How to safely transfer a large amount of money internationally

Your bank may be more convenient, but international money transfer specialists probably offer a better deal.

Updated Nov 16, 2020. What changed?

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It's fairly common for people in Australia to send large amounts of money abroad, and the best way to do that will depend on your specific situation. Taking into consideration things like speed, tax regulations, fees and more is important when making your decision.

What are my options for sending a large sum of money overseas?

International money transfer specialist
Cash-to-cash transfers
Bank-to-bank transfers
International bank draft
Cryptocurrency

Send money overseas with TorFX

TorFX guarantees to match any competitor's exchange rate. Conditions apply.
Send money overseas in 30+ currencies with competitive rates for transfer amounts over $2,000.

No transfer fees
Price match guarantee
Dedicated account manager assigned to you
Forex tools available

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1. International money transfer specialist

International money transfer specialists exist to make the process of sending money overseas faster and more straightforward. Transfer specialists often offer some of the most competitive exchange rates for your transfer, and many transfer specialists charge far lower fees than what you'll find at your bank.

Pros

Typically cheaper than bank transfers.
Diverse payment options, including payment by credit card, debit card, bank account and more.
Many transfer specialists offer step-by-step guidance for the entire process.
Can be sent entirely online.

Cons

Many options exist, so finding the best one may seem tricky.
Some money transfer specialists don't have transparent fees and exchange rates.
You have to trust a company with your money, so vetting them is important.

We vetted a handful of companies for you, so use our hand-picked list of specialists to save time and money.

Or if you'd rather compare money transfer specialists yourself, use our comparison table by entering the amount you want to send, selecting your destination and clicking Calculate.

Compare money transfer specialists

I want to send

Min. Transfer Amount	Transfer Speed	Online Transfer Fee	Rate	Amount Received	Description	CTA	Details
GBP 0	1 - 2 days	AUD 1.99	0.756	USD 7,562	Special offer: $40 off when you transfer more than $250+ with code AUFIND40, conditions apply. Azimo sends money directly to a bank account or over 280,000 cash pick-up points. It also has fast transfers to 50+ countries.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount GBP 0.00 Transfer methods Online, Bank Account to Bank Account Transfer options One off payments Customer service Chat, Email Available currencies AED, ALL, AMD, AOA, ARS, AUD, AWG, AZN, BAM, BBD, BDT, BGN, BHD, BIF, BMD, BND, BOB, BRL, BSD, BTN, BWP, BYR, BZD, CAD, CDF, CHF, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CVE, CZK, DJF, DKK, DOP, DZD, EGP, ERN, ETB, EUR, FJD, GBP, GEL, GHS, GIP, GMD, GNF, GTQ, GYD, HKD, HNL, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, ISK, JMD, JOD, JPY, KES, KGS, KHR, KMF, KRW, KWD, KZT, LAK, LBP, LKR, MAD, MDL, MGA, MKD, MNT, MOP, MRO, MUR, MVR, MWK, MXN, MYR, MZN, NAD, NGN, NIO, NOK, NPR, NZD, OMR, PEN, PGK, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, QAR, RON, RSD, RUB, RWF, SAR, SBD, SCR, SEK, SGD, SLL, SRD, STD, SZL, THB, TJS, TMT, TND, TOP, TRY, TTD, TWD, TZS, UAH, UGX, USD, UYU, UZS, VND, VUV, WST, XAF, XCD, XOF, XPF, ZAR, ZMW Go to site Read the full review
AUD 2,000	1 day	AUD 0.00	0.759	USD 7,586	TorFX guarantees to match any competitor's exchange rate. Conditions apply. TorFX sends money overseas in 30+ currencies, with competitive rates for transfer amounts over $2,000.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount AUD 2,000.00 Transfer methods Online, Phone, Bank Account to Bank Account Transfer options Regular payments, One off payments, Market orders, Forward contracts Customer service Phone, Email Available currencies AED, AUD, CAD, CHF, CZK, DKK, EUR, GBP, HKD, HRK, HUF, ILS, JPY, NOK, NZD, PLN, SEK, SGD, THB, TRY, USD, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
AUD 2,000	1 day	AUD 0.00	0.759	USD 7,586	Send guarantees to match any competitor’s exchange rate. T&Cs apply. Fee-free transfers in 30+ currencies to over 200 countries.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount AUD 2,000.00 Transfer methods Online, Bank Account to Bank Account Transfer options Regular payments, One off payments, Forward contracts Customer service Phone, Email Available currencies AED, AUD, BGN, BHD, CAD, CHF, CNY, CZK, DKK, EUR, GBP, HKD, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, JPY, KES, KWD, MXN, MYR, NOK, NZD, OMR, PHP, PLN, QAR, RON, SAR, SEK, SGD, THB, TRY, USD, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
AUD 2,000	1 day	AUD 0.00	0.759	USD 7,586	Better exchange rates for Finder customers. WorldFirst sends 60+ currencies at competitive rates. If you find a better eligible quote, WorldFirst will beat it.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount AUD 2,000.00 Transfer methods Online, Phone, Bank Account to Bank Account Transfer options Regular payments, One off payments, Market orders, Forward contracts Customer service Phone, Chat, Email Available currencies AED, AUD, BBD, BGN, BHD, BWP, CAD, CHF, CLP, CNY, COP, CZK, DKK, EGP, EUR, FJD, GBP, HKD, HRK, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, JMD, JOD, JPY, KES, KRW, KWD, LKR, MAD, MUR, MXN, MYR, NOK, NPR, NZD, OMR, PEN, PHP, PKR, PLN, QAR, RON, RUB, SAR, SEK, SGD, THB, TND, TRY, TTD, TZS, UGX, USD, VND, XCD, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
AUD 250	1 - 2 days	AUD 0.00	0.759	USD 7,586	$0 transfer fees for Finder customers. OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount AUD 250.00 Transfer methods Online, Phone, Bank Account to Bank Account Transfer options Regular payments, One off payments, Market orders, Forward contracts Customer service Phone, Email Available currencies AED, AUD, AZN, BGN, BND, CAD, CHF, CNY, CZK, DKK, EGP, EUR, FJD, GBP, HKD, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, JPY, KRW, KWD, LKR, MAD, MGA, MXN, MYR, NOK, NZD, OMR, PEN, PGK, PHP, PKR, PLN, RUB, SAR, SBD, SCR, SEK, SGD, THB, TOP, TRY, TWD, TZS, USD, VEF, VND, VUV, WST, XOF, XPF, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
AUD 1	1 day	N/A	N/A	N/A	Pay no fees on your first two transfers, up to $3,000. SingX offers the real exchange rate every time you make a transfer and can help you send money across the world.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount AUD 1.00 Transfer methods Online, Bank Account to Bank Account, Cash Transfer Transfer options One off payments Customer service Phone, Chat, Email Available currencies AUD, EUR, GBP Go to site Read the full review
AUD 1	1 day	AUD 52.00	0.758	USD 7,539	Pay no fees on your first two transfers, up to $3,000. SingX offers the real exchange rate every time you make a transfer and can help you send money across the world.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount AUD 1.00 Transfer methods Online, Bank Account to Bank Account, Cash Transfer Transfer options One off payments Customer service Phone, Chat, Email Available currencies AUD, CAD, CNY, EUR, GBP, HKD, IDR, INR, JPY, KRW, LKR, MYR, NPR, NZD, PHP, SGD, THB, USD, VND, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
AUD 10	Within an hour	AUD 2.99	0.753	USD 7,531	Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers. Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount AUD 10.00 Transfer methods Online, Bank Account to Bank Account, Cash Transfer Transfer options N/A Customer service Phone, Chat, Email Available currencies ARS, AUD, BDT, BGN, BOB, BRL, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CZK, DOP, EGP, ETB, GHS, GTQ, GYD, HNL, HRK, HTG, HUF, IDR, INR, JMD, KES, KMF, KRW, LKR, MAD, MXN, MYR, NIO, NPR, PEN, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, RON, RWF, THB, TND, TRY, TZS, UGX, USD, UYU, VND, XAF, XOF, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
AUD 1	Same day	AUD 0.00	0.758	USD 7,579	XE has fast transfers with no fees and a range of foreign currency tools.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount AUD 1.00 Transfer methods Online, Bank Account to Bank Account Transfer options One off payments, Market orders Customer service Phone, Email Available currencies AED, AMD, AUD, BAM, BBD, BDT, BGN, BHD, BND, BRL, BSD, BWP, CAD, CHF, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CVE, CZK, DKK, DOP, EUR, FJD, GBP, GEL, GTQ, HKD, HNL, HRK, HUF, ILS, INR, JMD, JOD, JPY, KES, KRW, KWD, KZT, LKR, LSL, MAD, MKD, MUR, MWK, MXN, MYR, NAD, NOK, NZD, OMR, PEN, PGK, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, QAR, RON, RSD, RUB, RWF, SAR, SBD, SCR, SEK, SGD, SZL, THB, TND, TOP, TRY, TTD, TWD, TZS, UGX, USD, VUV, WST, XCD, XPF, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
AUD 200	1 - 2 days	AUD 50.00	0.761	USD 7,570	Exclusive: Use code FINDER10 to receive US$10 off your first transaction. InstaReM offers simple transfers with a flat 0.5% transfer fee for most transfers. Zero-margin rates on some currencies.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount AUD 200.00 Transfer methods Online, Phone, Bank Account to Bank Account Transfer options One off payments Customer service Phone, Chat, Email Available currencies AUD, BDT, CAD, CNY, EUR, GBP, HKD, IDR, INR, KRW, LKR, MYR, NPR, PHP, PKR, SGD, THB, USD, VND Go to site Read the full review
AUD 5	1 - 2 days	EUR 3.00	0.754	USD 7,539	Special offer: Zero fees on your first 10 transfers. CurrencyFair has bank-beating exchange rates and fast transfer times on 15+ popular currencies.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount AUD 5.00 Transfer methods Online Transfer options One off payments Customer service Phone, Email Available currencies AED, AUD, CAD, CHF, CZK, DKK, EUR, GBP, HKD, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, NOK, NZD, PHP, PLN, SEK, SGD, THB, USD, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
AUD 1	Same day	AUD 3.99	0.753	USD 7,522	Use promo code 3FREE to send your first 3 transfers with no fee. Conditions apply. WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount AUD 1.00 Transfer methods Online, Bank Account to Bank Account, Cash Transfer Transfer options One off payments Customer service Phone, Email Available currencies AED, ALL, AMD, ANG, AOA, ARS, AUD, BAM, BBD, BDT, BGN, BHD, BIF, BOB, BRL, BWP, CAD, CDF, CHF, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CVE, CZK, DKK, DOP, EGP, ETB, EUR, FJD, GBP, GEL, GHS, GMD, GNF, GTQ, HKD, HNL, HRK, HTG, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, ISK, JMD, JOD, KES, KGS, KHR, KMF, KRW, KWD, KYD, KZT, LAK, LBP, LKR, LRD, LSL, MAD, MDL, MGA, MRO, MUR, MVR, MWK, MXN, MYR, MZN, NAD, NGN, NIO, NOK, NPR, NZD, OMR, PAB, PEN, PGK, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, QAR, RON, RUB, RWF, SCR, SEK, SGD, SLL, SOS, SRD, THB, TJS, TND, TOP, TRY, TZS, UAH, UGX, USD, UYU, VND, WST, XAF, XCD, XOF, ZAR, ZMW, BYN Go to site Read the full review
AUD 1	1 - 2 days	AUD 45.00	0.762	USD 7,582	Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 50+ currencies.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount AUD 1.00 Transfer methods Online, Bank Account to Bank Account Transfer options Regular payments, One off payments Customer service Phone, Chat, Email Available currencies AED, ARS, AUD, BDT, BGN, BRL, BWP, CAD, CHF, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CZK, DKK, EGP, EUR, GBP, GEL, GHS, HKD, HRK, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, JPY, KES, KRW, LKR, MAD, MXN, MYR, NGN, NOK, NPR, NZD, PEN, PHP, PKR, PLN, RON, RUB, SEK, SGD, THB, TRY, TZS, UAH, UGX, USD, UYU, VND, XOF, ZAR, ZMW Go to site Read the full review

Compare up to 4 providers

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

2. Cash-to-cash transfers

Being able to send money for cash pickup is a convenient way to complete your international money transfer, particularly if you or your recipient is under or unbanked. Companies that offer cash-to-cash transfers include Ria Money Transfer, MoneyGram, Western Union and more.

Pros

Recipient doesn't need a bank account.
Sender doesn't need a bank account.
Cash transfers often transfer faster than bank-to-bank transfers.

Cons

Most cash-to-cash specialists have a maximum sending limit.
Large amounts of cash will have to be picked up by the recipient, which could be dangerous.
Higher fees are typically applied to cash-to-cash transfers, compared to using an international money specialist that transfers to a bank account.

Finding the right company to send your cash-to-cash transfer is important, so compare your options to figure out which company sends to your preferred destination and offers the lowest fees and strongest exchange rates.

3. Bank-to-bank transfers

Most banks are able to initiate an overseas transfer, but they tend to be the most expensive option. For small transfers, the familiarity and ease of using your local bank can be worth the fees and unfavorable exchange rate, but for large transfers, you'll see a noticeable cut taken from your transfer.

Pros

You already trust your bank with your money.
You can typically initiate the transfer online, in-person or by phone.
You don't have to trust any companies with your money.

Cons

More expensive than other options.
Typically far slower than other options.
Have to pay with funds that are already in your bank account.

Double-check how much your bank charges for sending an international money transfer before sending money to avoid any surprises. International money transfer limits may be set in place by your bank, so you'll need to ask your bank ahead of time if you plan on making a large transfer international transfer over $10,000.

4. International bank draft

An international bank draft is issued by a bank on behalf of the payer and allows another bank, typically in another country, to draw funds directly from the issuing bank. International bank drafts can be drawn in a foreign currency, removing the need to speculate on future exchange rates, as funds are immediately converted when the international bank draft is created.

Pros

Accepted in many parts of the world.
Relatively cost effective when compared to wire transfers between international banks.
Can only be cashed at a bank by the person listed on the international bank draft.

Cons

Slow, as they have to be physically mailed or hand delivered between countries.
Difficult and time consuming to replace if lost or stolen.

International bank drafts aren't ideal for many situations, so be sure to double-check if it is right for you before sending one.

5. Cryptocurrency

If you hold cryptocurrency, you can send it to a wallet anywhere in the world. Many cryptocurrency exchanges will also let you trade cryptocurrency for fiat currency, such as euros, US dollars and AUD. That means that it's possible to exchange Australian dollars for a cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin, and then trade your cryptocurrency for a different fiat currency, like euros. But that doesn't mean it's a simple process.

Pros

You can send money directly to your recipient's cryptocurrency wallet address, removing the need for companies as intermediaries.
Your transaction can't be canceled.

Cons

Requires a lot of technical know-how to avoid errors.
Prices can be volatile, so although you may save money by avoiding fees, you could lose it if the price of the cryptocurrency you're using as an intermediary drops.
Depending on the route you use, there may be many fees to pay.

Cryptocurrency for international money transfers: How it works

The basic process for transferring money overseas using cryptocurrency is:

Transfer funds to an online cryptocurrency exchange.
Use your local currency to buy cryptocurrency, which goes into a digital wallet.
Sell your cryptocurrency for a foreign currency.
Withdraw your funds from the exchange platform.

You'll likely encounter percentage-based fees at each step, making cryptocurrency an expensive way to send money.

Which option is best?

The best option depends on your specific circumstances. But overall, using a money transfer specialist may end up being your least expensive option. To get a baseline of what your transfer could cost, compare a few different money transfer specialists. Using your bank is convenient, but you'll almost always save money by exploring other options that have lower fees and offer stronger exchange rates.

Frequently asked questions

Can I send cash internationally?

Technically yes, but you shouldn't. Sending cash in the mail is extremely unsafe and risky, as there is absolutely no guarantee that it will reach your recipient. Also, sending large amounts of cash through the mail could get you in trouble with the ATO if it isn't properly declared to customs.

Is there a limit to how much money I can send overseas?

No, as long as you file the appropriate tax forms there's no limit to how much you can send. If you're sending $1 million or more overseas, check that your transfer provider can securely handle transfers of that size before getting started.

Can I bring large sums of cash to another country?

Yes, if you want to skip the transfer specialists you can bring cash to another country. You'll need to check that country's laws for any limits on how much cash you can bring into the country, and you'll likely need to declare it at customs. Be aware that neglecting to declare large sums of cash at customs can result in legal trouble, and both you and your recipient will likely need to file taxes declaring the transfer of cash funds.

Thank you for your feedback!

Zak Killermann

Zak Killermann is a staff writer at Finder specialising in money transfers. He has ghostwritten hundreds of FinTech articles over the years and found his love for publication at St. Cloud State University. Zak has been travelling internationally for nearly half his life and — after getting burned once by an over-the-counter money exchange — vowed to never settle for anything short of the mid-market rate.

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Azimo International Money Transfers

Special offer: $40 off when you transfer more than $250+ with code AUFIND40, conditions apply.
Azimo sends money directly to a bank account or over 280,000 cash pick-up points. It also has fast transfers to 50+ countries.

More info

TorFX International Money Transfers

TorFX guarantees to match any competitor's exchange rate. Conditions apply.
TorFX sends money overseas in 30+ currencies, with competitive rates for transfer amounts over $2,000.

More info

Send International Money Transfers

Send guarantees to match any competitor’s exchange rate. T&Cs apply.
Fee-free transfers in 30+ currencies to over 200 countries.

More info

WorldFirst International Money Transfers

Better exchange rates for Finder customers.
WorldFirst sends 60+ currencies at competitive rates. If you find a better eligible quote, WorldFirst will beat it.

More info

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How to safely transfer a large amount of money internationally

Your bank may be more convenient, but international money transfer specialists probably offer a better deal.

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What are my options for sending a large sum of money overseas?

Send money overseas with TorFX

1. International money transfer specialist

Pros

Cons

Compare money transfer specialists

Compare up to 4 providers

2. Cash-to-cash transfers

Pros

Cons

3. Bank-to-bank transfers

Pros

Cons

4. International bank draft

Pros

Cons

5. Cryptocurrency

Pros

Cons

Which option is best?

Frequently asked questions

Can I send cash internationally?

Is there a limit to how much money I can send overseas?

Can I bring large sums of cash to another country?

Zak Killermann

More guides on Finder

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Azimo International Money Transfers

TorFX International Money Transfers

Send International Money Transfers

WorldFirst International Money Transfers

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