How Expats Send Money Abroad from Saudi Arabia

Sending money abroad is part of everyday life for many expats in Saudi Arabia. You can transfer money through a Saudi bank, a digital financial service such as Barq, or a licensed remittance provider.

The exact process depends on the provider and destination country, but most international transfers follow a few simple steps.

1. Choose a Transfer Service

You can send money through your bank's mobile app, Barq, a licensed remittance service, or another supported money-transfer provider.

Before choosing a service, check the exchange rate, transfer fee, and final amount the recipient will receive. A lower fee does not always mean a cheaper transfer if the exchange rate is less favorable.

2. Choose the Destination Country and Receiving Method

Start by selecting the country where you want to send the money.

Depending on the destination and provider, the recipient may be able to receive the money through:

• Bank account
• Digital wallet
• Cash pickup

The information required depends on the receiving method.

For a bank transfer, you may need the recipient's full name, bank name, account number or IBAN, and SWIFT/BIC details where required.

For a digital wallet, you may need the recipient's mobile number or wallet details. Cash pickup may require the recipient to provide identification and transaction information when collecting the money.

3. Add the Recipient

Enter the recipient's information carefully and exactly as required by the provider.

For bank transfers, make sure the name and account or IBAN details are correct. Some services may also ask for additional information, such as your relationship with the recipient.

Check the details before saving the beneficiary. An incorrect name, account number, or other detail can cause problems with the transfer.

4. Enter the Transfer Amount

Enter the amount you want to send in Saudi Riyals.

Before you confirm, the provider will normally show the relevant transfer details, which can include:

• Exchange rate
• Transfer fee
• VAT on the fee, where applicable
• Receiving currency
• Amount the recipient will receive

Review these details carefully so you know exactly how much will be sent and how much the recipient is expected to receive.

5. Select the Purpose of the Transfer

Some international transfers require you to select the purpose of the transaction.

Choose the option that accurately describes why you are sending the money. If the provider asks for additional information, provide it as requested.

6. Review the Transfer

Take a moment to check the complete transaction before confirming it.

Make sure the following are correct:

• Recipient's name
• Bank or wallet details
• Destination country
• Transfer amount
• Exchange rate
• Transfer fee
• Receiving currency
• Final amount the recipient will receive

Carefully checking these details can help avoid mistakes before the transfer is submitted.

7. Confirm and Send

Complete the provider's verification process and confirm the transfer.

Depending on the service, you may need to verify the transaction using an OTP or another security method.

Once confirmed, the transfer will begin processing.

8. Track the Transfer

Keep the transaction receipt or reference number after sending the money.

You can use these details to check the transfer status or contact the provider if the money does not arrive as expected.

Sending Money Through Barq

Barq offers an International Transfer service through its app. The process starts by selecting International Transfer and choosing Send Money.

You can then select the destination country and choose an available receiving method. Depending on the destination, options can include bank accounts, digital wallets, or cash pickup.

After selecting the receiving method, add or choose the beneficiary, enter the amount, review the exchange rate and applicable fees, select the transfer purpose when required, and confirm the transaction.

The available receiving options vary by country. For example, transfers to Pakistan can include bank-account transfers using IBAN or SWIFT details, supported digital wallets such as Easypaisa and JazzCash, and cash pickup options.

Sending Money Through a Saudi Bank

Saudi banks also provide international transfer services through their mobile apps and online banking platforms.

The general process is:

1. Log in to your bank's app.
2. Select International Transfer.
3. Add the beneficiary if necessary.
4. Select the destination country.
5. Enter the beneficiary's required bank details.
6. Enter the transfer amount and currency.
7. Review the exchange rate and applicable fees.
8. Confirm the transfer.

The available destinations, currencies, fees, and beneficiary requirements vary between banks.

What to Check Before Sending Money

Don't compare transfers based only on the advertised fee. The exchange rate also affects how much money reaches the recipient.

Before confirming a transfer, compare the final amount the recipient will receive after applicable fees and exchange-rate differences.

Also check the expected delivery time and make sure the recipient's details are correct.

Keep your receipt or transaction reference until the recipient confirms that the money has arrived.