Cheapest Way to Transfer Money to Dubai (Compared)
Whether you are moving your savings to Dubai before you arrive, receiving your first salary and sending money home, or transferring between accounts in different countries — the method you choose can cost you hundreds or thousands of dirhams per year. Here is an honest comparison of every option.
The Options Compared
We compared sending $5,000 USD to a UAE bank account (AED) using each method. The total cost includes both the fee and the exchange rate markup (which is where banks make most of their money):
| Method | Fee | Rate Markup | You Receive (AED) | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank wire (typical) | $25 – 50 | 1.5 – 3% | ~17,800 | $100 – 200 |
| Wise | $5 – 15 | 0.4 – 0.6% | ~18,280 | $25 – 45 |
| Remitly | $0 – 5 | 0.5 – 1.5% | ~18,100 | $25 – 80 |
| Western Union | $0 – 10 | 1 – 3% | ~17,900 | $50 – 160 |
| UAE exchange house | AED 0 – 15 | 0.3 – 1% | ~18,200 | $15 – 55 |
Wise: The Best Overall Option
Wise (formerly TransferWise) consistently offers the closest rate to the real mid-market exchange rate. Their fee is transparent and shown upfront — no hidden markups. For a $5,000 transfer, you typically save $75-150 compared to a traditional bank wire.
Wise also offers a multi-currency account, which is incredibly useful if you are moving to Dubai. You can hold USD, GBP, EUR, and AED simultaneously, convert when rates are favorable, and receive your salary into a local AED account. Setup takes about 10 minutes online.
Try Wise → (affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you)
Remitly: Best for Sending Home
If you are a Dubai expat sending money back to India, Philippines, Pakistan, or Egypt, Remitly is worth checking. They sometimes offer promotional zero-fee transfers and competitive rates for popular corridors. Their app is simple and transfers are fast — often same-day.
The exchange rate markup varies more than Wise, so always compare both before sending. For some corridors (especially USD to INR), Remitly occasionally beats Wise on the total received.
Try Remitly → (affiliate link)
UAE Exchange Houses: Good but In-Person
Al Ansari Exchange, UAE Exchange, and similar exchange houses offer surprisingly competitive rates — sometimes better than online services for cash-to-cash transfers. The downsides: you have to go in person, carry cash, and their rates fluctuate throughout the day. Good for occasional large transfers if you are already nearby; inconvenient for regular monthly transfers.
What to Avoid
Bank international wire transfers are almost always the worst option. Banks make money on the exchange rate spread, and most people never notice because they only see the fee. A "free" bank transfer with a 2.5% rate markup on $5,000 costs you $125 — more than Wise's transparent $15 fee.
PayPal international transfers are similarly expensive, with fees plus a 3-4% exchange rate markup. Avoid for large amounts.
The Bottom Line
For most people moving to or living in Dubai, Wise offers the best combination of low fees, transparent pricing, and convenience. For sending money home to specific countries, compare Wise and Remitly for each transfer — rates vary by corridor and day. Avoid bank wires and PayPal for international transfers unless you enjoy overpaying.
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