International migrants comprise around 3.5 percent of the global population; an estimated 281 million people. And the money they send back home is a powerful force supporting the global economy: remittance flows reached $630 billion in 2022, according to the World Bank.  

But remittances are more than just monetary transactions. Every hard-earned dollar or euro sent back home carries with it the aspirations of parents hoping to provide quality education for their children, siblings wishing to support one another’s dreams, and families striving for a better tomorrow. 

How migrants send money home plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety, security, and efficiency of these transactions. In this article, we’ll explore why Ria Money Transfer is a great option for sending money home and everything you need to know to get started on your first transaction. 

What Do I Need to Send Money Home with Ria? 

You can send money home with Ria through our retail network, online, and via the Ria Money Transfer app, depending on location. You can use cash, a bank account, or a debit/credit card to send money globally. 

Follow these easy steps to get started: 

• Download the app for iOS or Android or go to riamoneytransfer.com  
• Create an account 
• Verify your identity –you’ll need a physical, government-issued photo ID.  

To make a money transfer you’ll need the following information: 

Recipient’s information:  

• Full name with last name (as they appear on the recipient’s official ID) 
• Phone number 

Depending on where you’re sending money and the delivery method you choose, we might ask you to provide more information, such as: 

• Your recipient’s address  
• Their bank account details (account number and the name of the bank it belongs to). 

Amount of money to send:  

• You can use the exchange rate calculator on the Ria website or mobile app to confirm the amount you are sending before sending. 

Payment method: 

• If this is the first time you are making a transfer with Ria, we recommend having your credit or debit card handy to enter your payment details. You can save your card information in the app to transfer money even faster next time. 

Payout method 

• Depending on their country, recipients can receive money transfers through bank deposits, cash pickup, mobile wallets, or home delivery.  

What Are the Advantages of the Different Payout Methods? 

When you send money with Ria, recipients can receive money transfers multiple ways, depending on where they are located. Each delivery method has particular advantages: 

Bank deposits 

• Bank deposits offer a secure and convenient way for recipients to receive funds directly. 
• Having a bank account is a vital step for financial inclusion and autonomy, opening doors to a range of financial services such as loans and credits. 
• Transferring funds to a family member or friend’s bank account not only allows them to establish credit but also facilitates expense tracking and financial planning for the future.  
• Securely depositing money in a bank account serves as an incentive for saving and encourages a more thoughtful, long-term approach to finances.  
• Funds held in a bank account are better protected against theft, damage, and loss compared to keeping cash at home. 

Cash pickup 

• A cash pickup enables your recipient to collect the money transfer in cash at the selected Ria location.  
•  Cash pick-ups provide recipients with instant access to funds, which is crucial in emergency situations or for those without immediate access to banking services. 
• Cash pick-ups are suitable for recipients who do not have a bank account, offering a straightforward solution for quick access to funds. 
• With 500,000+ locations in over 165 countries, cash pickup is a great option. 
• To this day, cash pickups powered by Ria remain the most popular payout method for remittance senders around the world. 

Keep in mind that your recipient must be at least 18 years old to collect a money transfer. 

Mobile wallets 

• Mobile wallets –a digital version of a wallet that allows people to receive, store and spend money using a mobile phone– allow recipients to access funds through their smartphones, offering a convenient and user-friendly experience. 
• Mobile wallets contribute to financial inclusion, especially in regions with limited access to traditional banking services, providing a digital financial platform for users. 
• Mobile wallet transactions are often processed in real time, providing recipients with immediate access to funds. 

If you want to learn more about how mobile wallets work, check out this blog post. 

Home delivery 

• Home delivery is advantageous for recipients who may face challenges in traveling to a bank or cash pick-up location, such as the elderly or individuals with mobility issues. 
• Home delivery provides a personalized service, enhancing the convenience for recipients. 
• This Ria service is only offered in Armenia, the Dominican Republic, Hungary, Morocco, the Philippines, and Vietnam. 

What is Ria Money Transfer Limit? 

The transfer limits are contingent on various factors, including your country of residence, the destination country for the money transfer, and the chosen payment method. 

Country	Transfer limit
Denmark	65,000 DKK per transfer
UK	£4,999 a day and per month
Spain	€5,000 per transfer, up to a maximum of €25,000 every 365 days
Sweden	100,000 SEK per transfer
Switzerland	1,000 CHF per transfer, up to a maximum of 1,000 CHF every 30 days
Norway	100,000 NOK per transfer
Rest of Europe*	€10,000 per transfer, up to a maximum of €25,000 every 365 days
USA	For cash-funded transfers: USD 495.00 per transfer  For all other payment methods: $14,999.99 every 30 days**
Australia	AUD 20,000 a day
Malaysia	RM 50,000 a day
Canada	CAD 3,000 a day
Chile	3,500,000 CLP per transfer, up to 10,000 USD per month

*The rest of Europe includes these countries: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, and Portugal.  

**To send up to $14,999.99 per month in the USA, you’ll need to verify your identity.  

Compliance Requirements  

To ensure the security of your funds and adhere to international regulations, there may be instances where we are required to review certain transfers. 

If your transfer is chosen for a security review and we require additional information, you will be notified via email detailing the necessary steps to facilitate the release of your transfer. Below are some of the items we may request to proceed with the transfer: 

• A valid government-issued photo ID — like a driver’s license or passport 
• Source of the funds used to pay for the transfer 
• A valid bank statement if the payment method is a bank account 
• An image of the card if the payment method is a debit or credit card 
• A photo taken with your phone or webcam 
• Proof of address that matches the address on your account 
• Reason for the transfer 
• Your relationship with the recipient 

Why Choose Ria to Send Money Home 

Ria is a reliable choice for individuals seeking a secure, efficient, and cost-effective means of sending remittances. Here are some key reasons to choose Ria: 

Competitive exchange rates and low fees 

In contrast to banks, which might impose less favorable rates influenced by factors like operational expenses and profit margins, Ria can provide more competitive currency conversion rates and lower transfer fees. This way, the recipient has the opportunity to receive a greater sum in their local currency for the equivalent transferred funds.  

You can check the commission cost and exchange rate using Ria’s online calculator or the Fee Checker option within the app. 

Easy to use 

We aim to keep it simple: you can send money to loved ones directly from your smartphone through the Ria Money Transfer app or riamoneytransfer.com. Setting up a digital account is a very straightforward process, and in just a few minutes you can send money to your recipient.   

Additionally, you can receive real-time updates on the status of your transfer with our Track a Transfer tool. All you need is the PIN — a unique identification number that is assigned to your transfer after it’s sent. You can also share the PIN with your recipient so they can track the transfer too. 

Multiple payment and delivery methods 

Ria provides various transfer options to send money to over 190 countries and territories to suit migrants’ needs: 

• Online through our website or Ria Money Transfer app 
• Cash 
• Debit/credit card 
• Bank account 

Depending on the country, there are varied delivery methods too:  

• Cash pickup 
• Bank transfers 

• ATM 
• Mobile wallet 
• Home delivery 

This makes sending and receiving money as efficient as possible.  

Secure and regulated  

Ria has over 35 years of experience in the remittance business and has safely delivered over a billion transfers across the world. As technology has evolved, so have our methods to ensure transfers are safely sent and received. 

Whether it’s our world-class security experts overlooking each money transfer or ensuring our identity verification processes are up-to-date and safely implemented, you can rest assured your money will reach your recipient promptly and securely.  

A location near you 

Ria has the second-largest retail network, with 500,000+ locations in over 165 countries where recipients can pick up their money. This is possible thanks to our partnerships with local companies all over the world. 

Find the nearest Ria location to yourself or your recipient here.  

If you still have questions, here is a step-by-step guide.  

Ria Partners  

Ria collaborates with various partners to facilitate money transfer services. From banks to financial institutions or retail locations, our partners enable us to provide a wide network of locations for sending and receiving money globally. 

To learn more about our partners in a specific country:  

• Go to https://www.riamoneytransfer.com  
• Scroll down to the “Popular countries” section 
• Select a country 
• Scroll down to the section “Our trusted partners” 

How to Protect Yourself from Fraud or Scams 

Migrants sending money home can take several precautions to protect themselves from fraud or scams. Here are some key strategies: 

Be Wary of Unsolicited Communication 

Exercise caution if you receive unexpected emails, calls, or messages requesting money transfers. Fraudsters often use phishing techniques to trick individuals into sending money.  

Keep Personal Information Secure 

Safeguard your personal and financial information. Avoid sharing sensitive details, such as account numbers, PINs, or passwords with anyone.  

Educate Yourself About Common Scams 

Stay informed about common scams targeting migrants. Awareness of prevalent fraud schemes, such as phishing emails, lottery scams, or impersonation attempts, can help you recognize and avoid potential threats. Take a look at a comprehensive list of common fraud scenarios.