With strong relations growing every year between Australia and Mexico comes a growing need for secure money transfer options.
In 2006 a Joint Experts Group (JEG) was formed between Australia and Mexico that focused on building strong economic relations between the two nations. Since that time the two countries have been working together to develop trade and investment opportunities.
Compare money transfer services to Mexico
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Banks versus money transfer companies
Juanito Transfers Funds to Mexico
Juanito, a Mexican national, has been given the opportunity to work as a Spanish teacher in Australia. Wanting to take the job, he worries that his parents will suffer financially without his help.
Figuring out his estimated living expenses and salary, Juanito believes he would be able to send $1,000 Australian Dollars home each month. He decides to check online to see what type of money transfer options he will have, and how many Mexican Pesos (MXN) that would convert to.
| Bank | Money Transfer Service | |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate | $1.00 AUD = $10.82 MXN | $1.00 AUD = $11.24 MXN |
| Transfer fee | $20 AUD | $60 AUD |
| Amount received in Pesos | $10,816.50 | $11,236.15 |
| Transfer time | Three to five business days | 10 minutes |
| Transfer options | Bank to bank transfer | Bank transfer or cash pick up |
| Difference | +$419.65 MXN |
How to compare transfer companies when transferring money to Mexico
If you look carefully at Juanito’s research, you may assume that there is a big difference in the value between the two options until you look closely:
- Exchange rate. There is a clear difference in the exchange rate when applied to $1,000 AUD. Juanito’s family will receive more money with the money transfer company then with the bank.
- Fees. An initial look at the fees charged shows that the bank offers lower prices, but when calculated against the difference in Pesos received both services are almost identical in price.
- Pick up methods. Both allow for direct deposits into a Mexican bank account, but the money transfer company also allows for a cash pick up at an agent office.
- Transfer methods. Both allow for the sender to do so online, but only the money transfer company has specialised agencies that the sender can use to transfer cash.
- Transfer time. The overseas transfer company is able to complete the transaction more rapidly in comparison to the bank.
How to send money to Mexico from Australia
With the growing relations between Mexico and Australia, there are now a number of money transfer companies that will allow you to send money from Australia to Mexico:
- MoneyGram. MoneyGram will give you the option of a cash pick up or bank deposit when sending money to Mexico.
- WorldRemit. This is another money transfer company serving Mexico. Not only do they allow for a cash pick up, you can also send minutes to a cell phone.
- Western Union. Using a credit card, you can make arrangements for a cash pick up in Mexico.
- World First. This money transfer company also offers the option of paying bills such as student loans overseas.
Emergency cash transfers in Mexico
With the increasing amount of Australian tourism to Mexico it is a good idea to consider what your options are if you were to be robbed or lose your cash while visiting there:
- Money transfer service. You do not need to be resident of Mexico to pick up cash with a cash transfer company. Only ensure that you have a photo identification document with you before going to the agency.
- Travel insurance. Whenever planning a trip abroad, it is recommended that you purchase travel insurance. Many of these policies will offer provisions to get cash to you in the event that you are robbed.
- Credit card covers. Credit card companies often have complimentary international travel cover provided you purchase your travel accommodations using that credit card.
Cash pickup locations in Mexico
Before making arrangements to have cash wired to you in Mexico from Australia it is a good idea to make sure there is an agent close to where you are staying. Here you will find listings for a few agencies found in Mexico:
Western Union
Mexico City
6042 San Angel Alvaro Obregon DF
Av Rey Cuauhtemoc 30 Esq Av Revoluci
Mexico D F
Mexico, Districto Federal 1000
Phone. +52-55-52460700
Open seven days a week from 8am until 10pm.
6101 Aragon DF
Cal San Juan De Aragon No 530
Local 2
Gustavo A Madero
Mexico, Districto Federal 7450
Phone. +52-55-52460700
Open seven days a week from 8am to 10pm.
Cancun
Banorte Cancun Avenida
Lopez Portillo S N
Region 92
Benito Juarez, Quintana Roo 77516
Phone. +52-998-8888019
Open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm. Closed on Sunday.
Telecomm 23012
Miguel Hidalgo No 85 Centro
Xcalak, Quintana Roo 77940
Phone. +01-983-8320082
MoneyGram
Mexico City
Telecomm/Telegrafos Mercaderes
Plaza De La Const. 7 Mezanine
Colonia Centro De La Cuidad De Mexico Area 2
Cuauhtemoc, DF 06010
Phone. +18-00-1122724
Open Monday through Friday 8am to 7:30pm. Saturday closed. Sunday 9am to 4:30pm.
Coppel 5 de Febrero T354
Calle 5 De Fevrero 26Y28 Centro de la Cuidad de Area 3
Cuauhtemoc, DF 06020
Phone. +52-66-77580200
Open Monday through Saturday 10am to 8pm. Sunday 10am to 2pm.
Cancun
Chedraui #255 Cancun Coba
Av Coba Mza, 1 Lote 2
Col. Super Mza 36
Cancun, Qi 77501
Phone. +99-88-879877
Open seven days a week from 8am to 10pm.
Lared De La Gente Crescencio Cruz #201
Supernanzana 92 Manzana 106 Lote 13 Ave
Kabah Colonia Centro
Cancun, QI 77520
Phone. +52-99-88-402749
Open Monday through Saturday 8am to 7pm.
Tips for picking up cash in Mexico
Even though there is a large number of Australians making the trip to Mexico each year, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) still recommends that you exercise a high degree of caution when travelling there. This is especially true when needing to travel to a cash pick up agency.
Ask the management of your hotel to arrange for car service and always travel with a trusted friend. Upon returning to the hotel you should secure the cash and only carry with you what you need for that time.
Back to topHow to send money to Mexico
Using a money transfer company to forward cash from Australia to Mexico will require you to have the following:
- Recipient name. For security purposes, the name you give the agent must be the exact same name as it appears on the beneficiary’s identification.
- Address. The agent will need to know the city or state that the person will be picking up the money.
- Identification. For large amounts of money transfers you may be required to show identification.
- Tracking number. The agent is going to give you a paper with the tracking number of the transaction. You will have to share that number with your recipient before they can pick up the money.
A double taxation agreement exists between Australia and Mexico, and Australian airlines have increased the number of Mexican cities they will fly to. These moves make it easier for workers from Mexico to spend time in Australia earning a living.
The 2011 census saw an increase of 80.5% in the number of Mexican nationals living in Australia, taking that number to over 3,000. Travel has also increased with over 60,000 Australians making Mexico a vacation destination every year.
Be sure that you retain the receipt for your transaction until you receive word that the cash has been picked up. If there is a dispute with the transfer you will need that receipt to resolve it.
Mexican workers and immigrants living in Australia work hard to be able to send money home. Protect that money as best you can by finding the money transfer company that offers you real value in their rates, fees, and options.
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