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For decades, Australia has been supportive of economic and trade growth in Lebanon, supplying assistance when needed to help the nation maintain its independence. Trade is strong between the nations with $54 million Australian Dollars (AUD) in merchandise like beef, wheat and vegetable being exported to Lebanon in 2013. That same year Lebanon shipped $13 million AUD in products like fruits and vegetables to Australia.
In addition to trade, there is a strong social connection between the nations with over 76,000 Lebanese expats calling Australia home in 2013 and an estimated 200,000 of Lebanese ancestry. This high level of immigration and busy trade market make it important to find solutions for transferring money from Australia to Lebanon.
Send money to 110+ countries for bank deposit, instant e-wallet, mobile top-up or cash pickup at 30,000+ agent locations worldwide.
Born and raised in Beirut, Elias was approached by an Australian export company to assist in their Sydney headquarters with shipments to Lebanon.
Elias is excited for the opportunity but concerned about his parents who rely on his salary for their expenses. He decides to first do some research to see what types of services are available for sending money from Australia to Lebanon and how much $1,000 AUD will convert to in Lebanese Pounds (LBP).
| Bank | Money transfer company | |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate | 1 AUD = 1108.99 LBP | 1 AUD = 1222.40 LBP |
| Cost per transfer | $22 AUD if initiated online. $30 AUD if you use a branch. | $25 AUD |
| Amount received in LBP | 1108990.00 | 1222400.04 |
| Transfer time | 2 to 5 business days | Within minutes |
| Pick up options | Bank to bank transfer | Cash pick up – there's also an option to have the money exchanged to the US Dollar |
| Difference | +113410.04 LBP |
Elias was surprised at the difference in the amount of money his parents would receive when using a money transfer company over a bank. While the fees charged were close to equal, there was a marked difference in the exchange rates.
Back to topThere are a number of fees and features that should be considered when transferring money from Australia to Lebanon as you can see from Elias’ investigation. To ensure that you are getting the service you need for a competitive price compare the following:
Lebanese pounds are considered to be an exotic currency which deters some Australian banks from making transfers to Lebanon. You still may be able to have the AUD sent to a bank account in Lebanon where it will then be converted.
As a result, a money transfer service may be the most convenient option. Below are listed some institutions in Australia that allow for transfers of money to Lebanon:
If you are travelling in Lebanon and lose your cash or wallet, you may be able to obtain emergency cash using one of these methods:
Listed below are a number of locations in Lebanon where you can make your cash pick up. Make sure to bring your passport and the transfer reference number in order to receive your funds.
4 G
Choumar Bldg Haret Hreik
Haret Hreik
Beirut, Beirut
+9613343754
Open Seven days a week from 8am to 10pm
El Masri Bldg Bir Hasan
Bir Hasan
Beirut, Beirut
+96170222227
Open Seven days a week from 8am to 10pm
BLC Bank SAL
Mina
Tripoli, Tripoli
+9611391000
Open Monday through Friday 8:30am to 1pm. Saturday 8:30am to 12pm.
Tripoli
El Mina
Tripoli
+9616211300
Open Seven days a week from 8am to 9pm.
Cash United Steve Cell 2
Seydnaya Strrayan Bldggr Fl
Near Supermarket Youssef
Beirut Moussaitbeh
1390111
Open seven days a week from 9am to 9pm.
Borj Abi Haidar
Coop Street
Beirut Moussaitbeh
1260000
Open seven days a week from 7am to 11:55pm.
Cash United Library Dannawi
Abi Samra Helweh Str Marjet Zouhour Sq Gr Fl
Near Dream Café
Tripoli
Phone. 01390111
Open Monday through Saturday 10am to 9pm.
Dam and Farez Area
Near Sahseh Café
Tripoli
Phone. 1260000
Open seven days a week from 8am to 11pm.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) does not recommend that Australian tourists take a holiday in Lebanon. If you are visiting Lebanon and need to pick up cash at an agency, secure reliable transportation with a trusted individual to accompany you.
Back to topAs your options for sending money to Lebanon from Australia are mostly cash transfer service companies, it is important that you and the recipient are prepared with the following:
Save the paperwork that is given to you at the end of the transaction. This will serve as your proof in the event that there is a dispute with the transfer company.
When looking at ways to send money to friends and family in Lebanon from Australia it is important that you compare the available options carefully. There are distinct differences in fees and rates which will affect the amount of money that arrives at the agency in Lebanon.
