This page summarises options for sending money from United Arab Emirates to Egypt and links the relevant regulator. Always compare the recipient amount and exchange rate on each provider's own site before sending - rates and fees change.
Editor's note
Outbound remittances from the UAE are regulated by the UAE Central Bank, which licenses and supervises exchange houses and money transfer operators under the Payment Token Services Regulation and related frameworks. Senders should use only UAE Central Bank-licensed providers; a register of licensed exchange houses is available on the UAE Central Bank official website.
Providers we have referenced for United Arab Emirates to Egypt
Pricing changes. Confirm the current fee, exchange rate, and recipient amount on each provider's own site.
| Provider | Fee | Speed | Exchange rate | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise charges a small percentage-based transfer fee plus a fixed component. See wise.com for the current fee breakdown before sending. | Transfers often arrive within hours, though some may take one to two business days depending on bank processing in Egypt. | Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and adds a transparent markup. The exact rate is shown before you confirm the transfer. | Wise is regulated by relevant authorities in jurisdictions where it operates. It is not licensed by the UAE Central Bank as a money transfer operator in the UAE; users access it via the Wise platform directly. Confirm availability and compliance for your circumstances before use. | |
| Revolut | Fees vary by account tier and transfer amount. Standard accounts may incur a percentage fee above a monthly free allowance. Check revolut.com for current pricing. | Transfers to Egyptian bank accounts typically take one to three business days. | Revolut uses an interbank-style rate during weekday market hours. A markup may apply on weekends or for larger amounts. See the app for the live rate at time of transfer. | Revolut's availability and product features for UAE-based users may differ from other markets. Verify current service scope on the official website before initiating a transfer. | |
| Al Ansari Exchange | Fees and service charges vary by transfer amount and destination. Visit a branch or al-ansari.ae for current rates. | Cash pick-up transfers to Egypt can be available within minutes through partner networks. Bank deposits may take one to two business days. | Al Ansari sets its own exchange rate which includes a margin over the interbank rate. The rate is displayed at the point of transaction. | Al Ansari Exchange is licensed by the UAE Central Bank. It has an extensive branch network across the UAE and supports transfers to Egyptian pounds via cash pick-up and bank deposit options. | |
| Al Fardan Exchange | Transfer fees depend on the service type and amount sent. Check alfardanexchange.com or visit a branch for current charges. | Cash pick-up can be near-instant for eligible corridors. Bank credit to Egypt typically takes one to two business days. | Al Fardan applies its own exchange rate inclusive of margin. The rate is confirmed before the transaction is finalised. | Al Fardan Exchange is licensed by the UAE Central Bank. It operates branches across the UAE and offers multiple delivery options for transfers to Egypt. | |
| UAE bank wire (SWIFT) | UAE banks typically charge a fixed outward SWIFT transfer fee plus a possible correspondent bank fee. Fees vary by bank. Contact your bank directly for the current schedule. | International SWIFT transfers to Egypt generally take two to five business days depending on intermediary banks and the receiving Egyptian bank. | Banks apply their own exchange rate which includes a margin. The rate is usually less favourable than mid-market rates. Confirm the rate in writing before authorising the transfer. | UAE banks are regulated by the UAE Central Bank. Some UAE banks with Egyptian operations or partnerships may offer preferential rates or faster processing on this corridor. Ask your bank about dedicated Egypt transfer products. | |
| Western Union | Fees vary based on the transfer amount, delivery method, and payment method used. See westernunion.com or agent locations for a quote. | Cash pick-up transfers can be available within minutes. Bank account deposits to Egypt may take one to two business days. | Western Union applies its own exchange rate which includes a margin over the interbank rate. The rate and total cost are disclosed before you confirm. | Western Union operates through licensed agent locations across the UAE. It supports cash pick-up at a wide network of locations in Egypt, which can be useful for recipients without bank accounts. | |
| MoneyGram | Transfer fees depend on the send amount, payment method, and delivery option. Check moneygram.com for a current fee estimate. | Cash pick-up is typically available within minutes. Bank deposits may take one to two business days. | MoneyGram applies a proprietary exchange rate that includes a margin. The full cost is shown before the transaction is confirmed. | MoneyGram operates through agent locations in the UAE. It offers cash pick-up at numerous agent locations across Egypt. |
The general process
- Choose a provider that is licensed in United Arab Emirates and serves the Egypt corridor.
- Open and verify an account. You will typically need a valid government-issued ID and proof of address.
- Enter the transfer details. Recipient name must match their bank account exactly, with the correct account number or IBAN.
- Check the total cost. Compare the recipient amount and exchange rate against at least one other provider.
- Fund the transfer using a method the provider supports.
- Confirm delivery. Keep the reference number; it helps if you need to query the transfer with either provider.
The real cost of a transfer
A "low fee" is not always the same as a low cost. The total cost of a transfer is the explicit fee plus any markup between the provider's exchange rate and the mid-market rate (the rate you see on Google or Reuters). The clearest way to compare providers is to look at the amount the recipient actually receives in EGP for a given amount of AED.
Total cost = transfer fee + (mid-market rate − provider rate) x amount
Worked example
Suppose you want to send 10,000 AED to Egypt. Two providers, two structures:
| Item | Provider A | Provider B |
|---|---|---|
| Headline fee | 30 AED | 0 AED |
| Exchange-rate margin | 0% (mid-market) | 1.5% |
| Hidden FX cost on 10,000 | 0 AED | 150 AED |
| Total cost | 30 AED | 150 AED |
The "zero fee" option costs five times as much in this example because the FX margin is hidden inside the rate. The numbers above are illustrative - real margins and fees vary by provider and corridor. Always check the recipient amount on the provider's own quote screen before sending.
Tips
- 1Always compare the total cost of a transfer, not just the fee. The exchange rate margin often represents a larger cost than the stated fee, so compare both together using the amount your recipient will actually receive.
- 2Egyptian pound exchange rates can be volatile. If timing is flexible, monitor rates before committing to a transfer, particularly for larger amounts.
- 3Confirm your recipient's bank details carefully before sending a SWIFT transfer. Errors in IBAN or account number can cause delays and may incur correction fees from the receiving bank.
- 4Cash pick-up services can be useful if your recipient does not have a bank account or needs funds urgently. Ensure your recipient knows the exact agent location and has valid government-issued identification ready for collection.
- 5Transfers above certain thresholds may require additional documentation under UAE Central Bank anti-money laundering requirements. Have supporting documents ready if you are sending a large amount.
- 6Check whether your UAE bank has a direct relationship with an Egyptian bank. Correspondent banking arrangements can affect both speed and the total fees deducted from the transferred amount.
Frequently asked questions
- Is there a limit on how much money I can send from the UAE to Egypt?
- The UAE does not publish a single universal cap on outbound personal remittances, but individual providers and banks set their own transaction limits. Larger transfers may require supporting documentation such as salary certificates or proof of purpose. Check with your chosen provider for their specific limits and requirements.
- What details do I need to send a bank transfer to Egypt?
- For a SWIFT bank transfer you will typically need the recipient's full name, bank account number or IBAN, the bank's SWIFT or BIC code, and the bank's name and branch address. Requirements can vary slightly by bank, so confirm with your provider before initiating the transfer.
- Can I send Egyptian pounds from the UAE?
- Most providers process the transfer in UAE dirhams and convert to Egyptian pounds on the receiving end. Some providers may offer the option to lock in a rate or send a specified EGP amount. Check the provider's platform or branch for available currency options.
- Are remittances from the UAE to Egypt taxed?
- The UAE does not levy income tax or withholding tax on personal remittances. Egypt's tax treatment of inbound transfers depends on the recipient's individual circumstances and the nature of the funds. Recipients with specific concerns should consult a tax professional familiar with Egyptian regulations.
- How do I know if a money transfer operator in the UAE is legitimate?
- Check the UAE Central Bank's official website, which maintains a register of licensed exchange houses and money transfer operators. You should only use providers that appear on that register. Unlicensed operators are illegal under UAE law.
- Why might my recipient receive less than I sent?
- The difference is usually a combination of the transfer fee charged by your provider, the exchange rate margin applied during conversion, and any correspondent or receiving bank fees deducted in transit. Reviewing the total amount your recipient will receive, as shown before you confirm, gives the clearest picture of the real cost.
Official sources
Verify any provider is licensed before sending money: Central Bank of the UAE - Licensed Financial Institutions.