Living in the UAE means many expats are sending money home to support their families
Whether it’s paying school fees, topping up an account, or sending a gift, finding the best way to send money home matters. Here are four options you can use:
Careem Pay: Fast and budget-friendly
Careem isn’t just about rides and food delivery anymore. With Careem Pay, you can send money abroad quickly and at better rates than most banks.
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Transfers reach the UK, Europe, India, Egypt, and more than 30 other countries.
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Money arrives within minutes.
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You could save much on transfer fees compared to banks.
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No IBAN numbers, no hidden charges, and no waiting around.
Just open the Careem app, tap on Careem Pay, and send your money. It’s that simple.
Western Union: Global and reliable
One of the most trusted names in money transfers, Western Union offers multiple ways to send cash:
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Online: Create a free profile and send money abroad in just a few clicks.
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In person: Visit one of many branches across the UAE and transfer face-to-face.
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Via app: Download the Western Union app to transfer anytime, using a bank account or debit card.
You’ll need to verify your Emirates ID online (with facial recognition), but once that’s done, you’re good to go.
PayPal: Quick payments with just an email
If you’re looking for something simple and online, PayPal is another option.
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You only need the recipient’s email address.
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Add your debit or credit card to your PayPal account, log in, and send money in seconds.
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No hidden costs when paying, though currency conversion and card issuer fees may apply.
This option is especially handy if you’re also using PayPal for online shopping or paying for services.
Banks: Traditional but slower
Most UAE banks let you transfer money internationally straight from your account. While this is the traditional method, keep in mind:
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Transfer fees vary by bank.
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Each bank sets its own exchange rate, which may not be the most competitive.
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Transfers can take a few business days to arrive.
No matter your needs or how often you send money home, choosing the right method can make the process faster, cheaper, and stress-free.
Also read: 7 of the best discount apps in Dubai to save money
Images: What’s On Archive
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