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Money Transfer Services for Ugandans

Compare reliable money transfer services for sending money to and from Uganda. Find the best rates, fees, and options for international remittances.

Sendwave logo
4.8
Sendwave
Sendwave is a mobile app that lets you send money to Africa instantly with low fees.

Fees & Rates

Sendwave charges a fee of 0-3% of the transfer amount, depending on the destination and payment method.

Transfer Speed

Transfers are typically instant or within minutes to mobile money accounts.

Receiving Methods

Mobile Money (MTN, Airtel)
Bank deposit
WorldRemit logo
4.5
WorldRemit
WorldRemit offers fast and secure international money transfers to over 130 countries, including Uganda, with multiple payout options including mobile money, bank deposit, and cash pickup.

Fees & Rates

WorldRemit charges a transfer fee that varies by country, amount, and payout method. Exchange rates include a margin of 1-3%.

Transfer Speed

Transfer speed varies by payout method, but most transfers are completed within minutes.

Receiving Methods

Mobile Money (MTN, Airtel)
Bank deposit
Cash pickup
Airtime top-up
Wise logo
4.8
Wise
Wise (formerly TransferWise) offers international money transfers at the real exchange rate with low, transparent fees.

Fees & Rates

Wise charges a small percentage fee (typically 0.5-1.5%) of the amount you're converting, plus a small fixed fee. They use the real mid-market exchange rate.

Transfer Speed

Transfer speed depends on payment method and destination, but most transfers arrive within 1-2 business days.

Receiving Methods

Bank deposit
Remitly logo
4.7
Remitly
Remitly specializes in international money transfers with a focus on speed, security, and customer satisfaction.

Fees & Rates

Remitly offers two service levels: Express (higher fees, faster delivery) and Economy (lower fees, slower delivery). Fees vary by amount, destination, and payment method.

Transfer Speed

Remitly offers two speed options: Express (minutes) and Economy (3-5 business days).

Receiving Methods

Bank deposit
Mobile Money (MTN, Airtel)
Cash pickup
Western Union logo
4.6
Western Union
Western Union is one of the world's largest money transfer networks with over 500,000 agent locations worldwide, offering cash pickup, bank deposit, and mobile wallet options.

Fees & Rates

Western Union fees vary widely based on amount, destination, payment method, and receiving method. Online transfers typically have lower fees than in-person transfers.

Transfer Speed

Transfer speed varies by service type and destination.

Receiving Methods

Cash pickup at agent locations
Mobile Money (MTN, Airtel)
Bank deposit
MoneyGram logo
4.5
MoneyGram
MoneyGram is a global money transfer company with a vast network of agent locations, offering cash pickup, bank deposit, and mobile wallet services in Uganda and worldwide.

Fees & Rates

MoneyGram fees vary based on amount, destination, payment method, and receiving method. Online transfers typically have lower fees than in-person transfers.

Transfer Speed

Transfer speed varies by service type and destination.

Receiving Methods

Cash pickup at agent locations
Mobile Money (MTN, Airtel)
Bank deposit
Home delivery (select locations)
UnionPay logo
UnionPay
UnionPay International provides secure cross-border payment services, particularly strong for transfers between China and Uganda.

Fees & Rates

UnionPay fees vary by partner bank and service. Generally competitive for China-Uganda corridor.

Transfer Speed

Transfer speed depends on the specific service and partner banks.

Receiving Methods

Bank deposit
Partner bank pickup
UnionPay card deposit
Ria Money Transfer logo
4.3
Ria Money Transfer
Ria Money Transfer is the third-largest money transfer company globally, offering competitive rates and multiple payout options including cash pickup and bank deposit in Uganda.

Fees & Rates

Ria's fees are typically lower than traditional providers like Western Union and MoneyGram. Fees vary by amount, destination, and payment method.

Transfer Speed

Transfer speed varies by service type and destination.

Receiving Methods

Cash pickup at agent locations
Bank deposit
Mobile wallet (select countries)
Transfast logo
4.1
Transfast
Transfast (now part of Mastercard) offers international money transfers to over 125 countries including Uganda, with competitive rates and multiple payout options.

Fees & Rates

Transfast fees vary by amount, destination, and payment method. Generally competitive compared to traditional providers.

Transfer Speed

Transfer speed varies by service type and destination.

Receiving Methods

Cash pickup at agent locations
Bank deposit
Mobile Money (select countries)
Chipper Cash logo
4.7
Chipper Cash
Chipper Cash is a mobile-first, cross-border money transfer platform focused on making sending money across Africa and globally simple, affordable, and secure.

Fees & Rates

Chipper Cash offers fee-free transfers between African countries. For global transfers (US, UK to Africa), fees are typically 0-3% depending on the corridor and payment method.

Transfer Speed

Transfers are typically instant or within minutes for both domestic and international transfers.

Receiving Methods

Chipper Cash balance
Mobile Money (MTN, Airtel)
Bank deposit
Eversend logo
4.5
Eversend
Eversend is a digital-only neobank providing cross-border money transfers, multi-currency wallets, and financial services for Africans and the African diaspora.

Fees & Rates

Eversend charges a small fee for transfers, typically 0.5-3% depending on the corridor and amount. They offer competitive exchange rates with a small margin.

Transfer Speed

Most transfers are processed instantly or within a few hours, depending on the destination and method.

Receiving Methods

Eversend balance
Mobile Money (MTN, Airtel)
Bank deposit

Compare Money Transfer Services

Find the best service for your needs by comparing fees, exchange rates, transfer speeds, and more.

Sending Money to Uganda

When sending money to Uganda, you have several options to choose from. Mobile money services like MTN Mobile Money and Airtel Money are extremely popular in Uganda, making them convenient options for recipients. Cash pickup services are also widely available through providers like Western Union and MoneyGram, with numerous agent locations throughout the country. Bank transfers are another option, though they may take longer to process.

When choosing a service, consider factors such as fees, exchange rates, transfer speed, and convenience for your recipient. Digital providers like Sendwave and WorldRemit often offer competitive rates and faster transfers compared to traditional services.

Sending Money from Uganda

Sending money from Uganda to other countries typically involves using traditional money transfer operators like Western Union, MoneyGram, or bank wire transfers. These services are available through local banks and authorized agents throughout Uganda. Some digital providers also offer outbound transfers from Uganda, though options may be more limited compared to inbound services.

Be aware that sending money from Uganda may be subject to foreign exchange controls and documentation requirements. Always check the current regulations and requirements before initiating a transfer.

African Cross-Border Transfers

For Ugandans looking to send money to other African countries like Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Nigeria, or Ghana, mobile-oriented services like Chipper Cash and Eversend offer specialized solutions. These platforms are designed specifically for the African market and typically provide more competitive rates, faster transfers, and better user experiences for intra-African transfers compared to global providers.

These services often integrate directly with popular mobile money platforms across Africa, making transfers seamless and convenient. Many offer fee-free or very low-cost transfers between African countries, making them ideal for business transactions, family support, or educational expenses across borders within Africa.

Tips for Safe and Affordable Money Transfers

Compare Total Cost

Look beyond the advertised fee and consider the exchange rate markup. Some providers offer "zero fees" but make money on poor exchange rates. Calculate the total amount your recipient will get to find the best deal.

Consider Transfer Speed

If your recipient needs money urgently, prioritize services that offer instant or same-day transfers. Mobile money and cash pickup options are typically faster than bank transfers.

Watch for Hidden Fees

Be aware of potential additional charges like cash pickup fees, mobile money withdrawal fees, or bank receiving fees that may be charged to your recipient.

Consider Recipient Convenience

Choose a service that's convenient for your recipient. If they use mobile money, select a provider that transfers directly to mobile wallets. If they're in a remote area, ensure cash pickup locations are accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the cheapest way to send money to Uganda?

Digital-first providers like Sendwave, Wise, and WorldRemit typically offer the most competitive rates for sending money to Uganda. Mobile money transfers are often the cheapest option, especially for smaller amounts. Always compare the total cost (including fees and exchange rate markup) across multiple providers before sending.

How long do transfers to Uganda take?

Transfer times vary by provider and method. Mobile money transfers are typically instant or within minutes. Cash pickups are usually available within minutes to a few hours after sending. Bank transfers can take 1-3 business days. Digital providers generally offer faster services than traditional banks for international transfers.

Is it safe to use online money transfer services?

Reputable online money transfer services use advanced security measures to protect your information and funds. Look for providers that are properly licensed and regulated. All the providers listed on SenteGuide are established companies with strong security practices. Always verify the recipient's information carefully before sending money.

What documents do I need to send money to Uganda?

For most online transfers, you'll need a valid government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, etc.) and proof of your payment method. For larger amounts, additional verification may be required. Recipients typically need to show a valid ID that matches the name on the transfer, and sometimes the transfer reference number.

Are there limits on how much money I can send to Uganda?

Yes, most providers have minimum and maximum transfer limits. These limits vary by provider, your verification level, and sometimes by destination country. For large transfers (typically over $10,000 or equivalent), additional verification and documentation may be required to comply with anti-money laundering regulations.