering low fees. For smaller amounts, consider the fees you’ll pay on top of the exchange rate.
- Flexible transfer options. Ask whether you can schedule payments ahead of time or protect your transfer against market fluctuations with a limit order or forward contract.
- Customer support. Most companies offer customer service by Internet chat, phone, in person or by email. Make sure help will be available if you need it.
Foreign exchange rates explained
The exchange rate determines how much one country’s currency is worth in another currency. When a country’s currency is strong, it yields more money when exchanging it in a country with a weak currency.
Most countries’ exchange rates are flexible, which means they can change from moment to moment. Factors that influence the exchange rate include political activity, economic stability and inflation.
What are the ways that I can send money to Afghanistan?
- Providers with cash pickup. Western Union and MoneyGram allow you to send funds for cash pickup at agent locations.
- Checks and money orders. Although not a quick option, you could send an international check overseas, obtained from your bank or US Postal Service.
- M-Pesa. M-Pesa is a safe, secure way to send, receive and store money through your mobile phone or an app. Top up your account at one of more than 287,000 agent locations and then send money to loved ones, who can visit an agent to withdraw their funds.
Emergency transfers to Afghanistan
In the event that you need to send money to Afghanistan in a hurry, your fastest possible transfer will often be your most expensive option. Carefully review the exchange rate and transfer fee against your needs so that you understand exactly how much it will cost you.
Must read: Tips for picking up money in Afghanistan
MoneygGram and Western Union list their cash pickup locations on their respective websites, so research the area well before heading to a location in a smaller town. Stick to main towns and don’t wander into unknown places when looking for a cash pickup agent.
Have a valid photo ID and the correct reference or transaction number when picking up cash. It’s also recommended you bring a copy of the receipt and the sender’s details.
Here are some other tips when picking up money anywhere in the world:
- Call ahead. Learn the company’s business hours and choose a safe time to pick up your cash. Daylight hours are best.
- Bring a friend. Carrying money when alone can be dangerous. Ask a friend to come along.
- Deposit your money immediately. The likelihood of losing your money to theft or simple carelessness grows the longer you have it with you. Go straight to a bank and deposit your cash as soon as possible.
- Keep your cash hidden. Place your money in your purse or wallet before leaving the office. Carrying cash out in the open could make you a target.
More guides on Finder
-
Gusto Wallet review
Get paid through Gusto? This new checking and savings account combo might be for you.
-
The best debit cards for kids for 2021
Support your child’s financial knowledge and teach the important real-life money skills in a safe and controlled way with a kids’ debit card.
-
Sigue international money transfers review
Sigue offers speedy money transfers to 50+ countries, but you have to set up a transfer to see the transaction fees.
-
Boss Revolution money transfer review
Join Boss Revolution with an email address and phone number, and send money within minutes.
-
Remittances weakened by a struggling US dollar
Understanding your money sending options can help you send the most money abroad while the dollar struggles.
-
Usend review
Usend combines money transfers, bill pay and mobile phone reloading.
-
Paysend review
Paysend offers transfers to more than 70 countries through its app and online service.
-
Review: Boxypay international money transfers
Pairing international calls with money transfers makes Boxypay a unique choice.
-
Tax guidelines and regulations for large money transfers to Hong Kong
Sending a large money transfer to Hong Kong? Learn about laws and required documentation before you transfer.
-
First Foundation Bank Online Savings Account review
No monthly fees and a competitive APY from this high-yield savings account.
Ask an Expert
how can I send us dollars to afghanistan
Hi Matt,
Thanks for your question. Some of the options to send money from the US to Afghanistan is via Western Union or Moneygram, Paypal, Checks and money orders, and via M-Pesa. To do so, you must choose which option you’d like to use, make an account with the money transfer provider Provide your name, address, contact information and ID. Then, provide your beneficiary’s name and the agent location where they will pick up the funds. Select the amount of money you are sending and complete your transaction. Make a note of your tracking number so you can monitor the progress of your money transfer.
Hope this helps!
Best,
Nikki
Ok there is a guy stationed he has not told me where he is but asked me to send money western union to TX and an agent name and address. And if I send copy of receipt via hangout app. He will be able to use money where he is. Is this how it works.
Hi J,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well for you. :)
For you to be able to send money and your friend receive the money, you would have to provide the necessary personal details. You need to fill out a “To Send Money” form while you receiver fills out “To Receive Money” form.
You can then send the receipt, giving a special attention to the tracking number. Your receiver should present a valid ID and he should be able to receive it.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
Please I need an answer.
My friend want to send money from Afghanistan through western union to ivory coast here in Africa.
But he said I have to pay for transfer taxs fee $62 before he can be able to send me the money.
PLEASE I need attention from you people to know if this he said is real ?
Hi Johnson,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Regarding this matter, we have limited information about transferring money from Afghanistan. However, in your case, it would be best to check with Western Union directly. Usually, the receiver doesn’t pay anything for the transfer. It is always the sender who pays all the fees. So, it is a must that you learn more about sending money to South Africa to ensure you understand the process.
I hope this information has helped.
Cheers,
Harold