How UAE Expats Can Transfer Money Abroad Without A Bank Account With Low Fees
How UAE Expats Can Transfer Money Abroad Without A Bank Account With Low Fees. Sending money abroad has always been a crucial service for expatriates, especially in the UAE, where a significant number of individuals send remittances back to their home countries. These transfers not only support families but also play a vital role in boosting the economies of many countries. However, traditional bank transfers often come with high fees, slow processing times, and complex procedures. The good news is that in recent years, thanks to digital advancements, UAE expats now have access to faster, more affordable, and secure ways to send money abroad—without even needing a bank account.
Digital apps and mobile fintech platforms have revolutionized how money is sent across borders. By eliminating the need for bank accounts and drastically reducing fees, these apps are helping expats save money on each transfer. Moreover, many of these platforms offer competitive exchange rates, seamless registration, and even loyalty benefits. Let’s explore how UAE expats can use various platforms to transfer money internationally with low or no fees.
Best Money Transfer Apps for UAE Expats
Several money transfer platforms have gained popularity in the UAE due to their user-friendly interfaces, low fees, and global reach. Here are some of the top apps expats can use to transfer money abroad.
1. Botim
Originally recognized as a popular VoIP calling platform, Botim has evolved into a fintech solution for UAE expats. It offers users the ability to send money to over 170 countries, including India, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Egypt, with competitive exchange rates. In 2023, Botim introduced its first fintech service and became the first platform to offer in-chat international money transfers. Users can send money directly to bank accounts or mobile wallets, all within the app, without needing a traditional bank account.
Key Features of Botim
- Competitive Exchange Rates: Enjoy favorable exchange rates for a range of international corridors.
- Minimal to Zero Fees: For select countries, Botim charges little to no fees.
- Real-Time Tracking: Monitor your transactions in real time, 24/7.
- No Registration Fees: Users only need an active UAE mobile number, and there is no minimum balance requirement.
| Country | Fee Type | Transfer Time |
|---|---|---|
| India | Minimal Fees | Instant |
| Pakistan | Minimal Fees | Instant |
| Philippines | Free to Minimal | Instant |
2. Careem Pay
Careem, which is widely known for its ride-hailing services, has extended its capabilities with Careem Pay. Launched in 2022, Careem Pay offers low-cost international transfers to over 30 countries. With a user-friendly interface, expats can send, request, and receive money using only a phone number, personal QR code, or a payment link. This makes it one of the easiest platforms for money transfers.
Key Features of Careem Pay
- Low-Cost International Transfers: Careem Pay offers competitive rates, often up to 50% cheaper than traditional banks.
- Instant or Same-Day Delivery: Transfers to select countries can be completed instantly or on the same day.
- No Need for IBAN or Bank Account: Expats can send money simply with a phone number or personal link.
| Country | Fee Type | Transfer Time |
|---|---|---|
| India | Competitive Rates | Instant |
| Egypt | Low Fees | Same-Day |
| Pakistan | Low Fees | Instant |
3. e& Money (Formerly Etisalat Wallet)
e& Money, part of the Emirates Telecom Group, provides a versatile digital wallet for UAE expats. This platform enables users to send money abroad with minimal fees, while offering competitive exchange rates. e& Money has grown its service offerings to include international remittances to over 200 countries, utility payments, and even mobile top-ups.
Key Features of e& Money
- Licensed and Regulated by the UAE Central Bank: e& Money operates under strict regulatory standards, ensuring secure transactions.
- Direct Transfers to Bank Accounts: Money can be transferred directly to international bank accounts or mobile wallets.
- International Reach: The platform supports transfers to over 200 countries.
| Country | Fee Type | Transfer Time |
|---|---|---|
| India | Low Fees | Instant |
| Pakistan | Low Fees | Instant |
| Bangladesh | Competitive Rates | Same-Day |
4. Taptap Send
Taptap Send focuses on providing fast, low-fee transfers, especially for communities sending money to African, Asian, and Caribbean countries. With no transfer fees for many corridors, Taptap Send has quickly become a preferred choice for many expats. It is known for its ease of use and transparency, offering competitive exchange rates.
Key Features of Taptap Send
- Zero Transfer Fees: No fees for transfers to countries like India, Pakistan, and Ghana.
- Fast Delivery: Transfers are often completed within minutes.
- Simple Interface: Easy registration and intuitive interface make it ideal for first-time users.
| Country | Fee Type | Transfer Time |
|---|---|---|
| India | Zero Fees | Minutes |
| Pakistan | Zero Fees | Minutes |
| Ghana | Zero Fees | Minutes |
5. LuLu Money
LuLu Money is a well-established digital remittance and payment platform, operated by LuLu Exchange. This app allows customers to send money to over 170 countries securely and efficiently. Known for its low fees, flexible payout methods, and real-time rate monitoring, LuLu Money is a solid option for UAE expats.
Key Features of LuLu Money
- Real-Time Rate Monitoring: Keep track of currency rates in real time, ensuring you get the best deal.
- Flexible Payment Methods: Users can send money through cash, prepaid cards, or linked digital wallets.
- Regulatory Backing: The platform is regulated by the UAE Central Bank, ensuring safe transactions.
| Country | Fee Type | Transfer Time |
|---|---|---|
| India | Low Fees | Instant |
| Philippines | Competitive Rates | Same-Day |
| Pakistan | Low Fees | Instant |
6. Al Ansari Exchange App
Al Ansari Exchange, a long-established money transfer provider in the UAE, offers its fully digital platform for remittances, bill payments, and more. The app supports a wide range of payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, online bank transfers, and even cash at the branch. With its regulated services by the UAE Central Bank, Al Ansari Exchange provides secure, real-time transfers.
Key Features of Al Ansari Exchange
- Wide Range of Payment Options: Send money using multiple methods, from bank transfers to cash payments.
- Secure Transactions: The app uses bank-grade encryption to protect your financial information.
- 24/7 Availability: Transfer money any time, with real-time exchange rates and notifications.
| Country | Fee Type | Transfer Time |
|---|---|---|
| India | Low Fees | Instant |
| Pakistan | Low Fees | Same-Day |
| Egypt | Competitive Rates | Same-Day |
7. Unimoni App
Formerly known as UAE Exchange, Unimoni offers one of the most transparent and low-cost money transfer solutions in the UAE. It operates in over 30 countries, providing services in areas like money transfer, foreign exchange, and payments. With live mid-market rates and minimal markups, Unimoni ensures that users are getting competitive prices for their remittances.
Key Features of Unimoni
- Transparent Pricing: Fees are displayed upfront in dirham with no hidden charges.
- Competitive Exchange Rates: The app uses live mid-market rates, ensuring fair pricing for remittances.
- Wide Coverage: Unimoni operates in over 30 countries, including key remittance markets in South Asia and Africa.
| Country | Fee Type | Transfer Time |
|---|---|---|
| India | Transparent Fees | Instant |
| Pakistan | Transparent Fees | Instant |
| Bangladesh | Competitive Rates | Same-Day |
FAQs About Sending Money From The UAE to Other Countries
How can UAE expats send money without a bank account?
Ans: UAE expats can use digital apps like Botim, Careem Pay, e& Money, and Taptap Send to send money abroad without the need for a bank account. These platforms only require an active mobile number and a debit or credit card.
What are the fees for using money transfer apps in the UAE?
Ans: The fees vary depending on the platform and the destination country. Some apps, like Taptap Send and Botim, offer zero transfer fees for specific corridors, while others charge minimal fees. Always check the app for current fees and exchange rates.
How fast are international money transfers from the UAE?
Ans: Transfers can be completed instantly or within a few minutes for most platforms, particularly those offering services to countries like India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Some platforms also offer same-day delivery for specific countries.
Conclusion
In the past, sending money from the UAE to other countries required a bank account and involved lengthy paperwork, high fees, and inconvenient waiting periods. However, with the rise of digital payment platforms like Botim, Careem Pay, e& Money, Taptap Send, LuLu Money, Al Ansari Exchange, and Unimoni, expats can now send money easily, quickly, and affordably.
These platforms eliminate the need for a bank account, offer low to zero fees, and provide competitive exchange rates. For expats, these digital services have become game-changers, making international transfers simpler than ever before.
