We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
Self-quarantining and social distancing are changing the way we send money across borders. Here's everything you need to know about what impacts the coronavirus might have on getting money to your loved ones.
The impact of the coronavirus on Australia
Although banks have not yet closed, Australia's borders have in order to stem the coronavirus pandemic on our shores. To learn more about how to deal with the changing landscape of banking, how to self-quarantine and more, read our comprehensive guide on the coronavirus in Australia.
As Australia reacts to the coronavirus pandemic, the remittance industry is being affected by the following:
Closures. Non-essential businesses like bars and theatres are closing in many cities. Although banks and money transfer agent locations may remain open, using online transfer options will help you maintain your self-imposed quarantine.
Exchange rate volatility. We haven't seen this kind of volatility in decades. Fluctuating exchange rates could make a difference of several hundred dollars to what arrives in your receiver's pockets, so it's important to pay close attention to the live rate – things could change quickly. To keep on top of the two global currencies you're comparing, check out our guide on current exchange rates.
Customer service availability. Many companies will be reducing the availability of their customer service agents, both online and in call centres. OFX, for instance, recently alerted customers that "We are facing unprecedented events globally as countries around the world work to slow the advance of COVID-19. As a result, we're seeing very high volatility in global markets, including in currency markets. During this period of increased market volatility we are experiencing higher than usual call volumes and enquiries to our customer support team and encourage people to use our digital platforms," So if you happen to make a mistake in your online transaction and need to reach someone on the phone to fix it immediately, or need a human voice to help you through the online steps, don't expect the same support you'd normally receive.
Sending $1,000 from Australia to New Zealand during the coronavirus pandemic
Let's say you need to send $1,000 to friends or family members that are stuck quarantined abroad. Here is what you might face in fees and physical contact risks as of 19 March, 2020.
Online money transfer service
Cash transfer
Bank transfer
Physical contact
No
Yes
Maybe
Fee
$6
$9
$6 ($30 if sending at a branch) + additional correspondent bank fees
Exchange rate
1 AUD = 1.010 NZD
1 AUD = 0.948 NZD
1 AUD = 0.9701 NZD
Transfer speed
Within 1 day
Minutes
1-3 days
Amount received
1,003 NZD
948 NZD
970 NZD
Verdict
Best value - no physical contact
Fastest but most expensive - physical contact
Slowest and likely to have highest fees - maybe physical contact
The bank option ends up being both the slowest and gets the smallest amount of money to your recipient, but you may be able to send it entirely online. If you go with the digital money transfer service, your recipient ends up with NZD$33 more than the bank offers. If speed is crucial, a cash transfer can typically have your transfer to New Zealand in as little as 15 minutes; just be aware of the need to pick it up in person.
Be sure to look at the margin on the exchange rate as well as the fees to figure out if you're getting a good deal. We've gone into more detail on this in our full guide on sending money internationally.
Online money transfer services
The table below shows a round-up of some of the most popular online services that can help you send money to where it needs to go.
Disclaimer: Exchange rates change often. Confirm the total cost with the provider before transferring money.
What if my recipient doesn't have a bank account?
Depending on the provider, you can still make an online transfer to a recipient who doesn't have a bank account.
Emergency cash transfers
If you need to get money abroad now instead of later, there are ways to speed it up. Many online money transfer services offer delivery in as fast as a few minutes. Learn more about the limits and fees for emergency transfers.
Many emergency transfer options require your recipient to pick the money up in person, as delivering to a bank account often takes more time. Double-check how the transfer will be received, especially if you are sending to a country that is recommending self-quarantine or social distancing practices during the coronavirus pandemic.
According to a recent report in Reuters, handling banknotes doesn't pose any added risk of contracting the coronavirus. Your recipient shouldn't fear collecting cash so long as they take the usual precautions and wash their hands frequently.
How to send money to someone without a bank account
Unfortunately, options without physical contact are limited when it comes to sending money to someone without a bank account.
If you or your recipient doesn't have a bank account, look for a local company that supports storefronts for cash payments. These services include agent locations in other countries that allow your recipient to pick up cash without a bank account.
Call the agent location before sending your transfer, if possible, to make sure they will be open when your recipient goes to pick up cash.
How do fluctuating exchange rates affect my international transfer?
No one has a crystal ball here, so it's important to keep an eye on exchange rates regularly. That will help you gauge when it's a good time for you to send money abroad. Online transfers can often lock in a rate for you, which, with roller-coaster markets, could potentially help you get more bang for your buck.
What other ways can I send money around the world?
Aside from traditional money transfers and bank transfers, there are other alternatives you can use to help move money during the coronavirus pandemic.
International digital banking. Although it may take some time to set up, creating an international digital bank account can help reduce the costs of moving money to loved ones abroad. Read our short guide on digital banking to get started.
E-wallets. Electronic wallets are a great way to manage your funds digitally. Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay are very popular options. By relying entirely on digital services, you won't have to touch cash or interact physically with anyone. Many stores accept e-wallets for payment, making your transaction entirely contactless.
Cryptocurrencies. If you and the recipient are both computer savvy, cryptocurrency can be a very fast and cheap way of sending money internationally, in a way that doesn't require either of you to have a bank account or leave your homes. If you're interested, our comprehensive guide over at Crypto Finder can get you started.
Bottom line
Sending money internationally may be more important for you now than ever, especially if you have loved ones quarantined abroad. Although it's become trickier to send money overseas, there are still plenty of online options that can help you get your money where it needs to go.
Pay extra attention to movements in the exchange rate, and compare a number of money transfer services to make sure they meet your needs and can give you the best deal.
Need to save some quick cash?
If you're struggling to keep up with your finances - you're not alone. You can save plenty of cash by doing some simple admin with your bills and expenses. Maybe switching credit cards or downgrading your mobile phone plan could save some money.
Zak Killermann is a staff writer at Finder specialising in money transfers. He has ghostwritten hundreds of FinTech articles over the years and found his love for publication at St. Cloud State University. Zak has been travelling internationally for nearly half his life and — after getting burned once by an over-the-counter money exchange — vowed to never settle for anything short of the mid-market rate.
How likely would you be to recommend finder to a friend or colleague?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Very UnlikelyExtremely Likely
Required
Thank you for your feedback.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
Important information about this website
finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We compare from a wide set of banks, insurers and product issuers. We value our editorial independence and follow editorial guidelines.
finder.com.au has access to track details from the product issuers listed on our sites. Although we provide information on the products offered by a wide range of issuers, we don't cover every available product or service.
Please note that the information published on our site should not be construed as personal advice and does not consider your personal needs and circumstances. While our site will provide you with factual information and general advice to help you make better decisions, it isn't a substitute for professional advice. You should consider whether the products or services featured on our site are appropriate for your needs. If you're unsure about anything, seek professional advice before you apply for any product or commit to any plan.
Products marked as 'Promoted' or 'Advertisement' are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Finder's decision to show a 'promoted' product is neither a recommendation that the product is appropriate for you nor an indication that the product is the best in its category. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options.
Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment when you click on those buttons or apply for a product. You can learn more about how we make money here.
When products are grouped in a table or list, the order in which they are initially sorted may be influenced by a range of factors including price, fees and discounts; commercial partnerships; product features; and brand popularity. We provide tools so you can sort and filter these lists to highlight features that matter to you.
We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.
Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labelling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.
Providing or obtaining an estimated insurance quote through us does not guarantee you can get the insurance. Acceptance by insurance companies is based on things like occupation, health and lifestyle. By providing you with the ability to apply for a credit card or loan, we are not guaranteeing that your application will be approved. Your application for credit products is subject to the Provider's terms and conditions as well as their application and lending criteria.
Please read our website terms of use and privacy policy for more information about our services and our approach to privacy.