Sending Money Overseas? Here’s What Really Matters
There’s a lot to consider when you’re sending money internationally. Whether it’s a one-off transfer to buy property abroad, regular support for family, or moving savings between countries, you’ll find no shortage of options promising low fees and fast delivery. But once you look past the surface, not all services are created equal.
If you’ve ever felt unsure about how much your recipient will get, how long the transfer will take, or why your bank’s exchange rate feels off, you’re not alone.
Here’s what actually matters when sending money overseas – and how to make sure you’re not paying more than you should.
1. The exchange rate – not just the fee
It’s easy to focus on the visible fee. Many providers say they charge a flat rate – or nothing at all. But that’s rarely where the real cost lies.
The biggest expense in most international transfers comes from the exchange rate markup. This is the margin added to the rate you see on Google or XE. Even a small
difference of 2 to 3% can mean hundreds lost on a large transfer.
Look for providers that offer transparent, mid-market rates, and tell you up front exactly how much will be received on the other side.
2. Speed and certainty
Not knowing when your money will land is stressful – especially when you're paying for something important like a deposit, school fees, or medical expenses.
Traditional banks can take several days to process a cross-border payment, and there’s often no clear tracking along the way.
Modern platforms should offer clear timeframes, same-day or next-day settlement for major currencies, and notifications at every step, so you’re not left guessing.
3. Security and compliance
Sending money internationally means crossing borders – and that brings regulation into play. Depending on the countries involved, payments can be delayed or blocked if the service you’re using doesn’t meet local compliance standards.
A reputable provider will have proper licensing, bank-grade encryption, and a clear KYC process. It might feel like extra admin up front, but it’s there to protect both you and your funds.
4. Real customer support
When something goes wrong – or when you simply need to confirm details – good customer support makes all the difference.
Some providers outsource support entirely, offer help only during limited hours, or respond through automated channels with no human follow-up. Others may not offer phone support at all.
Look for services with direct access to real people, especially when dealing with high-value or time-sensitive transfers.
5. Flexibility for future transfers
Even if you’re just making a one-off transfer now, your needs might change. Some providers offer tools like rate alerts, repeat transfer scheduling, or even the ability to lock in a rate in advance with a forward contract.
This kind of flexibility becomes invaluable if you’re planning multiple transfers or moving money regularly between countries.
Sending money abroad doesn’t need to be complicated – but it does need to be done right. The right platform should make the process feel simple, secure, and transparent from start to finish.
ORE is built with all of this in mind.
Clear rates, fast transfers, secure infrastructure, and real people ready to help when you need it.
Make your next international transfer the easy way – open an account today or speak to our team to get started.
