Send Money From UAE: Cheapest Options to India, Pakistan, Philippines

Cheapest ways to send money home from the UAE in 2026

Expats from India, Pakistan and the Philippines send billions of dirhams every month. The difference between the cheapest and most expensive option can reach AED 80–120 on a AED 5,000 transfer. Below is a clear comparison of the four main choices available inside the UAE right now.

Wise

Wise shows the real mid-market rate with a transparent fee taken upfront. For AED 5,000 sent to India, the fee is AED 18.75 and the recipient receives the full rupee amount at the live rate. The same transfer to Pakistan costs AED 21.50 and to the Philippines AED 23.10. Money arrives in 0–2 working days via bank transfer or cash pickup.

Western Union

Western Union offers cash pickup within minutes at thousands of locations. On the same AED 5,000 transfer the fee is AED 45 to India, AED 52 to Pakistan and AED 49 to the Philippines. The exchange rate includes a margin of 1.8–2.4 percent above the mid-market rate, so the recipient gets 2–3 percent less overall than with Wise.

LuLu Exchange

LuLu Exchange runs branches in every major mall and many labour camps. Promotional rates often beat Western Union by 0.5–0.8 percent on the FX margin. Fixed fees start at AED 15 for online transfers above AED 3,000 and AED 25 for branch or app cash-pickup orders. Delivery to Indian and Pakistani bank accounts takes one working day; Philippine recipients can collect cash the same day in most cities.

Bank transfers

Most UAE banks still apply a flat wire fee of AED 75–105 plus an FX margin of 2.5–3.5 percent. Emirates NBD, FAB and Mashreq publish their rates on their apps; the total cost for AED 5,000 is typically AED 180–220. Corporate salary accounts sometimes receive a lower fee of AED 35, but the rate margin remains high. Use bank wires only when the receiving bank does not accept third-party transfers.

Quick cost table for AED 5,000 (mid-2026 rates)

Step-by-step: sending via Wise

1. Download the Wise app and complete UAE ID or Emirates ID verification. 2. Add the recipient’s bank details or cash-pickup reference. 3. Choose the currency and amount; the exact AED cost appears before you confirm. 4. Fund from your UAE bank account via FPS or direct debit. 5. Track the transfer in the app until the funds reach the destination account.

Step-by-step: sending via LuLu Exchange

1. Open the LuLu Money app or visit any branch with your Emirates ID. 2. Select the destination country and enter the recipient’s mobile number or bank details. 3. Compare the live rate shown on screen. 4. Pay by cash, card or bank transfer. 5. Share the 16-digit MTCN with the recipient for cash collection or confirm bank credit.

Step-by-step: sending via Western Union

1. Use the Western Union app, website or any exchange branch. 2. Enter the amount and pick cash pickup or bank deposit. 3. Pay the total shown (fee plus margin). 4. Give the recipient the MTCN or confirm bank deposit reference. 5. Cash is usually ready in under 15 minutes at authorised outlets.

Tax and reporting notes

The UAE does not charge outbound remittance tax. India requires recipients to declare amounts above INR 7 lakh in a financial year; Pakistan and the Philippines have no routine reporting threshold for personal transfers. Keep the transfer receipt for your own records in case your UAE bank asks for source-of-funds documents on large or repeated transfers.

Ask Tovi for more

Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything — visas, banking, housing, schools. Ask Tovi free →

Got more UAE questions?

Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything — visas, banking, housing, schools. Ask Tovi free →