The two costs of every transfer
Every transfer costs you in two ways:
- The fee you see, for example 15 or 25 riyals or dirhams.
- The exchange rate margin you often do not see. If the market rate is 22.70 rupees per riyal and the provider gives you 22.40, you lose 30 paisa on every riyal. On 3,000 riyals that is 900 rupees, often more than the fee.
That is why a "zero fee" offer can cost more than an offer with a fee: the provider simply takes more through the rate.
Compare what your family receives
The only fair comparison is: for the same amount paid, how much arrives? Ask two or three providers for a quote on the same amount on the same day, then enter each offer's rate and fee in our money transfer comparison. It shows which one puts the most money in your family's hands and how much you lose against the market rate.
Simple ways to get more home
- Send less often, but more each time. One transfer of 3,000 costs one fee; three transfers of 1,000 cost three.
- Check the rate, not just the fee, every time. Rates change daily and between providers.
- Avoid sending in a rush before Eid or at month end, when queues are long and some providers offer worse rates.
- Use licensed banks, exchange houses and apps only. Informal hawala may look cheaper but is illegal in the Gulf and your money has no protection.
- Choose the payout carefully. A bank deposit is often cheaper than cash pickup, and mobile wallets can be cheapest in some countries.
Know what your money is worth at home
A salary in riyals or dirhams buys different things in different countries. Our salary worth at home calculator uses price levels to show what your Gulf salary is worth in your home country, which helps when you plan how much to send and how much to keep.