If you’re working in the UAE and sending money home every month, you’re not alone.
Millions of workers across Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi—and everywhere in between—send part of their salary back to their families. Whether it’s to India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Nepal, or somewhere else, that transfer? It’s more than just a transaction. It’s school fees. Medicine. Groceries. Rent.
And when fees are high or money goes missing, it’s more than frustrating. It’s personal.
We wrote this guide to help you send smarter, save more, and stress less—because we know how important each dirham is. These tips are especially helpful for workers earning lower salaries, but honestly, anyone can benefit from this list.
Let’s get into it.
1. Compare Before You Send
Not all money transfer services are created equal. Some offer great exchange rates but sneak in hidden fees. Others promise zero fees but take a chunk through bad conversion rates.
Before you send, always compare the full amount your family will receive—not just the cost to send.
Apps like NOW Money show this clearly so you know exactly what you’re paying and what your loved ones will get.
2. Know Your Transfer Timeline
Not all transfers are instant. Some take minutes, others take 1–3 business days. And if you’re sending around a weekend or holiday, it might take even longer.
Plan ahead. If you know school fees are due on the 1st, try sending a few days earlier so your family isn’t left waiting.
3. Avoid “Double Fees”
Some people pay once to send money in the UAE—and then their family has to pay again to receive it.
Ouch.
Look for services that offer direct delivery to local wallets (like Easypaisa or GCash) or trusted partner banks that don’t charge extra on the receiving end.
4. Watch the Exchange Rate
The exchange rate can change every day. Sometimes even a small difference can mean a few hundred more pesos, rupees, or taka reaching your family.
You don’t need to obsess over it daily, but checking the rate before you send—especially around payday—can help you get more value.
5. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
We get it—life gets busy. But rushing to send money on the last day of the month can lead to:
- Higher fees for urgent transfers
- Longer wait times
- Missed bills back home
Try setting a monthly reminder the day after you get paid. That gives you time to compare rates and choose the best option without stress.
6. Check for “Small Amount” Fees
Some services charge higher fees for smaller amounts. That can hit hard if you’re sending money more than once a month, or just a little at a time.
At NOW Money, we’ve designed our fees to be fair—no matter how much you’re sending. Whether it’s AED 100 or AED 1,000, your money matters.
7. Make Sure Your Details Are Spot On
A single wrong digit in a bank account or wallet number can delay your transfer—or worse, send it to the wrong person.
Before you hit “send,” take 30 seconds to double-check:
- Account number
- Full name (spellings matter!)
- Bank or wallet provider
Trust us—this tiny step can save you days of stress.
8. Save a Screenshot of Every Transfer
Always, always, always keep a record of your transactions. Whether it’s a screenshot, email, or app notification, save proof of your:
- Transfer amount
- Date and time
- Recipient details
- Transaction ID
If something goes wrong, having this info makes it 10x easier to fix.
NOW Money automatically stores your transaction history, so you can see everything in one place—whenever you need it.
9. Choose the Right Time to Send
Here’s a trick some people don’t know: if you send your money during busy times (like weekends or right before major holidays), transfer delays are more likely.
Try sending mid-week and earlier in the day for smoother processing.
10. Use Tools Made for You
Not every service is designed for low-income workers. Some require traditional bank accounts. Others come with confusing apps or support in one language only.
NOW Money was built specifically for workers in the UAE who earn AED 1,000–3,000/month.
We offer:
- A simple app in multiple languages
- No need for a traditional bank
- Low, transparent fees
- Fast, secure transfers to India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and more
- No hidden surprises. No long queues. Just a better way to move your money.
Sending money home shouldn’t feel stressful or confusing. And you shouldn’t have to lose a big chunk of your salary just to support your family.
Here’s a quick recap of the 10 money transfer tips:
- Compare total cost and exchange rate
- Know how long it’ll take
- Avoid extra fees at the receiving end
- Watch the exchange rate before sending
- Plan ahead—not last minute
- Watch out for small transfer penalties
- Double-check account details
- Save your transaction proof
- Time your transfers wisely
- Use services made with your needs in mind
You’ve worked hard for every dirham—these tips will help you keep more of it.
