How to send money from UAE without bank account: What expats need to know
AE expats can send up to AED 135,000 abroad without a bank account using low-fee apps like Careem Pay and Botim and more/ Representative Image
For millions of UAE expatriates, sending money home is more than a transaction, it's a vital financial link that supports families, strengthens communities, and fuels national economies.
Thanks to rapid advancements in financial technology, UAE expats no longer have to rely on traditional banks, which often involve high fees, long processing times, and the need for formal banking setups. Today, a growing number of digital platforms offer simple, fast, and low-cost alternatives, often requiring nothing more than a mobile number and a debit or credit card.
Below is a detailed look at the most prominent digital platforms that allow expats in the UAE to transfer money internationally, even without holding a bank account.
1. Botim: From Calls to Global Money Transfers
Originally a VoIP calling app, Botim has transformed into a powerful fintech tool. In 2023, it launched the world's first in-chat international money transfer service in the UAE, India, and the Philippines.
Key Capabilities:
Transfer money to 170+ countries
Works through a partnership with Mastercard and regional fintech firms
Direct transfers to bank accounts or mobile wallets
Fully integrated with a built-in wallet feature for transaction tracking
Minimal to zero transfer fees for select corridors
Competitive exchange rates
Supported countries include India, Pakstan, the Philippines, and Egypt
24/7 service with real-time tracking
2. Careem Pay: Ride-Hailing Meets Money Transfers
Careem, best known as a ride-hailing platform, launched Careem Pay with a focus on personal finance. The service now covers domestic and international money transfers, bill payments, and more.
In 2022, Careem Pay rolled out its peer-to-peer transfer service, allowing users to send, request, or receive money via:
Phone number
Personal QR code
Personal payment link
all without the need for an IBAN or bank account.
Transfer Highlights:
Send money to 30+ countries
Foreign exchange rates are 50% cheaper than banks
Transfer limits:
Up to Dh45,000($12,253.50) per transaction
Up to Dh135,000 ($36,760.50) monthly
Supports UAE-issued debit cards
Offers instant or same-day delivery in certain corridors
Interface includes multilingual support
3. e& money: Telecom Giant's Leap into Fintech
Previously known as Etisalat Wallet, e& money is the fintech arm of the Emirates Telecom Group.
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Now licensed and regulated by the UAE Central Bank, the app offers a wide range of digital financial services.
Top Features:
International remittances to over 200 countries
Send funds directly to bank accounts or mobile wallets
Also supports local transfers, bill payments, mobile top-ups, and gifting
Offers competitive exchange rates and minimal fees
Fully smartphone-based interface
4. Taptap Send: Zero-Fee Transfers for Emerging Markets
Newer to the UAE market but popular globally, Taptap Send focuses on enabling fast, affordable transfers to developing nations, particularly in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.
App Features:
Zero transfer fees for countries like:
India
Ghana
Bangladesh
Competitive exchange rates
Delivery often within minutes
Extremely simple user interface
Fast registration process
5. LuLu Money: The Digital Face of LuLu Exchange
Operated by LuLu Exchange, LuLu Money is a remittance and payment app serving over 170 countries.
Key Benefits:
Transfer money using cash, prepaid card, or a linked digital wallet
Offers real-time exchange rate monitoring
Features flexible payout methods
Backed by strong regulatory compliance
Customers can track transactions easily
Includes loyalty points and developer tools for integration
6.
Al Ansari Exchange App
: The All-in-One 'Super-App'
A well-established name in UAE remittances, Al Ansari Exchange has digitized its services into a comprehensive mobile platform.
What It Offers:
Transfers via:
Online bank transfers
Credit/debit cards (Visa/Mastercard)
Direct debit
PayPlus card
Cash deposits at branches
Features include:
Real-time exchange rates
Rate-alert notifications
24/7 transfer service
Regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE
High-level encryption and fraud protection
7. Unimoni App: Transparency and Global Reach
Previously known as UAE Exchange, Unimoni is part of Wizz Financial/Finablr, headquartered in Abu Dhabi and operating in over 30 countries.
Service Range:
International money transfers
Foreign exchange
Travel and payment services
Credit solutions
Unique Advantages:
Uses live mid-market exchange rates
Small markups are built into rates, no flat hidden fees
Clear display of fees in UAE dirhams
For India transfers:
18% GST on the transfer fee or forex margin
5% TCS (Tax Collected at Source) on annual remittances above Dh30,500, as per Indian tax laws
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