When sending money to Sudan from Australia, you get various options. Do you know which one works best for you?
Prior to the First Sudanese Civil War from 1955 to 1972, a majority of Sudanese immigrants came to Australia because of better educational opportunities. After this period most immigrants from Sudan arrived in Australia owing to political and economic turmoil. A significant percentage of people coming in belonged to the professional and middle classes.
After the Second Sudanese Civil War began in 1983, even more civilians fled the country to avoid hardship. When the conflict ended in 2005, some Sudanese Australians returned to their homeland. Through the 2011 census, the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship reported that there were over 19,000 Sudanese-born people born who lived in Australia.
Instances that involve people sending money to Sudan are not uncommon. If you want to as well, going through this guide will help.
Banks versus money transfer companies
Suleyman Abbas arrived to Australia as a student. He got a job once he completed his college education, after which he figured he could start sending some money back home to his ageing parents living in Sudan. He planned to send around $1,000 every month.
Suleyman did not have a preference when it came to choosing between transferring funds into his father’s bank account or sending it to a cash pickup location. Since he wished to send an exotic currency, he could not initiate the transfer through his Australian bank.
However, he did have various money transfer comparisons to choose from. This is what he found when he took to the Internet:
| Money transfer service 1 | Money transfer service 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate | $1 = SDG£4.26 | $1 = SDG£4.1764 |
| Transfer fee | $25 | $0 |
| Amount received for $1,000 | SDG£4153.50 | SDG£4176.40 |
| Transfer time | 1 day | 1-2 days |
| Transfer options | Cash pickup | Bank account |
| Difference of | SDG£22.90 |
The second money transfer company offered Suleyman a better deal in terms of the money his father stood to receive. Besides, it also got the money directly into his father’s account, saving him a trip to a cash pickup location. Going forward, Suleyman decided to compare his options before each transfer.
How do I compare transfer companies when transferring and receiving money via Sudan?
When you’re sending money to Sudan from Australia, various aspects require your attention.
- Exchange rate and fees. Some money transfer companies offer highly competitive exchange rates, but can cut their losses short by charging reasonably high fees. You may also find companies that offer fee-free services, but provide unfavourable exchange rates. Comparing how much money the recipient stands to receive should give you a clear indication of the better deal.
- Ways to send money. Since the Sudanese pound is an exotic currency, not many Australian banks offer fund transfer services to Sudan. Ones that do can let you initiate a transfer online, in person or over the phone. Some money-transfer companies have stores that you can visit to send money in person. You'll find the highest number of options online.
- Ways to receive money. Receiving money directly into a Sudanese bank account is possible. The recipient can also collect money by visiting a local cash pickup centre.
- Turnaround time. Money transfer companies tend to process electronic fund transfers quicker when compared to banks. While the former may take one to three days, the latter can take up to 12 days. If you’re sending money to a cash pickup location, the transfer can go through in minutes.
- Transfer options. If you plan to send money to Sudan periodically and don’t want to go through the entire process every time, you can consider using the services of a money transfer company that lets you make scheduled payments. Some businesses also let you purchase forward contracts and market orders.
- Minimum transfer amounts. While some money transfers companies have no minimum transfer limits in place, some others don’t let you send less than $500 or $1,000.
- Customer service. Good money transfer companies offer support in different ways which include over the phone, and via chat or email.
How do I send money to Sudan from Australia?
You can send money to Sudan from Australia in different ways.
- Banks. Find out if your bank lets you transfer funds to a Sudanese bank account. If it does, you may be able to initiate the process by visiting a branch, through online banking or over the phone. If you account comes with a chequebook, you can write a cheque and send it via mail. Purchasing a money order from your bank and mailing it is also an option.
- Non-banks. You can use the services of a money transfer company such as Western Union to send money to Sudan from Australia. You can also send money via PayPal, provided both you and the recipient have PayPal accounts. Opening a PayPal account when in Sudan may not be easy.
How do I receive money from Sudan in Australia?
Receiving money from Sudan in Australia presents multiple options.
- Banks. You can receive funds directly into your Australian bank account. The sender can use the services of a bank or a money transfer company to do this. You can also receive a bank-issued money order or cheque via mail.
- Non-banks. Non-banking businesses such as Western Union offer money transfer services from Sudan to Australia, using which you can collect cash from a physical location. If you and the sender have PayPal accounts, you can consider using its services as well. Withdrawing transferred funds from your PayPal account to your bank account is simple.
Emergency cash transfers in Sudan
If you end up losing your wallet when you’re in Sudan you should report your credit and debit cards as lost or stolen without wasting any time. Then, you can think about getting some emergency money in different ways.
- Cash pickup. Can you get a friend or family member to send you some money? If so, locate a suitable cash pickup centre and pass the details to the sender.
- Cash advance through credit card. You can think about getting a cash advance on your existing Mastercard or Visa credit card even if it’s not in your possession. You can do this by visiting a local participating financial institution.
- Travel insurance. Getting the right kind of travel insurance can give you access to emergency funds in situations such as lost or misplaced luggage, flight delays or cancellations and unexpected medical expenses.
Cash pickup locations in Sudan
Money transfer companies such as Western Union let you send money to cash pickup centres in Sudan. When collecting money from any cash pickup centre you’ll need to provide a suitable form of ID such as your passport or driver’s license. If the transfer involves a large sum, you may want to call the centre in advance to ensure availability to funds.
Here are some cash pickup locations in Sudan:
Western Union
- Khartoum
Parliament Branch
Alnijomi Street
Khartoum
Open 7:30am to 10pm, Monday to Sunday
+249-183-764490
- Alsagana Branch
Alhuria Street
Khartoum
Open 7:30am to 10pm, Monday to Sunday
+249-183-764490
- Omdurman
Omdurman Branch
Almourada Street
Omdurman
Open 7:30am to 10pm, Monday to Sunday
+249-183-764490
- Souk Libya Branch
Souk Libya
P.O. Box 2056
Omdurman
Open 9am to 4pm, Monday to Thursday, closed on Friday,
Open 9am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday
+249-187-582187
Tips for picking up cash in Sudan
The Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises Australians to reconsider their plans of travelling to Khartoum or any other part of Sudan.
After the formation of South Sudan, the Sudanese Government announced issuance of new banknotes and withdrew some older versions. As a result, when you collect money from a cash pickup centre or when you exchange money, make sure you receive valid banknotes.
Khartoum has low levels of crime, but Darfur has high levels of violent crime. Instances of looting, carjacking and robbery are not uncommon, so it is best that you remain vigilant at all times.
What are the steps for sending money to Sudan?
The steps involved and details you have to provide when sending money to Sudan depend on the method you choose.
- Transfer to bank account. If you’re transferring funds using your bank you’ll need to provide the recipient’s name, account number, bank’s name and the bank’s SWIFT code. If you’re using the services of a money transfer company, you’ll have to provide details of your bank account, debit card or credit card. The time the transfer takes to complete essentially depends on the service provider you choose.
- Cash pickup. If you’re sending money in person you’ll have to provide the recipient’s name and a desired cash pickup location. The money transfer company might want to verify your identity. If you’re sending money online or over the phone you’ll also have to provide your bank account, debit card or credit card details. The transfer should take place almost immediately.
