Send money to UAE
If you’re making a career move and migrating to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a while, buying property or sending money to some friends chances are you’ll need to make an international money transfer (IMT).
Whether you just need to send money once or it’s the start of a series of payments, an IMT could be the most convenient and best value option to make it happen.
If you want to transfer money to Emirati or Emirates Dirham for your next holiday to UAE, then it’s a good idea to visit Mozo’s travel money section and read up on everything you need to know about the best travel cards and exchange rates.
How do I transfer money to the UAE?
If you’re wanting to send money to the UAE then you’ll have a few options, but there are really two main players: banks or specialist foreign exchange providers.
| Financial Agent Type | Pros | Cons |
|
Banks Where most people safely keep their money protected. |
Names and brands that you use and trust. | Higher transfer fees than other IMT providers.  Limited operating hours: in-branch services only open during business hours |
|
Specialist FX Or Foreign Exchange Specialist transfer funds and exchange foreign currencies everyday. Companies like SendFX, TorFX and OFX or the winners of the Mozo Expert Choice Awards all tend to offer better rates than your average bank. |
Quick and safe international money transfer, costs less than banks. More flexible - transfer funds 24/7. |
In-person transfers are generally unavailable. Minimum transfer amounts may apply ($50 up to $10,000 depending on the provider) |
How do I compare IMT providers?
Like most, you’re super busy, so we’ve gone ahead and compared as many IMT providers for you.
Your overall fee will depend on the rate you secure. If you’re transferring a small amount, then the charges may not startle you too much. If it’s a large sum, then you’ll appreciate securing the smallest rate available. But there are more than just rates to consider. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to look out for:
| Limits | There are banks or FX providers who are strict about how much you can exchange and transfer at any one time. In some cases, the more the minimum, the less the rate and visa versa. But this isn’t a guarantee. Make sure you assess which combined offer will suit your budget instead of going for the first fee/rate combo you see. |
| Rates | Even the smallest gap in the exchange rate you secure when sending money overseas can make a difference to how much dirham you get out of your Aussie dollars. |
| Transfer speed | Whether you’re using a bank or an IMT specialist, you can typically expect transfer time of between 1-3 days, although you may be able to speed up the process for a fee. |
| Transfer fees | Aside from the exchange rate, exchange fees are another feature which will influence the amount of money you’ll get after a money transfer. Banks tend to charge foreign exchange fees on their transfers on top of the margin they make on the exchange rate, while specialist providers may not charge one and some may also waive this fee if you transfer above a certain amount. Other costs you should look out for when choosing a provider are cancellation or amendment fees, as well as fees for over the counter, phone or online transactions. |
How to transfer money to UAE
Transferring funds to the UAE is a fairly easy and hassle free process that can be done from the comfort of your own home. Regardless of which foreign exchange specialist you use, the method is pretty much the same.
Is wiring money to the UAE risky?
Oh yes! Not just because it’s the UAE, but because it’s the internet! And if your sensitive information is not protected, then it doesn’t matter what you do online, your activity can be exposed and compromised. But there is something you can do:Â
- Install the latest anti-virus software
- Download the latest updates your PC or mobile
- Create strong passwords and opt for two-factor authentication where possible
- Choose a reputable money transfer provider.
Can I make a one-off transfer?
Sure you can. Fees and charges rarely vary, but check with your provider first! They may be able to offer you a better deal for multiple transfers, and may even give you benefits like waived transfer fees.
Ready to compare exchange rates for converting Aussie dollars to UAE dirham? Scroll down below for a list of offers available today, or head on over to our international money transfer comparison table for even more options.
Personal international money transfer comparisons on Mozo
I want to transfer
Today’s foreign exchange rates
- Excellent exchange rates, no transfer fees
- 24/7 transfers online, over the phone or through the TorFX app
- Personal account management and expert insights
$6,337 USD
IN PERSONn/a
BY PHONE$0
ONLINE$0$0.6337 USD
1-2 days
$200 minimum
- Send to 200+ countries and 100+ currencies globally, 48,000+ 5-star 'Excellent' ratings on TrustPilot
- Dedicated Australia-based client services team with personal account management for transfers over $20,000
- Send fees are charged on smaller amount transfers, additional fees are charged on debit and credit card payment methods.
$6,321 USD
- IN PERSONn/a
BY PHONEn/aONLINE$5 $0.6324 USD
1-3 days
none
- Fee Free transfers
- Talk to a human, 24/7. Sharp Rates and Fast and Secure transfers.
- Australian owned, ASX listed and Official Foreign Exchange Provider of the NHL
$6,296 USD
- IN PERSONn/aBY PHONE$0ONLINE$0
$0.6296 USD
1-2 days
$250 minimum
$500 monthly minimum for regular transfers
- 48 hour fixed rates, receive 5 fee-free transfers
- Fast, secure transfers, up to 8x cheaper than the banks
- Send and receive money in 20+ currencies
$6,290 USD
- IN PERSONn/aBY PHONE$5ONLINE$5
$0.6293 USD
1-2 days
Minimum transfer amount is $10 AUD
* The exchange rates offered by each provider are indicative exchange rates that have either been supplied by each provider or gathered by Mozo. Exchange rates fluctuate constantly and as a consequence the exchange rates listed here may vary to the actual exchange rate you are quoted by a provider. Please ensure you confirm the actual exchange rate with the relevant provider prior to conducting any transaction. These exchange rates are updated every hour.
^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice International Money Transfer Awards
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