Sending money home
How to choose the best way to send money to Ethiopia
This guide covers money matters, so we cite official sources and update it as rules change. It is general information, not financial advice. Always confirm details with a licensed provider before you send.
The best service is the one that gets the most birr to your family, in a way they can use, from a provider you can trust. Fees and rates change, so compare on a few things rather than one advertised number.
Compare the total cost, not the fee
Add the fee to the exchange rate you are offered. A low fee with a poor rate can deliver less birr than a higher fee with a fair rate. Look at the final amount your recipient receives.
Match the delivery to your recipient
Choose bank deposit, cash pickup, or mobile money based on what is convenient for the person receiving. Speed matters, but only if the money lands somewhere they can reach.
Check limits, documents, and support
Confirm the sending limits, the identity documents you will need, and whether there is support you can reach if a transfer is delayed. And of course, confirm the provider is licensed by the National Bank of Ethiopia before you send.
Frequently asked
Is the cheapest service always best?
Not necessarily. The cheapest headline fee can come with a worse exchange rate or a delivery method your recipient cannot use. Compare the total birr delivered and the fit for your family.