Send and receive money across the equator in a jiffy to Yemen, Rep.
It wasn’t always easy to send and receive money across the Equator, but people all over Australia can rest assured it can be done in current times with a quick visit to a bank or money transfer service.
Although there are limited relations between Australia and Yemen, there are several reasons why it’s important to be able send and receive money between the two.
Both are founding members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association and, since 2009, “Australia has provided more than $21 million to Yemen in humanitarian assistance through UN agencies and the International Committee of the Red Cross” according to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The importance of comparing different money transfer companies
Gill has always had a deep desire to visit the northern parts of Africa and the middle east due to its rich history.
Gill is a forward thinker and mapped out much of the scope of her trips in her mind already. She did some research and compared two money transfer companies that offer her a cash pickup in Yemen.
She hasn’t been able to find any Australian banks that do international money transfers to Yemen and will use this as her final resources when she goes over. Below is a summary of her findings when using 1,000 AUD as the transfer amount.
| Money transfer company A | Money transfer company B | |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate | 1 AUD = 145.358662 YER | 1 AUD = 148.6667 YER |
| Transfer fee | 60 AUD | 70 AUD |
| Amount of Yemeni Rial received in Yemen for 1,000 AUD | 145,358.66 YER | 148,666.68 YER |
| Transfer time | Minutes | Minutes |
| Transfer options | Online or branch transfer with a cash pickup at an agent. | Online or branch transfer with a cash pickup at an agent. |
| Difference in YER |
|
How do I compare money transfer companies when sending and receiving money via Yemen and Australia?
In preparing her summary above, Gill used some of the criteria below.
- Exchange Rates. It is advisable to view the different exchange rates offered by money transfer companies like Moneygram, Western Union and Xpress Money as it varies according to each one’s exchange rate calculator.
- Pickup Methods. Cash pickup locations are plentiful in Yemen. When transferring money to a bank account in Yemen, first make sure the bank and service you are considering support a money transfer to that bank account.
- Fees. The fees when sending money to Yemen are higher than usual fees, but don’t vary too much between the available services. Make sure there are no additional fees at the recipient of the company you choose.
- Bank to Bank Benefits. None were found, although Citibank lists its reach in Yemen.
- Turnaround Time. You can expect a turnaround time of 10 minutes depending on the agent location’s available currency.
- Transfer Methods. All companies should offer payments made from an agent or branch, whilst only some will allow you send money from an online profile using a debit or credit card.
- Transfer Options. Cash pickup will require you to either set up an online profile or visit a branch to send the money. Most transactions will need to be authorized per transaction although in some cases a recurring payment can be set with Western Union.
- Minimum/Maximum Transfer Amounts. There are some cases where a minimum transfer amount is specified when using a service like Moneygram and Western Union. These are amounts that range from AUD$5,000 and up.
- Customer Service. Moneygram and Western Union have years of history behind them and offer vast support structures worldwide. Xpress Money isn’t brand new, but newer compared to the other two. Its services are especially focused around Africa, Europe and the Middle East with a live chat option to help you through the process.
How do I send and receive money between Yemen and Australia?
Gill has the option to send and receive money between Yemen and Australia using the following money transfer services:
Moneygram and Western Union
Both these services have been around for ages and will allow Gill to send and receive money in minutes but it will require a higher fee than standard money transfer services.
There are many agent locations that can be found on their international sites. A couple of the options in popular cities are listed later in the article and are options that Gill will use.
Xpress Money
Is a global money transfer service that offers cash pickup locations in Yemen and Australia.
Citibank
Gill will have to verify this option by visiting a Citibank branch before she uses it as an option. Citibank only specifies Yemen as part of its global reach and do not supply details on the money transfer process.
Receiving money
When receiving cash, you will need to visit an agent in Australia with your government-issued ID. You'll also need to ask the sender for the tracking number (MTCN).
If you want the money deposited in your bank account, you will need to supply the sender with your BSB and account number. Be sure to notify the sender that they need to request this option specifically when starting the money transfer process.
Back to topEmergency cash transfers to Yemen
When you are using Moneygram or Western Union, you are already using a service that works well for emergency cash transfers. With a transfer time of 10 minutes (depending on the agent and available currency), Gill can expect to have money within minutes in the case of an emergency. It is important to check the minimum and maximum amounts that can be sent so you are sure which emergencies are covered.
Cash pickup locations in Yemen when using MoneyGram and Western Union
Moneygram
- Sana’a
Al Hadha Exchange Company - Sana’a - Taiz
Taiz street near Alawadhi Hospital, Sana’a
1628877
Open 24 hours Mondays to Sundays
Alkuraimi Islamic Microfinance Bank
Aser street, front of Saba Fon Co, Sana’a
967217870
Open Saturday to Thursday 8am to 9:30pm and 24 hours on a Friday
- Aden
Alkuraimi Islamic Microfinance Bank
Al Mansoura, Aden, 0
2350295
Open 24 hours Mondays to Sundays
Western Union
- Sana’a
Abdulqawi Alamri Exchange Co
Bait Mayad, Sanaa
+967-1-622907
Open Mondays to Sundays from 8am to 11pm
Abo Abdullah Muharram Foreign Exchange
Al Hasaba, Sana A
+967-1-566036
Open Saturday to Thursday 8am to 11pm and Friday 3pm to 11pm
- Aden
Al Hazmi Exchange
Al-moalla Madram Street, Aden
+967-242333
Open Mondays to Sundays from 9am to 11:59pm
Helpful tips for picking up cash in Yemen
Although there are more than enough pickup locations in Yemen, it is important to make sure the area of pickup is in a busy area with a lot of people.
Foreigners usually stick out like a sore thumb, and going into a cash pickup agent means it’s pretty obvious you will be carrying cash with you.
It’s also advisable to have more than one copy of identification with you along with any tracking numbers on incoming transfers so that no one can scam you out of your money.
What are the steps Gill can use that will allow relatives to send her money in Yemen?
What will Gill need to pick up cash sent to her at an agent location?
- A Government issued ID.
- The tracking or reference number (MTCN).
When sending money through an agent
- Visit the agent you have identified with a form of photo ID (can be passport, driver’s license, national ID, government-issued ID).
- You will need to fill in an application form along with the specified amount you want to send and all necessary fees.
- It is then your responsibility to contact the receiver of the money and provide them with the tracking or reference number.
- Some branches may require a proof of address.
When sending cash pickup using an online profile
- You will need to create a free online profile.
- Choose the country (Yemen), amount you want to send and the delivery method (cash).
- Enter the receiver’s name.
- Pay using a debit or credit card.
- You will receive a confirmation email with the tracking number (MTCN) that you can share with your receiver for the cash pickup.
This role is an important one for Australia as about 80% of Yemen’s population requires humanitarian assistance. The World Bank has remarked that from 2017, Yemen’s sources of oil and natural gas will start a steady decline.
This means that support and investment from countries where Yemen has existing economical established relations, like Australia, will play a vital role in improving infrastructure.
To support this, Yemen already has 20% of its budget allocated to this focus point. Furthermore, in 2014, the total Australian exports to Yemen came in at $400 million. These comprised mainly wheat products, as well as dairy and vegetable items.
