A money transfer in an app
Life in Dubai · Finance

How to send money abroad from Dubai

Transfers abroad from the UAE go through banks and licensed exchange houses. All of them operate under the supervision of the Central Bank of the UAE. Below is the honest procedure per the official u.ae portal.

Official source: The Official Portal of the UAE Government (u.ae) · Banking in the UAE · Central Bank of the UAE

Facts from the official u.ae portal ('Banking in the UAE') and Central Bank of the UAE requirements (centralbank.ae). Transfers are only allowed through licensed banks and exchange houses; an identity check (KYC) and anti-money-laundering (AML) procedures apply. Rates and fees depend on the provider and change — verify with the provider. We don't invent numbers.

Official authorities

Direct links to the relevant government departments.

General procedure

  1. 1

    Choose a licensed provider

    You can transfer via a bank or a licensed exchange house (e.g. major exchange chains). Make sure the provider is licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE.

    Documents:Emirates IDPassport (sometimes)Recipient details (IBAN/account)
  2. 2

    Complete identity verification (KYC)

    At sign-up they verify your identity via Emirates ID and may ask for source of funds. This is a Central Bank AML/KYC requirement that also protects you.

  3. 3

    Compare rate and fee

    The amount the recipient gets depends on the provider's rate and fee. Compare a few options — bank, exchange house, app — before sending.

  4. 4

    Send the transfer

    Send in-branch or in the app: enter the amount, country, recipient and payout method (to account, cash, wallet). Keep the receipt.

  5. 5

    Track and mind the limits

    Transfers have a tracking number. Large amounts may need extra AML documents. Check limits and requirements with the provider.

Fees and timelines may change — verify with the official source.

Who provides this service in Dubai

Real companies from Google Maps — live ratings and reviews.

Rapid Remit

5.0(1)

Office # 100, Level2 - Precinct Building 5 - زعبيل الثانية - The Gate District - دبي - United Arab Emirates

MESRKANLOO INT'L EXCHANGE

4.9(1365)

Ground Floor, Mesrkanloo Building Sikkad Al Khail Road - 111 Naif Rd - Al Daghaya - Al Dhagaya - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Travelex

4.9(824)

Baggage Reclaim Hall، Terminal 1 - Dubai Int'l Airport - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Travelex

4.9(1178)

International Airport - Terminal 1 Departures Landside - opposite Entrance 5 - Dubai Int'l Airport - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Travelex

4.9(500)

Next to immigration office airside arrivals Airport Terminal 1 - مطار دبي الدولي - دبي - United Arab Emirates

Travelex

4.9(1493)

Landslide Arrivals at International Airport - in - VAT store facing Duty free, Terminal 1 Check - مطار دبي الدولي - دبي - United Arab Emirates

A money transfer in an app

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