What Is a Remittance?

A remittance is money sent by someone living and working abroad back to family, friends, or their home community — usually to help cover everyday costs like rent, school fees, food, or medical expenses.

Who sends remittances?

Most remittances are sent by people who have moved abroad for work or study and want to support family back home. This includes migrant workers, students, and people who've relocated permanently but still have close ties to where they're from.

Why remittances matter

For many households, remittances aren't a bonus — they're a regular, relied-upon part of the family budget. At a larger scale, remittances are also one of the most significant sources of income flowing into many countries, often outweighing foreign aid.

Remittances vs other types of transfers

Not every international transfer is a remittance. Sending money to pay a supplier, a business partner, or an employee abroad is still an international transfer, but it's typically categorized differently from a personal remittance sent to support family or friends. If you're sending regularly or in larger amounts for business purposes, it's worth talking to us about business transfers.

Sending your own remittance

If you're sending money home to family or friends, the same basics apply as any transfer: know your fee upfront, confirm how your recipient will receive it, and use a method you trust.

Start a transfer or message us on WhatsApp whenever you're ready.