Find the best way to send money to United Arab Emirates

Learn how to send money to United Arab Emirates from Australia in our step-by-step guide.

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Looking for a way to send money to family, friends or a business in United Arab Emirates (or even to your own bank account overseas)? According to MoneySmart, you should avoid Australian banks and go with a money transfer specialist to get better AED exchange rates and lower fees on international transfers.

Based on the providers we've compared, Revolut is among the cheapest, with competitive exchange rates and fees starting from $0. Need a really fast transfer? Xe Money Transfers can get money to your recipient in United Arab Emirates within minutes.

Best ways to send money to United Arab Emirates from Australia

The best way to send money to United Arab Emirates depends on your payment method, how you want your money to be received and how fast you need it to arrive.
  • Online money transfer provider. When buying Australian dollars or Emirati dirhams money transfer specialists typically offer better rates and cheaper fees than a local bank.
  • Bank transfer. Bank transfers are an easy way to send money to United Arab Emirates but they charge extra for the convenience and are often slower than other methods. AU banks generally add a 3% to 6% markup onto exchange rates.
  • Cash pickup. If you need your money to arrive fast, cash pickup gives your recipient instant access to the money you've sent when they collect it from their agent location in United Arab Emirates.
  • Mobile wallet. Essentially an electronic wallet service, mobile wallets allow users to store, send and receive eligible currencies using their phone, often with fees attached.

Compare the best money transfer companies to send money to United Arab Emirates

1 - 17 of 17
Product AUFMT Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
TorFX logo
24 hours
$0
TorFX sends money overseas in 40+ currencies, with competitive rates for transfer amounts over $2,000. Same-day transfers between AUD and NZD (under $100,000).
Revolut logo
Within minutes
$0
Sign up and get a AUD$15 top-up. For new customers only. T&Cs apply.
Send money with great rates and low fees in 30+ currencies. Plan fees apply.
OFX logo
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 50+ currencies.
Airwallex logo
Within minutes
$0
Customers can take out a free 1-month trial of an Airwallex Grow Plan and unlock a 50% discount on the plan for 6 months.
Streamline global payments across 150+ countries with fast settlements and competitive rates in over 60 currencies.
Xe logo
Within minutes
$0

Xe has fast transfers, low fees and a range of foreign currency tools. Send money to 200 countries in 100 currencies.
Xe logo
24 hours
$0
Xe has fast transfers, low fees and a range of foreign currency tools. Send money to 200 countries in 100 currencies.
Xe logo
Within minutes
$0
Xe has fast transfers, low fees and a range of foreign currency tools. Send money to 200 countries in 100 currencies.
Qantas logo
Within minutes
$0
Earn 1 Qantas Point on every $1AUD equivalent converted in foreign currency. T&Cs apply.
Set up accounts in 11 different currencies and get rewarded for global business payments by earning Qantas Points.
TorFX logo
24 hours
$0
TorFX sends money overseas in 40+ currencies, with competitive rates for transfer amounts over $2,000. Same-day transfers between AUD and NZD (under $100,000).
Send Payments logo
24 hours
$0
Send provides no Send payments fee transfers via its 24/7 multi-currency payments platform with real-time quotes.
OFX logo
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 50+ currencies.
OFX logo
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
Wise (TransferWise)
Best Rated Brand
Wise logo
Within minutes
From 0.43%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 50+ currencies.
TorFX logo
24 hours
$0
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.
Send Payments
Send Payments logo
24 hours
$0
Send provides no Send payments fee transfers via its 24/7 multi-currency payments platform with real-time quotes.
Send Payments logo
24 hours
$0
Send provides no Send payments fee transfers via its 24/7 multi-currency payments platform with real-time quotes.
MoneyGram logo
Within minutes
From $1.99
MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
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Cheapest way to send money to United Arab Emirates

As reported by the ACCC, bank transfers are typically the cheapest way to get your money to United Arab Emirates. Revolut and Xe Money Transfers have some of the lowest bank transfer fees of the brands we've compared.

Remember, it's more important to look at the overall cost of your transfer to United Arab Emirates and this has a couple of elements:
  • Transfer fees. While still cheaper than your Australian bank, money transfer services charge either a fixed or percentage-based fee for making your transfer.
  • Exchange rates. Another way money transfer providers make money is to add a margin to the mid-market AUD/AED exchange rate.

Certain providers may give the mid-market rate but add fees on top and others will have low fees but apply a markup on the exchange rate. This means it is important to compare exactly how many Emirati dirhams your recipient will end up with.

Fastest way to send money to United Arab Emirates

Actual transfer times from Australia to United Arab Emirates can depend on several factors including transfer amount, payment method and currency.

Here are some of the fastest average transfer speeds to United Arab Emirates:
  • Revolut — within minutes
  • Xe Money Transfers — within minutes
  • Wise (TransferWise) — within minutes

Safest way to send money to United Arab Emirates

The safest way to get your money to United Arab Emirates is using a provider registered with Australia's industry regulator, the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC). All of the companies we've compared in our table are overseen by a local regulator and comply with the relevant laws and regulations in both Australia and United Arab Emirates.

A great way to dive deeper is by reading our reviews of each transfer service and researching first-hand customer feedback on Trustpilot and similar platforms.

Large money transfers to United Arab Emirates

If you need to make a sizable money transfer to United Arab Emirates, consider using a provider such as TorFX or OFX to secure a better AED exchange rate and benefit from its expertise handling larger transactions.

Using a large transfer specialist can have the following advantages:
  • Tax guidance. Large transfers to United Arab Emirates may have tax implications for you or your recipient. A transfer specialist can help get you up to speed on the Australian Taxation Office's latest advice.
  • Foreign exchange tools. Advanced tools such as forward contracts, limit orders and stop-loss orders can help you lock in the AED exchange rate you want.
  • Account manager. Some money transfer providers assign a personal account manager who can offer advice and help facilitate transfers.
  • Phone service. If you want to talk your transfer through with someone, providers such as TorFX and OFX can provide support over the phone.

How to send money to United Arab Emirates from Australia

To send money to United Arab Emirates, you'll need the necessary documentation, your recipient's details and a way to pay.

  1. Compare your options.
    Use our table to find a money transfer provider that sends funds to United Arab Emirates. One may be better for cash pickups while another may suit a bank transfer. Once you've found the best one for your requirements, click "Go to site".
  2. Create an account.
    You'll need to give your name, address, contact details, proof of ID and method of payment.
  3. Provide your recipient's details.
    Enter your recipient's name and contact information. If you're sending straight to their Emirati bank account, you'll need the account number, SWIFT or IBAN number, plus their bank branch's address.
  4. Enter your transfer amount.
    Check you're happy with the fees, exchange rates and transfer speed, then enter the amount you wish to send. Double-check the total Emirati dirhams your recipient gets.
  5. Complete your transfer.
    Send your money transfer to United Arab Emirates. Keep your transaction reference number safe so you can track your transfer. Your recipient may need it too.

Example: Fatima transfers money to United Arab Emirates

Fatima is working in Australia as a digital marketer and she stays in regular contact with her elderly parents back home in United Arab Emirates. Her parents need some funds to help pay off a mortgage, so Fatima plans to send them $2,000 from Australia.

She decides to compare a bank and a money transfer specialist to see which one can save the most money on her transaction.

Bank Money transfer company
Exchange rate 1 AUD = 2.26 AED 1 AUD = 2.29 AED
Transfer fee $10 $2.50
Transfer method Bank account deposit Bank account deposit
Processing time 2 - 5 working days Next day
Amount received 4,490.90 AED 4,567.50 AED

The money transfer company enables Fatima to send an extra د.إ76.60, which is transferred straight to her parents' First Abu Dhabi Bank account.

How to choose a money transfer company for United Arab Emirates

When selecting a provider to transfer money to United Arab Emirates, here are the main factors to consider:

  • Exchange rates. Banks and transfer services use the mid-market rate to trade with one another. However, not every money transfer provider offers the mid-market rate so compare the AED you're offered to the mid-market rate to calculate the margin.
  • Transfer fees. Are you being charged a flat fee or a percentage of the transfer amount? A provider offering to transfer your money to United Arab Emirates for a flat or low fee might work out better if you're sending a large amount.
  • Transfer type. Does your recipient have an Emirati bank account or is cash pickup a better option? Each transfer type will have different fees. For example, instant cash pickups tend to be more expensive than bank transfers.
  • Transfer speed. If you need your transfer to arrive quickly, you can pay for an express delivery. Companies such as MoneyGram offer instant cash pickups but may charge more. If you're not in a rush, online money transfer services offer the best value.
  • Transfer limits. Find out how much you can send with each service. For example, Wise (TransferWise) has a transfer limit of $1,800,000 while MoneyGram allows transfers up to Varies.
  • Discounts. Providers may offer you a free transfer simply for signing up. Others may give a discount for transferring more than a specific amount of Emirati dirhams.

Is this a good time to send money to United Arab Emirates?

Compared to a month ago, the Australian dollar is a little stronger against the Emirati dirham. Currently, $5,000 is worth د.إ11,490.50, whereas a month ago, $5,000 was equivalent to د.إ11,436.50. That's an increase of 0.47% over the past month.

But compared to a year ago, the Australian dollar is weaker against the Emirati dirham. A year ago, $5,000 was equivalent to د.إ11,961.00. That's a decrease of 3.93% over 12 months.

What's more important, however, is the strength of the Australian dollar against the Emirati dirham and where it goes from here – which is harder to call. But whichever way it goes, shopping around has the potential to get you more Emirati dirhams for your Australian dollars and can help you get the best out of any market conditions.

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