Find the best exchange rates and the lowest fees when you want to send money from the US to Lithuania.
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Compare money transfer services to Lithuania
Use our comparison calculator to assess transfer fees, exchange rates and other details for sending funds to Lithuania with our money transfer partners.
How do international money transfers work?
An international money transfer allows you to convert money from one currency to another and send it to a recipient overseas. You’ll work through a bank or independent provider either online, over the phone or in person. Paying is just as simple, with most providers allowing you to use a card, cash or automatic bank withdrawal to fund your transfer. Your recipient can then pick up their cash or have it deposited into their bank account, whichever is easier.
Banks versus money transfer companies
A bank might be your first thought when considering where to go to make a money transfer, but they often charge high fees and don’t offer the best exchange rate. Instead, consider finding an independent money transfer company. These offer fast, secure and much more affordable transfers to Lithuania and other countries around the world.
Foreign exchange rates explained
Exchange rates help you know how much one currency is worth when converted to another and are influenced by the global economic market. A strong currency will be worth more when exchanged with a weaker one. Since Lithuania uses the euro (EUR), you’ll find that you may lose money when exchanging your US dollars (USD). This is because the euro is traditionally stronger than the dollar.
Case Study: Lucy sends money to Lithuania
Lucy is spending two years working in the US and sending some of the money she makes back home to her parents in Lithuania. She checks with her bank, but the idea of paying the $50 transfer fee is too much to bear. Instead, she compares two money transfer companies in hopes of finding a more affordable solution.
| Money transfer company 1 | Money transfer company 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate | 1 USD = 0.89 EUR | 1 USD = 0.87 EUR |
| Transfer fee | $15 | $5 |
| Transfer method | Bank account deposit | Bank account deposit |
| Processing time | 3 business days | 1-3 business days |
| Amount received (in EUR) | 890 EUR | 870 EUR |
As you can see, Lucy can send an extra 20 euros to her sister if she uses the first transfer company.
How do I compare transfer companies when transferring and receiving money via Lithuania?
- 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.
How do I send money from the US to Lithuania?
- Bank transfers. Nearly every bank will allow you to send money to Lithuania.
- Money transfer providers. Providers like Ria and TransferWise can help you quickly and easily transfer your money online.
- Providers with cash pickup. Western Union and MoneyGram allow you to send funds for cash pickup at agent locations.
- PayPal. PayPal allows you to send money from the US to Lithuania.
- Checks and money orders. Although not a quick option, you could send an international check overseas.
How safe is a money transfer?
When you use a reputable provider, your funds are safely tracked until in the hands of your recipient. There are federal protections in place that require banks, credit unions and money transfer companies to, for example, disclose all fees upfront and give you 30 minutes to cancel a transfer, assuming it hasn’t yet been picked up or deposited.
What are the steps to completing a money transfer?
- Find a money transfer company from the table above.
- Click Go to Site and create an account.
- Enter your recipient’s name and personal information.
- Enter how much you want to send and your payment method.
- Pay for the transaction.
- Save your tracking number.
Keep your tracking number close by until your recipient picks up their cash or confirms that the money is in their bank account. This ensures you can solve any problems during the transfer should they happen.
Same-day cash transfers
Sometimes you need to send a money transfer to a friend or family member in Lithuania. A same-day transfer is possible, but it will cost you. Most money transfer companies charge a hefty fee and offer less optimal exchange rates. Unless it’s an emergency, most cash transfers will be better for you and your recipient if you opt not to make a same-day transfer.
Tips for picking up cash in Lithuania
Here are a few handy tips to avoid making yourself a target for thieves when picking up cash in Lithuania.
- Visit during daylight hours and know the area well.
- Take a friend with you. Extra eyes can help spot potential trouble.
- Deposit your money quickly in a bank or safe.
- Keep your cash on your person, not in a purse or bag.
Bottom line
Compare your money transfer options and give yourself a leg up in terms of cost, rates and transfer speeds.