Sending money across borders has become a routine part of life for millions of people around the world. Whether you are supporting family back home, covering school fees, or helping with medical costs, finding a fast, affordable, and reliable way to make an international money transfer matters enormously. The good news is that the options available today are better than ever, and knowing how to compare them can save you real money.
This guide answers the most common questions about sending money internationally, so you can make informed decisions with confidence. From understanding your options to knowing exactly what documents you need, we have you covered.
What are the most common ways to send money abroad?
The most common ways to send money internationally are bank wire transfers, dedicated money transfer operators, mobile money transfer apps, and cash pickup services. Each method works differently in terms of speed, cost, and accessibility, so the right choice depends on your specific situation and destination.
Here is a quick overview of the main options available:
- Bank wire transfers: Sent directly from one bank account to another; widely accepted but often slower and more expensive
- Money transfer operators (MTOs): Specialist services like Western Union or MoneyGram that offer both digital and cash pickup options
- Mobile and app-based transfer services: Digital-first platforms that typically offer competitive rates and fast delivery
- Mobile money services: Particularly popular across Africa, allowing recipients to receive funds directly into a mobile wallet without a bank account
- Cryptocurrency transfers: A growing option, though still complex and subject to volatility
Mobile money and app-based services have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially for diaspora communities sending money to countries like Nigeria, Ethiopia, Eritrea, or Sudan, because they often reach recipients faster and at a lower cost than traditional bank transfers.
What’s the difference between a bank transfer and a money transfer app?
The key difference is that a bank transfer moves money through the traditional banking network, which is secure but slower and often more expensive, while a money transfer app uses digital infrastructure to move funds more quickly and at lower fees, sometimes without requiring the recipient to have a bank account.
Bank transfers are reliable and well established, but they come with drawbacks. Exchange rate markups are often built into the transaction invisibly, and processing times of two to five business days are common. International wire fees from the sending bank, as well as potential charges from intermediary and receiving banks, can add up quickly.
Money transfer apps, on the other hand, are designed specifically for cross-border payments. They tend to offer more transparent fee structures, real-time exchange rate information, and faster delivery times. Many also support mobile money wallets, which is a significant advantage when sending money to regions where banking infrastructure is limited but mobile phone penetration is high.
How do you choose the cheapest international money transfer option?
To find the cheapest international money transfer option, compare the total cost of the transaction, which includes both the upfront transfer fee and the exchange rate margin. A service advertising zero fees may still be expensive if it applies a poor exchange rate, so always calculate how much the recipient will actually receive.
A few practical steps to guide your comparison:
- Check the mid-market exchange rate using a tool like Google or XE, then compare it to the rate offered by each service
- Add up all fees, including sending fees, receiving fees, and any intermediary charges
- Calculate the total received amount rather than just looking at the headline fee
- Consider the delivery method, as cash pickup, bank deposit, and mobile wallet transfers may have different cost structures
- Check for promotions, as many services offer reduced or zero fees for first-time transfers
The cheapest option will vary depending on the destination country, the amount you are sending, and the delivery method. Sending larger amounts often reduces the relative cost, since fixed fees become a smaller percentage of the total.
How long does an international money transfer take?
International money transfers can take anywhere from a few minutes to five business days, depending on the method used, the destination country, and whether any compliance checks are triggered. App-based and mobile money transfers are typically the fastest, often completing within minutes or hours.
Bank wire transfers are generally the slowest option, particularly when multiple correspondent banks are involved in routing the payment. Transfers to countries with less developed banking infrastructure may also experience delays at the receiving end.
If speed matters, look for services that offer real-time or same-day delivery to the specific country and delivery method you need. Many modern transfer platforms provide live tracking so both you and your recipient can monitor the progress of the transaction, which reduces anxiety and uncertainty on both sides.
What do you need to send money internationally?
To send money internationally, you typically need a valid form of identification, the recipient’s details, and a funded payment method. Most regulated services also require you to complete a one-time identity verification process to comply with anti-money laundering regulations.
Here is what to have ready before you begin:
- A government-issued ID such as a passport, national ID card, or residence permit
- The recipient’s full name as it appears on their ID
- The recipient’s bank account details, mobile money number, or pickup location preference
- Your payment method, such as a debit card, credit card, or linked bank account
- The recipient’s country and, in some cases, the specific bank or mobile network they use
First-time users may need to upload proof of address or answer questions about the purpose of the transfer. This is standard practice for regulated financial services and is designed to protect both senders and recipients. Once your identity is verified, subsequent transfers are usually much quicker to complete.
How FroggyTalk helps with international money transfers
We built FroggyTalk around one simple belief: people in the African diaspora deserve to feel heard, seen, and valued. Our International Money Transfer Service extends that mission beyond calling, giving you a secure and affordable way to support your family and community back home.
Here is what makes our service stand out:
- Transparent fees with no hidden charges, so you always know exactly what the recipient will receive
- Competitive exchange rates to stretch every euro further
- Real-time transaction tracking for peace of mind
- Multilingual support in Tigrinya, English, Arabic, Hausa, Amharic, Dutch, French, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, and Italian, and everything in the app can be translated into your local language
- One trusted platform for both your calls and your transfers, so you spend less time switching between apps
We also offer bill payment services directly through the platform, making it even easier to handle essential payments for your loved ones from wherever you are in Europe.
Ready to get started? Get in touch with our team if you have any questions. We are here for you.