The best way to send money to Taiwan involves comparing a range of digital money specialists to find one that fits your needs. CurrencyTransfer is typically cheaper than alternatives like Western Union when it comes to large transfers, though XE also handles large transfers with ease. When you need to send cash, consider MoneyGram — but make sure there are cash pickup locations near your recipient.
Send money to Taiwan with CurrencyTransfer
Exclusive: Minimum transfer of $1,000 for Finder readers (normally $5,000).
CurrencyTransfer lets you shop around for the best exchange rate on its online marketplace.
Get the best foreign exchange rates available from this online marketplace
Fast 1-2 day delivery to bank accounts
Price-match guarantee if you find a better price elsewhere
Our table lets you compare the services you can use to send money abroad. Compare services on transfer speeds and fees, then click Go to site when you're ready to send.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
International money transfers allow you to send money to a recipient in Taiwan by exchanging your money for New Taiwan dollars. There are three main options that you can use, each with their own pros and cons.
The best way to send money to Taiwan from the USA depends on your situation. The main options include:
Money transfer services
These offer some of the most cost-effective transfers as they only trade in foreign currencies. You’ll also have a variety of options for your recipient to get the money, like to a mobile wallet or home delivery.
Cash transfers
Services such as Western Union allow you to send cash transfers for the recipient for immediate pickup. While it’s a fast way to send money, it generally won’t match the rates or fees of dedicated money transfer services.
Banks
The New Taiwan dollar is popular enough that your US bank will probably offer it, at least at their major branches. However, beware of the higher fees and less competitive exchange rates banks offer compared to the other options.
Select Go to Site when you’re ready to start your transfer.
Create an account with the provider.
Provide information about recipient and select how much money you want to send.
Pay for your transfer.
You should save your tracking number once your transaction is complete. This can help you keep tabs on the progress of your transfer and will help you deal with customer service if there are any problems along the way.
Let’s crunch the numbers: Sending $2,000 to Taiwan
To put this into perspective, let’s see what a transfer with each of these options looks like. This table uses real fees and exchange rates current as of January 7, 2020.
Bank transfer
Cash transfer
Money transfer service
Fee
$30 + additional correspondent bank fees
$8.00
$0.00
Exchange rate
1 USD = 27.04 TWD
1 USD = 29.37 TWD
1 USD = 29.92 TWD
Transfer speed
2-4 days+
Minutes
1-2 days
Amount received
TWD$53,269
TWD$58,510
TWD$59,857
Overall
Slowest and most expensive
Fastest
Best value
The bank option ends up being both slow and getting the least amount of money to your recipient. If you go with the specialist money transfer service, your recipient ends up with TWD$6,588 more.
But if speed is what’s most important, the cash transfer can’t be beaten for instant transfers. Figuring out the balance between upfront fees and better exchange rates is easy to do with our comparison table above.
Exchange rates. Compare the exchange rates offered by each provider to see if you can get one that’s close to market value.
Transfer fees. Lower fees are generally better, but it may be worth paying a higher fee if it means you get a more optimal exchange rate.
Transfer methods. How you place your order matters. Will you need to visit an agent location, or can you complete the transaction from the comfort of your own home?
Turnaround time. If your recipient needs their funds quickly, choose a provider that can conduct a same-day cash pickup transfer.
Minimum transfer amount. If you only need to send a small amount, make sure the money transfer company doesn’t have a set minimum amount.
Pickup methods. Your recipient may have the opportunity to have their funds deposited directly into their bank account or may have to visit an agent location to pick up cash.
Customer service. Being able to contact the company you send money through by phone, email or through online support is key if you have problems with your transfer.
Foreign exchange rates explained
The exchange rate is how much one country’s currency is worth in another country’s currency. With the USD/TWD currency pairing, you’ll get more money when either the US dollar is strong or the New Taiwan dollar is weak.
You’ll also see that the exchange rate you get quoted from money transfer companies differs. Compare what you get quoted with the mid-market rate below, which is what your money is actually worth.
No. Cash App, Zelle, Venmo and similar services are all restricted primarily to domestic transfers in the US. You can’t use Cash App and Venmo between Taiwan and the US. You’ll need to use a dedicated money transfer service, a PayPal transfer, a bank transfer or something similar to send money to Taiwan.
Use our comparison table to see what your transfer to Taiwan could cost.
Documentation for sending and receiving money
Keeping track of your receipts isn’t just a good idea, it is typically the only way to transfer money. Different documents are needed to send and receive money:
Documents to send money
Recipient’s full name. Make sure the name given matches the name on the ID the recipient will use to pick up the money.
Sender’s full name. Many companies require photo ID to send money. Also, the recipient may have to provide your full name to pick up the transfer.
Bank account information or cash pickupsite. Depending on how you’re sending money, you may have to know the bank account information for your recipient.
Tracking number. Almost always located on your receipt, keep it close.
Documents to receive money
Government issued ID. The name on your ID must match the name the sender lists.
Sender’s name. Some transfers require you to know the contact information of the sender to confirm the transfer.
Tracking number. Recipients must present the tracking number when picking up cash from an agent location.
Bottom line
Sending money to Taiwan doesn’t have to be a big headache. In fact, when you compare different money transfer options, you may be able to find a deal that gets your recipient more New Taiwan dollars while costing you less US dollars. And if you aren’t sure what else you need to know, our guide to money transfers can help you navigate the process.
Frequently asked questions
How do you use Xoom in Taiwan?
Xoom does not currently support transfers to Taiwan. There are plenty of Xoom alternatives out there, so be sure to compare a few before you start your transfer to Taiwan.
What is Taiwan’s money called?
The official currency is called the New Taiwan dollar, which replaced the Old Taiwan dollar in 1949. Prior to the Old Taiwan dollar there was the Taiwanese yen, which was in circulation until 1946.
Does Bank of America operate in Taiwan?
Many global banks have offices and branches in Taiwan, including the Bank of America. However, beware of excess fees and poor exchange rates when sending money internationally through your bank account — consider using an international money transfer instead.
Zak Killermann is a writer at Finder who’s been specializing in cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology for four years — covering everything from ICO booms, crypto winters, memecoins and more. He’s mined and minted cryptocurrencies, and remembers the days when DOGE was just for fun. Zak’s focus is in breaking down technical concepts (like yellow papers) for the average folk to digest on their morning commute. Before diving into all things crypto, Zak contributed to Finder’s money transfers vertical.
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