Best Money Transfer App in UAE

You've just checked your UAE bank's forex rate for sending AED 5,000 to India. They're offering 22.45 INR per dirham.

You open Google. The mid-market rate is 22.85.

That's a 40-paisa difference. Multiply by 5,000, and your bank just pocketed 2,000 rupees (about AED 200) in hidden markup. Then they charge you another AED 25 as "transfer fees."

This happens to thousands of NRIs every day. Not because they're careless, but because banks don't make it obvious how much they're really charging.

At Belong, we've helped hundreds of NRIs through our community understand the true cost of remittances. Most were shocked when they calculated how much they'd lost over the years - some over AED 10,000 just in forex markups.

Money transfer apps changed this game. Wise, Remitly, Vance, and others now offer transparent pricing and real exchange rates. But with 15+ apps claiming to be the "cheapest" or "fastest," how do you actually choose?

This guide covers everything you need to know about money transfer apps in UAE - from how they work to which one saves you the most money, from hidden fees to safety concerns, from tax implications to regulatory compliance.

Think of this as the conversation we'd have over coffee if you asked us, "Which app should I actually use to send money home?"

Why Money Transfer Apps Beat Banks (Most of the Time)

Your UAE bank makes money three ways when you send remittances:

1. Exchange rate markup – They buy USD at 3.67 AED and sell it to you at 3.69. That 2-fils difference is their profit.

2. Transfer fees – AED 20-50 per transaction, sometimes more for smaller amounts.

3. Correspondent bank charges – When your money moves through intermediate banks, each takes a cut. You rarely see this itemized.

A typical AED 10,000 transfer to India through a UAE bank costs you:

  • Exchange rate markup: ~1.5% = AED 150
  • Transfer fee: AED 30
  • Correspondent charges: AED 20-50
  • Total cost: AED 200-230 (2-2.3%)

Money transfer apps work differently.

They don't use the traditional banking network (SWIFT). Instead, they use local banking partners in both countries and balance payments internally. When you send AED to India, the app doesn't physically move your money. Instead:

  1. You deposit AED in their UAE account
  2. They credit INR to your recipient from their Indian account
  3. Money doesn't actually cross borders

This cuts out correspondent banks, reduces fees, and lets them offer rates closer to the mid-market rate.

The Real Savings

Same AED 10,000 transfer via Wise:

  • Exchange rate: Mid-market rate (0% markup)
  • Fee: ~0.7-1.7% = AED 70-170
  • Total cost: AED 70-170 (0.7-1.7%)

That's a saving of AED 60-160 per transaction.

If you send AED 5,000 monthly for a year, the difference is AED 720-1,920. That's real money.

👉 Tip: Don't assume apps are always cheaper. For very large amounts (AED 50,000+), some banks offer negotiated rates that beat apps. Always compare before sending.

What NRIs Really Care About: The 5 Decision Factors

After talking to hundreds of NRIs in our Belong WhatsApp community, we've identified what actually matters when choosing a money transfer app:

1. True Cost (Exchange Rate + Fees)

Apps advertise "zero fees" or "lowest fees." But the real cost is: True Cost = Exchange Rate Markup + Transfer Fee

An app charging 0% fee but giving you 1% worse exchange rate costs you more than an app with 0.5% fee at mid-market rate.

2. Speed

Most apps offer two speeds:

  • Express/Fast: Minutes to hours, higher fees
  • Economy/Standard: 1-3 business days, lower fees

Your bank might take 3-5 days regardless of what you pay.

3. Safety and Regulation

Is the app licensed? Who regulates it? What happens if something goes wrong?

All legitimate apps in UAE must be authorized by the Central Bank of UAE or have partnerships with licensed entities.

4. Transfer Limits

How much can you send per transaction? Per day? Per month?

This matters if you're making large transfers like property purchases in India.

5. User Experience

Can you track transfers in real-time? Is customer support responsive? Does the app work reliably?

Bad UX isn't just annoying - it causes stress when you're sending large amounts.

How Exchange Rates Actually Work (And How You're Being Fooled)

Understanding exchange rates is crucial. Banks and even some apps use confusing language to hide their markups.

The Mid-Market Rate (Real Exchange Rate)

This is the rate banks use when trading with each other. It's the "true" rate you see on Google or XE.com.

Example: If Google shows 1 AED = 22.85 INR, that's the mid-market rate.

The Markup

Banks and money changers add a margin:

  • Bank rate: 1 AED = 22.45 INR (1.75% markup)
  • Exchange shop: 1 AED = 22.55 INR (1.3% markup)
  • Wise: 1 AED = 22.85 INR (0% markup)

That difference is their profit.

The "No Fee" Trick

Some services advertise "zero transfer fees" but give you terrible exchange rates.

Example:

  • Service A: 0% fee, exchange rate at 1.5% markup = Total cost: 1.5%
  • Service B: 0.7% fee, mid-market rate = Total cost: 0.7%

Service B is cheaper despite charging a fee.

👉 Tip: Always calculate the total you'll receive, not just the fee. Divide (amount received ÷ amount sent) to get the real rate. Compare this across apps.

Live Rate vs Locked Rate

Exchange rates fluctuate constantly. Some apps let you:

  • Lock a rate for 24-48 hours (useful if rates are favorable)
  • Use live rate at time of transfer (risky if rates move against you)

Best Money Transfer Apps in UAE: Detailed Comparison

We've tested these apps, compared rates for common transfer amounts, and analyzed user experiences from our community. Here's what we found:

1. Remitly: Best Overall for India Transfers

Remitly dominates for UAE-to-India transfers and was rated the top app by Monito's comparison engine for lowest fees in 2025.

Why we like it:

  • Competitive rates specifically for India corridor
  • Two speed options: Express (minutes) and Economy (1-3 days)
  • Promotional rates for new customers
  • Easy tracking with email/SMS notifications
  • Multiple delivery options: bank account, mobile wallet, cash pickup

Rates & Fees:

  • Economy transfer: 0.5-1% total cost
  • Express transfer: 1.5-2.5% total cost
  • New customers often get first transfer at even better rates

Transfer limits: Varies by verification level; typically AED 25,000-50,000 per transaction after full KYC.

Speed: Express arrives in minutes; Economy takes 1-3 business days.

Who should use: NRIs sending to India regularly, especially smaller amounts (AED 500-10,000).

User feedback from Belong community: "Used for 2 years with no issues. Express is worth it when I need to pay rent urgently. Economy rates beat my bank by 1.5%."

2. Wise (Formerly TransferWise): Best for Transparency

Wise revolutionized money transfers with radical transparency - you see exactly what you pay and get the mid-market rate.

Why we like it:

  • Always uses mid-market rate (0% markup)
  • Transparent fee structure shown upfront
  • Multi-currency account (hold 40+ currencies)
  • Can receive money in AED, USD, EUR, GBP, etc.
  • Excellent tracking and customer support

Rates & Fees:

  • Typically 0.7-1.7% depending on amount and payment method
  • Using balance in Wise account = cheapest
  • Bank transfer slightly more expensive
  • Card payment = highest fees

For AED 10,000 to India:

  • Fee: ~AED 120-170
  • Exchange rate: Mid-market (e.g., 22.85)
  • Total received: ~₹227,300-227,500

Transfer limits: Up to AED 1.5 million per day for India transfers, but check LRS limits if receiving in India.

Speed: 64% of transfers arrive in under 20 seconds; 95% in less than a day (according to Wise's data).

Who should use: Anyone valuing transparency, frequent travelers holding multiple currencies, those making varied international transfers (not just India).

User feedback: "The app is beautiful. I can see exactly where my money is. First time I felt a company wasn't trying to rip me off."

Special feature: Wise also offers borderless debit cards, interest on balances (in select currencies), and business accounts.

3. Vance (Aspora): Best for NRIs Sending to India with Additional Banking Features

Vance (formerly Aspora) is a neo-bank designed specifically for NRIs. Beyond money transfers, it offers NRE/NRO accounts, mutual fund investments, and remittances.

Why we like it:

  • Google matching exchange rates with no hidden fees
  • Free first transfer
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Can open NRE/NRO accounts through the app
  • Invest in 5,000+ Indian mutual funds
  • Rate alerts to transfer at your desired rate

Rates & Fees:

  • First transfer: Free
  • Subsequent: ~0.5-1.5% total cost
  • Real-time Google exchange rates

Transfer limits: Standard limits apply; higher limits after complete KYC.

Speed: Usually 1-2 business days.

Who should use: NRIs wanting an all-in-one platform for remittances, NRI accounts, and investments in India.

User feedback: "Opened my NRE account through Vance without visiting India. Their support team walked me through everything. Rates are solid too."

4. Western Union: Best for Cash Pickup and Global Reach

Western Union has been around for 170+ years. While not the cheapest, it offers unmatched global reach.

Why we like it:

  • Send money to 200+ countries
  • Multiple payout options: bank account, cash pickup, mobile wallet
  • Start on app, pay cash at agent locations
  • Established trust and brand recognition

Rates & Fees:

  • Higher than digital-only apps
  • Total cost: 2-4% depending on amount and delivery method
  • Cash pickup = more expensive
  • Bank transfer = slightly cheaper

Transfer limits: High limits available depending on verification.

Speed: Minutes for cash pickup, 1-3 days for bank transfers.

Who should use: Sending to countries where digital apps don't operate, recipients who need cash pickup, emergency transfers when speed matters more than cost.

User feedback: "More expensive but my parents can collect cash from their neighborhood Western Union. Worth the convenience."

5. Al Ansari Exchange: Best for UAE Residents Preferring Local Service

Al Ansari Exchange is UAE's largest exchange house with 200+ branches and a strong mobile app.

Why we like it:

  • Trusted UAE brand (since 1966)
  • Competitive rates for India and Pakistan corridors
  • Multiple payment options: online, card, cash at branch
  • Quick Send for repeat transfers
  • Can pay credit card bills through app

Rates & Fees:

  • Competitive for UAE-India corridor
  • Total cost: 1-2% depending on amount
  • Branch transfers may have better rates than online for large amounts

Transfer limits: Up to AED 50,000 per transaction online; higher at branches.

Speed: Usually within 1 business day.

Who should use: UAE residents who value local presence, those who sometimes prefer in-person service for large transfers.

User feedback: "I've used Al Ansari for 10 years. Rates aren't the absolute cheapest but they're reliable and I can walk into a branch if there's any issue."

6. Payit (FAB): Best for Integrated UAE Banking

Payit is UAE's first fully digital wallet by First Abu Dhabi Bank. It's designed for daily UAE transactions but also offers international transfers.

Why we like it:

  • 0 fee transfers to 40 countries
  • Instant money transfer within UAE
  • Bill payments, QR payments, split bills
  • Cash withdrawal from MoneyGram partners
  • Send money to 200+ countries

Rates & Fees:

  • 0% fee to select 40 countries (check list for India)
  • Exchange rates competitive but not always mid-market
  • Max AED 25,000 per month transfer limit

Speed: Varies by destination; typically 1-2 days.

Who should use: UAE residents already using Payit for daily transactions who want convenience.

User feedback: "Payit is great for splitting bills with roommates. For big remittances, I compare rates first."

7. Skrill: Best for Pakistan and Philippines Remittances

Skrill excels for certain corridors, especially UAE to Pakistan, Philippines, and UK.

Why we like it:

  • Competitive exchange rates
  • Accepts both debit and credit cards
  • Digital wallet functionality
  • Good for online payments and e-commerce

Rates & Fees:

  • Total cost: 1-2.5%
  • According to Monito, Skrill had lowest fees for 56.2% of UAE-to-Pakistan searches in 2025

Who should use: Sending to Pakistan, Philippines, or UK.

8. TapTap Send: Best for Low-Cost Transfers to Select Countries

TapTap Send offers some of the lowest fees in the industry for specific corridors.

Why we like it:

  • Low fees, great exchange rates
  • Fast transfers (most arrive in minutes)
  • Excellent reviews (4.8+ stars)
  • Simple, no-frills interface
  • PCI-compliant, encrypted, regulated

Rates & Fees:

  • Often lower than competitors for Africa and Asia corridors
  • Total cost: 0.5-1.5%

Transfer limits: Moderate; varies by corridor.

Speed: Most transfers in minutes to hours.

Who should use: Sending to Pakistan, India, Nigeria, Ghana, Bangladesh, and other supported countries.

User feedback: "Best rates for Pakistan. Support is responsive. Only issue was one delayed transfer that took 5 days instead of minutes."

9. XE Money Transfer: Best for Large Transfers

XE is known for its currency converter but also offers competitive money transfers, especially for larger amounts.

Why we like it:

  • Better rates for large transfers (AED 20,000+)
  • No transfer fees for most destinations
  • Transparent mid-market rate
  • 24/7 customer support

Rates & Fees:

  • No fees for most corridors
  • Exchange rate markup: 0.5-1%
  • Total cost: 0.5-1%

Who should use: Larger transfers, business payments.

10. MoneyGram and WorldRemit

MoneyGram: Similar to Western Union - global reach, cash pickup options, slightly better digital rates.

WorldRemit: Digital-first remittance service with mobile wallet and airtime top-up options.

Both are solid choices but typically not the cheapest for UAE-India corridor.

Comparison Table: Top 6 Money Transfer Apps

App
Best For
Typical Total Cost
Speed
India Support
Rating
Remitly
India transfers
0.5-2.5%
Minutes-3 days
Excellent
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wise
Transparency, multi-currency
0.7-1.7%
\<20 sec-1 day
Excellent
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Vance
NRI banking + transfers
0.5-1.5%
1-2 days
Excellent
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Western Union
Cash pickup, global reach
2-4%
Minutes-3 days
Good
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Al Ansari
Local UAE service
1-2%
1 day
Excellent
⭐⭐⭐⭐
TapTap Send
Low-cost specific corridors
0.5-1.5%
Minutes-hours
Good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Costs and speeds are approximate and vary based on amount, payment method, and delivery option.

How to Actually Choose: Decision Framework

Follow this process:

Step 1: Identify Your Primary Need

Sending to India regularly (monthly)? → Remitly, Wise, or Vance

Need cash pickup for recipients? → Western Union or MoneyGram

Large one-time transfer (property, investment)? → Wise or XE (compare with bank for amounts over AED 50,000)

Multiple countries, want to hold foreign currency? → Wise

Sending to Pakistan or Philippines? → Skrill or TapTap Send

Step 2: Calculate True Cost

For a AED 10,000 transfer to India, check:

  1. Mid-market rate on Google (e.g., 1 AED = 22.85 INR)
  2. Each app's rate and fee
  3. Calculate: (Amount sent - Fee) × Exchange rate = Amount received
  4. True cost % = [(Amount sent - Amount received/mid-market rate) / Amount sent] × 100

Example:

Remitly Economy:

  • Fee: AED 50
  • Rate: 22.80 INR/AED
  • Received: (10,000 - 50) × 22.80 = ₹227,040
  • At mid-market: ₹228,500
  • Loss: ₹1,460 = AED 64
  • True cost: 0.64%

Your Bank:

  • Fee: AED 30
  • Rate: 22.45 INR/AED
  • Received: (10,000 - 30) × 22.45 = ₹223,781.50
  • At mid-market: ₹228,500
  • Loss: ₹4,718.50 = AED 206
  • True cost: 2.06%

👉 Tip: Use comparison websites like Monito that show real-time rates across apps. Just enter your amount and destination.

Step 3: Test with Small Amount First

Before committing to large transfers:

  1. Send AED 500-1,000 as a test
  2. Check speed, exchange rate accuracy, customer support
  3. Verify recipient received correct amount
  4. Review any hidden fees

Step 4: Consider Speed vs Cost Trade-off

Economy/Standard options (1-3 days):

  • Save 0.5-1.5%
  • Fine for non-urgent payments

Express/Fast options (minutes-hours):

  • Cost 0.5-1% more
  • Worth it for emergencies or time-sensitive payments like rent

Our view: Use economy for 90% of transfers. Pay for speed only when necessary.

Hidden Costs and Fees Nobody Tells You About

1. Receiving Bank Charges in India

Some Indian banks charge when receiving international transfers:

  • NEFT/RTGS charges: ₹25-50
  • Intermediary bank fees: Sometimes deducted from amount received

Solution: Check with recipient's bank. Some don't charge for incoming international transfers. ICICI Bank NRE accounts typically don't charge.

2. Tax Collected at Source (TCS) in India

If the person sending money FROM India crosses ₹10 lakh per year under LRS, TCS applies. This doesn't affect you receiving in India but is worth knowing if you send money back.

We cover this in detail below.

3. Correspondent Bank Fees

Even apps sometimes use correspondent banks for certain corridors. They may deduct $10-30.

Solution: Choose apps with direct partnerships (Wise, Remitly usually avoid this).

4. Payment Method Charges

How you fund your transfer affects cost:

Payment Method
Speed
Cost
Bank transfer/ACH
Slowest (1-3 days)
Cheapest
Debit card
Fast
Medium (+0.5-1%)
Credit card
Instant
Most expensive (+2-3%)

Solution: Link your UAE bank account for ACH/direct debit. Avoid credit cards unless emergency.

5. Weekend and Holiday Delays

Transfers initiated Friday evening might not process until Monday. Bank holidays in UAE or India add 1-2 days.

Solution: Send early in the week. Check holiday calendars for both countries.

👉 Tip: Our Rupee vs Dollar tracker helps you time large transfers when exchange rates favor you, potentially saving hundreds on big transfers.

Safety and Regulation: How to Avoid Scams

Money transfer apps must be licensed. Here's what to check:

Licensing and Regulation

In UAE: Apps must be licensed by Central Bank of UAE or partner with licensed entities.

Globally: Check for:

  • FCA (UK Financial Conduct Authority)
  • FinCEN (US Financial Crimes Enforcement Network)
  • PCI-DSS compliance (for card security)

Red flags:

  • App not on official app stores
  • Asks for your banking password (NEVER share)
  • Promises "guaranteed" exchange rates far better than mid-market
  • No customer support contact info
  • Requests cryptocurrency payment

Data Security

Legitimate apps use:

  • Encryption (TLS/SSL) for data transmission
  • Two-factor authentication (2FA)
  • Biometric login (fingerprint, face ID)
  • PCI-DSS compliance (payment card security standards)

All apps in our list above are regulated and secure.

What If Something Goes Wrong?

Delayed transfer: Contact support immediately. Most apps have 24/7 chat.

Wrong amount received: Check:

  1. Exchange rate at time of transfer (sometimes differs from quote if using live rate)
  2. Receiving bank fees
  3. Intermediary bank deductions

Money lost/not delivered: File complaint with app's support. If unresolved within 7 days, escalate to Central Bank of UAE.

Fraudulent transaction: Report immediately to both app and UAE police. Freeze your linked bank accounts/cards.

👉 Tip: Screenshot every transaction - amount, rate, fees, confirmation number. Helps immensely if issues arise.

Understanding LRS and Tax Implications

For NRIs receiving money in India, understanding the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) and tax implications is crucial.

What is LRS?

The Liberalised Remittance Scheme is an RBI framework allowing resident Indians to remit up to $250,000 per financial year abroad for permitted purposes.

Key point: LRS applies to residents sending money OUT of India, not to NRIs receiving money in India.

As an NRI receiving money in your NRE or NRO account, LRS doesn't directly limit you. However, if you're sending money FROM India back to UAE or elsewhere, LRS applies and you need to track your annual limit.

TCS (Tax Collected at Source) on Outward Remittances

As per [Budget 2025](https://www.hdfc bank.com/personal/useful-links/important-messages/revision-in-tcs-on-lrs-transactions), TCS rules are:

For remittances under ₹10 lakh per year:

  • Education and medical: 0% TCS
  • Other purposes: 0% TCS

For remittances exceeding ₹10 lakh per year:

  • Education (if loan-funded from recognized institutions): 0% TCS
  • Education (self-funded) and medical: 5% TCS on amount exceeding ₹10 lakh
  • Other purposes: 5% TCS on amount exceeding ₹10 lakh

Example: Sunita sends ₹13 lakh from India to UAE for her son's education:

  • First ₹10 lakh: 0% TCS
  • Excess ₹3 lakh: 5% TCS = ₹15,000

This TCS is deductible when filing Income Tax Returns (ITR), so it's not a permanent tax - more like an advance payment.

For NRIs: If you send money from India to UAE, track your annual limit and TCS. Use Form 26AS to check TCS collected.

DTAA Benefits

The India-UAE Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement ensures you don't pay tax on the same income in both countries.

For remittances:

  • Money you earn in UAE and send to India isn't taxable in India (it's already foreign income)
  • Interest earned on NRE deposits is tax-free in India
  • Interest on NRO deposits is taxable with TDS deducted

For detailed guidance, read our comprehensive NRI taxation guide.

Common Money Transfer Mistakes NRIs Make

Mistake 1: Always Using the Same App Without Comparing

Apps' rates fluctuate. The app that was cheapest last month might not be this month.

Solution: Check 2-3 apps before each large transfer. For small routine transfers, picking one reliable app is fine.

Mistake 2: Choosing Speed Over Cost for Non-Urgent Transfers

Paying 1.5% extra for express delivery when you don't need money for a week wastes money.

Solution: Use economy/standard options unless it's an emergency.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Exchange Rate Timing

INR-AED rates fluctuate daily. Sending during rupee weakness gets you more rupees.

Solution: For large transfers (property payments, investments), monitor rates. Use rate alerts on apps like Vance. Our Rupee vs Dollar tracker shows trends.

Mistake 4: Not Verifying Recipient Details

One wrong digit in account number = money goes to stranger (or bounces back after days).

Solution: Double-check account number, IFSC code, name spelling. Send a small test transfer first for new recipients.

Mistake 5: Using Credit Cards for Funding

Credit cards charge 2-3% extra plus cash advance fees.

Solution: Link bank account or use debit card. Never use credit card except emergencies.

Mistake 6: Forgetting to Download Receipts

Need proof for tax filing or visa applications? Digging through old emails is painful.

Solution: Immediately download and save receipt PDFs in a dedicated folder (Google Drive, Dropbox).

Mistake 7: Exceeding LRS Limits Without Knowing

If you send money FROM India and cross $250,000 per year without RBI approval, you've violated FEMA.

Solution: Track all outward remittances across all banks. Use Form A2 for record-keeping.

👉 Tip: Join our Belong WhatsApp community where members share real-time rate comparisons and alert each other to promotional offers from apps.

The Smarter Way: GIFT City for Long-Term Wealth

Most NRIs think of money transfers as: Earn in UAE → Send to India → Invest.

That flow is expensive. You lose on:

  1. Forex conversion (AED → INR)
  2. Traditional Indian investments' tax inefficiency
  3. Repatriation complexity when you move back abroad

At Belong, we built a better way: Invest in USD, stay in USD, earn tax-free.

What is GIFT City?

GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) is India's first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). It's an onshore-offshore financial zone where:

  • You invest in USD (no AED→INR conversion)
  • Returns are 100% tax-free
  • Repatriation is simple - funds move freely
  • No TDS, no capital gains tax, no wealth tax

What We Offer at Belong

USD Fixed Deposits in GIFT City:

  • Earn competitive returns in USD
  • Tax-free income
  • No currency risk (stays in USD)
  • Flexible tenures
  • Easy withdrawals

Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs):

  • Access Indian equities, debt, and hybrid strategies
  • Denominated in USD
  • Managed by top fund managers
  • Tax-free returns

Why This Matters:

If you're sending AED 5,000 monthly to invest in India:

Traditional route:

  • Convert AED → INR (lose 1-2%)
  • Invest in Indian FDs/mutual funds
  • Pay tax on returns (up to 30%)
  • Convert INR → USD later (lose another 1-2% plus repatriation hassle)

GIFT City route via Belong:

  • Transfer USD directly to GIFT City
  • Invest (no conversion)
  • Earn tax-free returns
  • Withdraw in USD anytime

Over 10 years, the tax savings and forex savings are massive - often 30-40% higher net returns.

Download the Belong app to explore USD investment options. We handle doorstep KYC in UAE, so you don't need to visit India.

Compare rates across NRE, NRO, FCNR, and GIFT City FDs using our free comparison tool.

Final Thoughts: Transfer Smart, Build Wealth Smarter

Money transfer apps have made remittances faster, cheaper, and more transparent. But choosing the right app requires understanding true costs, not just advertised fees.

Our recommendation for most NRIs in UAE:

For regular India transfers: Start with Remitly or Wise. Test both with small amounts. Stick with whichever gives you better net receipts consistently.

For multi-currency needs: Wise hands down.

For large one-time transfers: Compare apps and your bank. Sometimes negotiated bank rates beat apps for AED 50,000+.

For cash pickup: Western Union or MoneyGram.

But here's the bigger picture: Transferring money is just one piece of your financial strategy.

If you're sending money to India to "keep it safe" in FDs earning 6-7%, you're losing to inflation and taxes. If you're investing in Indian equities through NRO accounts, you're paying 30% tax on gains.

GIFT City investments through Belong offer a smarter path:

  • Invest in USD directly
  • Earn tax-free returns
  • Protect against rupee depreciation
  • Simplify repatriation

We built Belong because we were frustrated by the complexity and costs NRIs face. Our mission is to make investing in India as easy as investing in UAE - but with better tax efficiency.

Ready to make smarter financial decisions?

We're here to help you build wealth, not just transfer it.

Sources:

  1. Monito: Best Money Transfer Apps in UAE
  2. Remitly UAE
  3. Wise - International Transfers
  4. Vance/Aspora UAE
  5. Western Union App
  6. Al Ansari Exchange App
  7. Payit E-Wallet
  8. TapTap Send App
  9. RBI: Liberalised Remittance Scheme
  10. HDFC Bank: TCS on LRS Transactions
  11. ClearTax: What is LRS
  12. ICICI: LRS for Sending Money Abroad
  13. Wise Transfer Charges in India