Home » Cashless Payments Knowledge Hub » Top 5 Countries UAE Expats Send Money To — and How to Get the Best Exchange Rate
Picture this: It’s a slow and relaxed Friday morning in the UAE- your favourite kind. The one you had been looking forward to the whole week, and once it’s Friday, then it’s the usual routine- you sleep in, have a late brunch, do your laundry, watch a movie, and later go weekly grocery shopping or wander through any of the malls. You also plan to send money home later in the day, which is very important to you and your family. But when you get to the money exchange to transfer the money, you find you’ve been stuck in a long queue, and you notice the digital screens flickering with fluctuating exchange rates. By the time you reach the counter, the rate has dipped, and your heart sinks. You calculate and realise how much less your family will receive than you had planned. At that moment, all you could think of is your family back home, medicines for parents, your kid’s school fees, household expenditure and other commitments you have. That weight on your shoulders? Every expat knows it all too well: It is this pressure to get the best value for every dirham you send.
For millions of UAE expats, sending money home is not just a transaction it’s support, love and connection. It’s the reassurance that their families are cared for, even from thousands of kilometres away. Each transfer serves as a reminder that although distance may keep them apart, love and duty bind them together.
But thankfully, times have changed.
The days of waiting in lines, rushing before closing time, scanning various money exchanges for better rates, or losing money to slow, expensive transfers have become history. Why add unnecessary stress when sending money home has become as simple as sending a WhatsApp message on your phone?
With Payit, you can send money anywhere in the world instantly, securely, and with competitive exchange rates. Rest assured, your hard-earned money reaches those who matter the most without getting you out of the home or waiting in long queues.
The top countries where expats send money regularly, according to remittance trends in the UAE, are:
India, the Philippines, Egypt, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The reality is that millions of transactions pass through these corridors each month and the truth is, even a slight difference in the exchange rate can have a significant impact on what your loved ones will receive.
Do you realise what a better rate could mean? It’s:
This is why choosing the right remittance service matters. With Payit, you get access to competitive rates and real-time FX updates. The goal is to give more value back home. Payit’s competitive rates and instant transfers ensure, your family receives more.
The norm has always been to send money through money exchanges or physical branches. It was convenient back then. But not anymore. These methods come with many drawbacks:
During peak hours, queues stretch endlessly as counters move slowly. Expats often lose 15-20 minutes just waiting to send money.
Sometimes rates fluctuate. By the time you reach the counter, the rate may have dropped, which means your family receives less.
Exchange houses close at a fixed time, and they don’t work on holidays. If you need to send money urgently, late at night, or during holidays, you may have to wait until the next day or until they open.
Traditional remittances often require cash or physical cards, which are inconvenient and sometimes unsafe.
Some expats rely on word of mouth or last-seen rates, missing the chance to transfer at the right time. But in today’s digital world, these challenges make traditional remittance methods feel outdated.
These difficulties only cause endless stress for expats who already have a lot on their plates in this fast-paced digital world.
Payit is leading the change in the way expats are supporting their families back home. Here’s why sending money home with Payit is smarter:
Send money to over 200 countries and territories with just a few taps. No queues. No travel. No hassle.
Get updated exchange rates instantly so you can choose the perfect time to transfer your money.
Better rates mean more money reaches your family, making them and you happy.
Whether it’s MoneyGram, bank transfer, or wallet transfer, Payit processes your remittance in seconds.
Payit allows you to send money home at 0 fees to over 40 countries, thanks to Mastercard.
Send money at midnight, during your lunch break or even during holidays. Payit works around the clock.
Every transaction is encrypted, protected, and backed by trusted partners like Mastercard and MoneyGram.
Payit offers flexibility so you can choose what works best for your family:
Send directly to your recipient’s bank account.
Just enter the account number and send – simple and easy.
Payit users can transfer cash to friends or family, and all they have to do is collect it from their nearest money exchange agent. This is useful if the person you are sending money to does not use a bank account.
Send to 40+ countries with zero fees.
Fast, secure, and highly economical.
Send money digitally from wallet to wallet across the world almost instantly.
Every remittance has a more profound feeling at its core: care.
Choosing the correct exchange rate is more than saving money – it’s about giving your family the support they deserve. With Payit’s transparent pricing and competitive rates, you make sure every dirham reaches your loved ones.
Sending money with Payit is quick and effortless.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
Choose the destination country
Enter the amount
Add your recipient’s details
Tap Send