If you’ve ever needed to send money overseas—whether to family, for travel, studies, or freelancing—you know how confusing (and expensive!) it can be. As someone who’s been burned by hidden bank fees and terrible exchange rates, I set out to find the actual best ways to send money abroad—and discovered some incredible tricks, plus a tool that’s genuinely changed how I handle international transfers.
Here’s a no-nonsense guide to saving the most money and stress when moving funds across borders—with honest comparisons, easy steps, and practical advice for 2025.
The Problem: Why Sending Money Abroad Gets So Expensive
- Hidden Fees: Banks and some apps often promise “low fees,” but sneak in extra costs with poor exchange rates.
- Unpredictable Costs: You start with one amount… and less lands in your recipient’s account after fees and conversion “markups.”
- Slow Transfers: Some international transfers take days—seriously frustrating if you’re paying bills or supporting family.
Solution 1: Use Wise—Save Big on Fees & Get the Real Exchange Rate
After comparing dozens of options, Wise (formerly TransferWise) has become my hands-down favorite for sending money internationally. Here’s why:
Why I Recommend Wise
- Transparent Pricing: You see all fees upfront—no hidden surprises.
- True Exchange Rate: Wise uses the “mid-market” rate—the same one you see on Google—with no hidden markup.
- Multi-Currency Account: Hold and send in 40+ currencies—perfect for digital nomads, exchange students, and remote workers.
- Fast Transfers: Most transfers arrive in hours, not days.
Real Example: How I Saved Money
Last month, I needed to send €500 to my friend in the UK. With my old bank, she’d usually receive £10–£15 less due to hidden currency conversion fees.
With Wise, the transfer cost under €4 total—and she got the full amount expecting, at the best rate available. That’s €10+ saved in a single transaction!
How to Use Wise for Your Transfers
- Create a Wise Account: Takes just a few minutes. Use your email or social login.
- Enter Your Transfer Details: Select sending and receiving currencies—you’ll see the full cost and exact amount received before you send.
- Pay Securely: By card, bank transfer, Apple Pay, or other options depending on your country.
- Track Your Transfer: Wise keeps you updated every step of the way.
Tip: You can also order a Wise debit card for easy ATM withdrawals and spending worldwide at the mid-market rate—no extra conversion fees abroad.
Quick Comparison: Wise vs. Banks vs. PayPal
| Feature | Wise | Traditional Bank | PayPal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exchange Rate | Mid-market, no markup | Marked up (hidden fee) | Marked up (hidden fee) |
| Upfront Fees | Transparent | Hidden, variable | Often hidden |
| Transfer Speed | Hours (often same day) | 1–3 business days | Minutes–1 day |
| Extra Perks | Multi-currency account, debit card | None | PayPal-to-PayPal only |
Bonus Tips for Sending Money Abroad in 2025
- Compare before you send: Fees and rates change—always check several providers for the best deal.
- Split big transfers: Smaller frequent transfers sometimes lead to lower average fees.
- Use multi-currency features: Wise lets you keep and convert funds only when rates are best.
Who Needs This Guide?
- Students studying abroad: Save on rent, tuition, and family support transfers.
- Digital nomads and remote workers: Get paid and pay in multiple currencies with no hassle.
- Expats and travelers: Avoid ATM and card conversion fees with Wise’s debit card worldwide.
- Anyone with family overseas: Make sure your money lands in the hands of those you love—without unnecessary losses.
Final Thoughts
Sending money across borders shouldn’t drain your wallet with mysterious costs. Wise has helped me (and millions more) save real money—plus remove the anxiety of unexpected fees or missed payments. If you want a smarter, fairer way to move money in 2025, I can honestly vouch for the difference Wise makes. If you’re ready to start, set up your Wise account today and see how much you keep—and skip the stress!
Thank you for reading!