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Sending money outside of the UAE

From moving money between your own accounts, to paying friends and family abroad, there are a few things to consider when making outward remittances from the UAE.

Here are some tips on how to do it, and what to pay attention to when comparing your options.

Ways to send money outside of the UAE

Here are some of the most popular methods for sending money internationally:

  • through your bank, via online banking or at a branch
  • via an independent online transfer service
  • at an over-the-counter local exchange house

The method you choose will depend on a range of factors.

While one service might offer a great exchange rate, it might also have higher fees or be less secure than others. 

Try weighing up the pros and cons of different options with some of the questions listed below.

Explore: Our Global Money Account

How to choose an international money transfer service

Here's a list of key things to think about when deciding which method to use:

  • what will the exchange rate be?
  • what fees and charges will you pay?
  • do they facilitate the country and currency you're transferring to?
  • what security measures are in place, and are you protected?
  • how quick and easy will the process be? (Especially if you'll be sending money regularly)
  • can you get help if something goes wrong?

If you're an expat living in the UAE, you may also require a different service for sending money to your UAE accounts from your home country or region. If this is the case, you might want to choose a service that facilitates payments both to and from the UAE.

Our Global View and Global Transfers service allows you to link all your global HSBC accounts together through your mobile app. You can manage them under one login, and instantly transfer money between accounts with no fees.

Explore: Global View and Global Transfers

How to be safe when sending money internationally

While there are plenty of legitimate money transfer services available, it always pays to be cautious when transferring money.

Before you use a company's services, check their relevant licenses and read some reviews. And make sure to always get a receipt when you're transferring money.

If you're sending money with HSBC via online banking, you'll need to verify any new beneficiaries with your Secure Key.

This helps protect you from financial crime and sending money to the wrong person. It's always important to carefully double check all the payment details for your recipient, and make sure you're speaking to who you think you are. If you've been communicating via a messaging app, try to phone them or have a video call with them to be absolutely sure their request is genuine.

Explore: Global security with HSBC

What bank details do you need to pay somebody outside of the UAE?

The exact details you need will depend on the country you're sending money to and the service you choose. However, here's a list of the common requirements:

  • your recipient's full name
  • their country and preferred currency
  • their IBAN number
  • their SWIFT/BIC number
  • their sort code and account number

Other ways to pay abroad

As well as transferring money overseas, you can also spend money outside of the UAE with the following:

  • an international debit card
  • a credit card
  • cash in the local currency

Check your bank's charges and any exchange rates you'll be paying before you decide which method to use - some credit and debit cards aren't designed to be used overseas.

Explore: Should you pay in the local currency when abroad?

Explore more

Top things to consider before you arrive to get your finances ready. 

Find out everything you need to know about moving to the UAE with our guide. 

All you need to know about exchange rates when converting money into other currencies.