Send money to Ethiopia

If you’re looking for the best way to send money to Ethiopia, you may be concerned with speed and cost. Fortunately, there are more than a couple of ways to address these concerns. Which one is best suited for your needs?

• International money order: These look like checks and work like them, too. When you purchase one from a retailer, post office, or bank, you may pay a small fee. However, higher costs come into play  with international mail, which increases if you want the money order to get to Ethiopia quickly. Add in the risk that it could get lost in the mail, and this may not be the right option for those pressed for time.

• International bank transfer: A bank transfer is a simple and direct way to get money from your bank to your friend in Ethiopia. You’ll both need bank accounts, along with the international bank account number (IBAN) and SWIFT/BIC codes. Once initiated, the transfer can take a couple of business days or longer.

• Money transfer agents: When using money transfer agents, you can often find options for sending money quickly, perhaps even within an hour. But watch out for the high fees, which can take more of the money you had set aside for loved ones in Ethiopia. They may not give you the best exchange rate, either.

• Ria: One option that balances speed and price is Ria's online money transfer service. You can use your smartphone or desktop account to send money electronically in as little as 15 minutes. The fees are low, and you'll always see a great transfer rate.

If you’d rather send physical cash, that’s an option, too. Just visit a local participating retailer and deposit the cash in person to send it where you want it to go. With service to over 160 countries, it’s easy to get money to Ethiopia no matter where you live.  

Ria customers have many choices for funding their transactions, including a bank account, credit card, debit card, or cash. Those receiving in Ethiopia can pick up cash at a convenient location or have the money put directly into their bank account or digital wallet.

Typically, it takes anywhere from 15 minutes to five business days to send money to Ethiopia.

However, that timeline depends on multiple factors, such as where you’re sending money from, the type of transaction you’re making, and your payment method. The time of day can also make a difference, as certain options are only available during local business hours or on non-holiday weekdays. Setting up a Ethiopia remittance out of normal business hours could delay your money transfer.

The quickest ways to send money to Ethiopia are typically with credit or debit card payments and cash pickups. With these methods, your recipient in Ethiopia typically receives the money within minutes or hours. You can also do a bank transfer if you’re not in a hurry, but these typically take 3-5 business days.

The cost of sending money to Ethiopia depends on several key factors, such as:

1. The payment method you use

2. The payout method (that is, the way your intended recipient gets the money)

3. Transfer amount

4. Currency exchange rates

Bank remittances are usually the cheapest option, while credit and debit card transfers can come with additional fees. This is especially true with credit card payments, as some credit card companies will charge extra. Keep in mind, though, that international money transfers usually come with certain charges — regardless of how you go about it.

As an international remittance service, Ria strives to keep our rates and fees as low as possible on money transfers to Ethiopia and other countries. We do that by working with financial institutions worldwide to get you the lowest possible fees and best exchange rates. At times, we also have promo codes to cut down on some of the more unavoidable fees.

The overall transfer amount includes all fees. If you want to see the cost of sending money to Ethiopia, here are your options:

1. Before you complete the transfer (but after you’ve logged into your account): You can see what it costs to send money to Ethiopia via the app or website. Simply log into your account and go to “Send” or “Send Money.” Then, select your destination country, how much you want to send, your payout currency, and your payment and delivery methods.

2. Before you initiate a transfer (without logging in): You can go to Ria’s website for an estimate of what it will cost.

Both options can help prevent you from being surprised by any fees or charges associated with sending money overseas.

Sending money to Ethiopia is easy and convenient. Which method will work best for your depends on your needs.

• Bank remittance: If you don’t mind waiting a few days, a bank transfer is one possible way to send and receive money overseas. While longer, this method is typically less expensive than other options.

• Money transfer agent: Similar to bank transfers, going through an agent for your transfer takes a few days, though the exact timeframe varies by agent. This option still lets you safely send money overseas for a fee.

• International money order: You can fill out a money order with the exact amount you want to send and mail it to your intended recipient. Once they receive it, they can convert it into their local currency. Depending on your location, this option can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.

• Credit card or debit card: If you’re looking for speed and convenience, set up a money transfer via credit or debit card. These options may cost more money than a standard bank transfer but tend to be quicker.

Lastly, you could go through an online money transfer service like Ria. This is one of the easiest, safest ways to send money to Ethiopia. Ria can even help you get competitive rates, low fees, fast transfer times, and security — everything you need when sending money abroad. Ria also has more than 16,000 branches throughout Ethiopia, convenient for anyone who prefers a cash pickup.

You can sign up for Ria on the app or website. The process to sign up and send money to Ethiopia should only takes a few minutes.

If you want to create an account on the app, start by downloading the app to your smart device. Then, click “Register” and choose your country of residence. You’ll also need to enter your full name, date of birth, email address and password, and a valid phone number for verification purposes. Along with this, you’ll need to set up three security questions and agree to the Terms and Conditions.

If you want to set up an account from the website, go to http://riamoneytransfer.com/ and follow the instructions to create an online profile. You’ll need the same information when signing up via the app. You will also need to provide your current address.

The process might look slightly different if you live outside Canada or the USA. You may also need to provide additional information, including your nationality and occupation.

To use Ria for a money transfer to Ethiopia, you’ll need the following information:

1. Recipient info: Make sure that you know both the first and last names of the person you want to receive money in Ethiopia (as they appear on their government-issued photo ID) as well as their phone number and address.

2. Money amount: Determine how much money you want to send. The Ria app or website will always let you know the precise total amount your recipient will receive — as well as the exchange rate and fees — before you send. 

3. Payment method: Decide whether you want to fund the money transfer to Ethiopia via credit or debit card, cash, or through your bank account.

4. Payout method: Your recipient in Ethiopia can receive money directly in a bank account, or they can pick up cash at one of our partner locations.

Ria’s convenient Track a Transfer website tool allows both senders and recipients to view real-time status updates when sending money to Ethiopia. All you need is the PIN and order number associated with the transaction. Senders can also tap “Track” on the Ria app for real-time updates.

Ria will also send you an email once your recipient receives the money, as well as when any other major event happens along the way.

You can set up a Ethiopia money transfer from the Ria app or website. Start by signing into your existing account or create a new one if you don’t have one. If you haven’t verified your phone number or set up your online profile yet, you can do that now.

Since this is your first money transfer to Ethiopia, you’ll need to add a new recipient to your account — that is, the person who will receive money in Ethiopia. Adding a recipient is easy. Just provide basic information about them, such as their name, current location, and phone number. If you want to transfer money to their bank, input their bank account details as well.

Once you’ve added a recipient to your account, you can decide how much money to send them — either in your currency or theirs. At this point, you can also select the payout method. Remember, each payout method comes with its own advantages and fees.

With that done, simply choose your payment method for the Ethiopia remittance. You can add a new payment method to your account on the website or the app.

Once you’ve completed that first transfer, the process becomes even easier as your recipient’s basic information is saved to your account. Ria doesn’t store your recipient’s bank account information, however, so you will need to input that again.

Some money transfers go through within minutes of setting them up. However, you might have to wait a few hours or days before your transfer is complete.

That’s where tracking your transfer comes into play. You can use the Track a Transfer feature for status updates on your Ethiopia remittance. You’ll just need the PIN, which you can find in your account or the confirmation email you received after scheduling the transfer. Your recipient can also use this tool.

A standard money transfer to Ethiopia doesn’t take very long to complete, though it depends on the payment and payout methods. If you’ve chosen a debit or credit card transfer, your recipient should receive money in Ethiopia within minutes. A bank transfer, on the other hand, can take several business days to complete.

Certain factors may delay your transfer. For example, if you set up the transfer outside local business hours or on a holiday or weekend, it might take a little longer. In some cases, Ria will also request additional information from you for security purposes, which could cause additional delays.

Senders and recipients can use Ria’s Track a Transfer feature for real-time transfer updates. All you need is the transfer’s PIN and order number.

Senders can also use the Ria app to track the transaction — just tap the “Track” option. In addition, senders will be notified by email when their recipient has picked up or received the money — or if there’s another major status change.

If you live in Ethiopia and need cash quickly, Ria has you covered with three convenient methods. You can choose any one and have Ethiopian birr (ETB) to your location in as little as 15 minutes.

1. Bank transfer: If you have your bank's international account number (IBAN), as well as the SWIFT/BIC codes, you can provide them to the person sending the money. They can then initiate the transfer. If you're unsure about these details, you can ask your bank for help.

2. Cash pickup: Do you have a participating location near you? Just have the cash sent there for convenient pickup. You'll need to let the person sending know which location you chose and make sure to bring your government-issued photo ID. 

3. Digital wallet: Those living in Ethiopia can have money deposited directly into an Amole Wallet or Telebirr account. Provide your friend with the digital wallet number or cell phone number associated with the account so they can conduct the transfer.

Whether you have a phone or computer, Ria simplifies the process. Desktop users can send money to Ethiopia online using:

• Bank transfer from the U.S.

• Cash from the U.S.

• Debit or credit card from Australia, Canada, Ethiopia, the U.K., or the U.S.

Users of the Ria mobile app can choose one of these options:

• Bank transfer from the U.S.

• Cash from the U.S., Malaysia, or Singapore

• Debit or credit card from Australia, Canada, Europe, Malaysia, the U.K., or the U.S.

• Fintoc or Sencillito from Chile

• Klarna from Austria, Germany, or Ethiopia

• Bancontact from Belgium

• Giropay from Germany

• iDEAL from the Netherlands

• PayID from Australia

• FPX from Malaysia

Learn about all payment methods for full details.

Unfortunately, you can't use Zelle to send money to Ethiopia.

That's because Zelle currently works only with bank accounts based in the U.S. There's no way to make a money transfer to an international account. Both the recipient and the sender must have U.S.-based checking or savings accounts — as well as U.S. phone numbers.

Instead, consider using an online money transfer service like Ria. Ria is quick, safe, and convenient. We offer great exchange rates, low fees (with no hidden charges), and a variety of payment and pickup options — all from our website or mobile app.

Ria serves customers in more than 165 countries — meaning sending money to or receiving money in Ethiopia is a breeze. You don't even need to have a bank account to use Ria — unlike with Zelle. Send money now with Ria. 

Currently, you can't use Venmo to send money to Ethiopia. That's because only U.S. residents can use the app to send or receive money transfers.

Venmo may not work with international accounts. But Ria serves more than 165 countries around the globe — including Ethiopia. Ria makes sending money internationally simple, quick, and secure. Your recipient in Ethiopia could get the money transfer in as little as 15 minutes if you use Ria. Plus, there are no additional fees.  You are fully aware of all costs and the amount of Ethiopia currency your recipient will get before you even complete the transfer.

Send money now with Ria.

Visit any Ria location, use our website, or log into our mobile app to send money directly to your recipient’s bank account in Ethiopia. All you need is:

1. The recipient’s full legal name (as it appears on their bank account)

2. The name of the recipient’s bank 

3. The recipient’s bank account number or IBAN (international bank account number)

Ria will take care of the rest!

Hands down, sending money via electronic transfer is the safest way to send money to Ethiopia.

In the old days, it was common for people to send remittances by mailing cash. Not only does this method take a long time (they call it “snail mail” for a good reason), but it’s also just not safe. The mailed money could get stolen or lost at any point during its long journey.

Instead, using an online money transfer service like Ria ensures that your money gets exactly where you intend it to go. 

In addition, Ria’s team of world-class security experts works around the clock to monitor your money transfers and keep a watchful eye out for unusual behavior. Ria’s software allows the team to spot any suspicious activity long before any harm can be done to your account.

Plus, Ria never stores your payment details on its servers. So, your credit or debit card or bank account information will never be compromised in Ria’s system.

Your safety is Ria’s number one priority when sending money to Ethiopia.

While Ethiopia may be across the world, it's rather simple to get money there quickly. The key is to understand the differences between the options and which one best meets your needs.

• International bank transfer: This secure and convenient method may have modest fees, but it isn’t always a good option for those needing cash quickly. Sending money on weekends or holidays can slow the total transfer time, leaving your friend waiting for their money for days or longer.

• International money order: This more familiar method may result in delays and higher costs, so it's important to understand the risks.

• Third-party money transfer agent: This will usually result in a quick cash transaction, but how much are you willing to pay for the privilege? With fees higher than some options and a less-than-excellent currency exchange rate, you may find you have less money arriving in Ethiopia than you originally planned.

• Ria: With a great pricing plan that includes low, transparent fees, you’ll always know just what you are paying to send money to Ethiopia (or anywhere else in the world.) The exchange rate is competitive, and you'll see how many ETBs your loved one will receive after your costs.

Money can reach your friend in as little as 15 minutes, landing in their bank account or digital wallet, or as cash at the participating retail location near them. Ria is easy to use, even if you’ve never sent money to Ethiopia before. Using the Ria desktop website or the mobile app, just follow these steps:

1. Sign up for a free Ria account. Using your first and last name, birthday, and contact information, you can get set up in minutes. Depending on what country you live in, you may be asked for a few extra details.

2. Click the “Send” or “Send money” button.

3. Choose “Ethiopia” from the available countries in the drop-down menu.

4. Type in how much money you want to send. As you add the amount, you’ll see the total cost for fees and how the exchange rate works. This gives you all the information you need to know how much money will arrive in Ethiopia.

5. Choose your payment option. You can fund the transaction with your credit card, debit card, or even a bank account. If you would rather pay in cash, you can visit a participating retail location and deposit your funds.

6. Choose how your friend in Ethiopia would like their money. You can choose from cash at a participating retail location, a bank account, or a digital wallet. If you aren't sure, ask before you complete this step so you send it to the right place. This is also where you will enter their bank account or digital wallet numbers.

7. Tap "Continue."

8. Enter your friend or family member’s full name as it appears on their government-issued photo ID. You should also include where they live (city and province) to make sure it goes to the right place.  

9. Add your payment information. If you fund with a checking or savings account, you’ll enter that info here. You may also choose a debit or credit card.

That was easy! Depending on the options you choose for funding and payout, your friend in Ethiopia could have their cash within a few minutes. The low fees and great exchange rate also ensured that more of the payment went directly to them.

Your information will be saved in the Ria app, so you can send future payments even more easily. You can also set up the mobile app to send you alerts to help you keep track of when the money will arrive in Ethiopia.