Sending money overseas for the first time can feel overwhelming. There are exchange rates to understand, fees to compare, identity checks to complete, and decisions to make about how your recipient will receive the funds. If you are new to international transfers — whether you have just moved to Australia or New Zealand, or you are sending money home for the first time — this guide walks you through everything you need to know.
Step 1: Choose a money transfer provider
The first decision is which provider to use. Your options broadly fall into three categories:
Your bank: Most Australian and New Zealand banks offer international transfers, but they typically charge high flat fees and apply significant exchange rate markups — often 2–5% above the mid-market rate. This can mean your recipient receives substantially less than expected.
Specialist money transfer services: Providers like OrbitRemit are built specifically for international transfers. They typically offer lower fees, more competitive exchange rates, faster delivery, and more delivery options than banks — including mobile wallets and cash pickup.
Currency exchange desks: Physical locations at airports or shopping centres. Typically the most expensive option for international transfers due to high markups.
For most people sending money regularly from Australia or New Zealand, a specialist money transfer service offers the best combination of cost, speed and convenience.
What to compare when choosing a provider:
- The total amount your recipient will receive in their local currency (this accounts for both the fee and the exchange rate)
- Supported delivery methods (bank deposit, mobile wallet, cash pickup)
- Transfer speed
- Whether the provider is regulated in Australia or New Zealand
Step 2: Create an account and verify your identity
Once you have chosen a provider, you will need to create an account. With OrbitRemit, this is done entirely online — no branch visit required.
What you will need:
- An email address
- A valid government-issued photo ID — passport or driver’s licence
- A device with a camera for biometric verification
Identity verification is a legal requirement for all regulated money transfer providers in Australia and New Zealand. It is completed once, during your first transfer, via a quick biometric process that typically takes less than five minutes. You will not need to verify again for future transfers.
Step 3: Enter your transfer details
Once your account is set up, enter:
- The amount you want to send (in AUD or NZD)
- The destination country
- The delivery method (bank deposit, mobile wallet, or cash pickup — depending on what your recipient needs)
The provider will show you the exchange rate, the fee, and the exact amount your recipient will receive in their local currency — before you confirm anything. Always check this total before proceeding.
Step 4: Add your recipient’s details
You will need to enter your recipient’s details. What is required depends on the delivery method:
For bank deposit: Your recipient’s full name, bank name, and account number (and sometimes a branch code or SWIFT/BIC code depending on the country).
For mobile wallet (e.g. GCash, bKash, M-PAiSA): Your recipient’s full name and the mobile number registered to their wallet.
For cash pickup: Your recipient’s full name, date of birth, and address. They will also need to bring valid photo ID to collect.
Double-check all details before confirming. Incorrect account numbers or names are one of the most common causes of delayed or failed transfers.
Step 5: Pay for your transfer
Choose your payment method. From Australia, common options include:
- Bank transfer
- Debit card
- PayID
- Apple Pay or Google Pay
From New Zealand, common options include:
- Bank transfer
- Debit card
- POLi
Pay as soon as possible after creating your transfer. Most providers will not begin processing until payment is received.
Step 6: Track your transfer
Once your payment is received, your provider will process and send the transfer. You can track the status in real time from your account or app. Most transfers show one of these statuses:
- Awaiting payment: Your transfer has been created but payment has not yet arrived
- Processing: Payment received and transfer is being processed
- Paid / Complete: Funds have been delivered to your recipient
For a full guide to what each status means, see: What does my OrbitRemit transfer status mean?
Understanding fees and exchange rates
Two costs apply to almost every international transfer: the transfer fee and the exchange rate margin.
The transfer fee is the visible charge shown at checkout — for example, AUD 4 per transfer.
The exchange rate margin is less visible. It is the difference between the mid-market rate (what you see on Google) and the rate the provider offers you. A provider applying a 2% margin on a AUD 1,000 transfer effectively charges an extra AUD 20 — without it appearing as a separate fee.
The only accurate way to compare providers is to look at the total amount your recipient will receive in their local currency. This captures both costs in a single number.
OrbitRemit shows both the fee and the exchange rate upfront, and fixes the rate at the time of confirmation — so the amount shown is the amount your recipient receives. No surprises.
For a full explanation of how exchange rates work, see: What is an exchange rate?
Delivery options explained
How your recipient receives the funds depends on the delivery method you choose:
Bank deposit: Funds are transferred directly into your recipient’s bank account. Available to almost all destination countries. Requires your recipient’s bank account details.
Mobile wallet: Funds are sent directly to a mobile wallet app on your recipient’s phone — for example GCash (Philippines), bKash (Bangladesh), M-PAiSA (Fiji) or MyCash (Samoa, Tonga). Fast, convenient, and does not require a bank account.
Cash pickup: Your recipient collects cash in person from a partner location (bank branch, pawnshop, or agent). Requires a reference number and photo ID. Useful for recipients without bank accounts or mobile wallets, or in areas with limited banking infrastructure.
Choose the delivery method that best suits your recipient’s situation and access to financial services.
How to stay safe when sending money overseas
Only use regulated providers. In Australia, look for an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) number. In New Zealand, look for registration on the Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR) and supervision by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). Regulated providers are required to follow strict rules that protect your money and personal information.
Never send money to someone you have not met in person. International money transfers are a common vehicle for scams. If someone you do not know asks you to send money urgently — especially to an unfamiliar account — treat this as a red flag.
Double-check recipient details. Always verify account numbers, mobile wallet numbers, and recipient names with your recipient directly before confirming. Money sent to the wrong account can be very difficult to recover.
Use your own device and network. Avoid initiating transfers from public computers or unsecured WiFi networks.
FAQ’s (Frequently asked questions)
What do I need to send money overseas for the first time?
You need an account with a regulated money transfer provider, a valid government-issued photo ID for identity verification, your recipient’s bank account or mobile wallet details, and a payment method (bank transfer or debit card).
How long does an international money transfer take?
It depends on the provider, destination country and delivery method. Over 85% of OrbitRemit transfers arrive within 2 hours. Mobile wallet transfers and cash pickup typically arrive within minutes to a few hours. Some bank deposit transfers to certain corridors may take up to 1 business day. Transfers made on weekends or public holidays may take longer.
Is it safe to send money overseas online?
Yes, provided you use a regulated provider. In Australia, look for an AFSL number. In New Zealand, look for DIA supervision and FSPR registration. Regulated providers are required to hold customer funds in segregated accounts and follow strict compliance rules.
How much does it cost to send money overseas?
Costs vary by provider, destination and transfer amount. Costs typically include a flat transfer fee and an exchange rate margin. OrbitRemit charges flat fees from AUD or NZD 0 on some corridors, with fees varying by destination and delivery method — all shown upfront before you confirm. Transfers of AUD or NZD 10,000 or more are fee-free across all corridors. Always compare the total amount your recipient receives, not just the headline fee.
Do I need to verify my identity to send money overseas?
Yes. Identity verification is a legal requirement for all regulated money transfer providers in Australia and New Zealand. It is completed once when you first sign up and is not required again for future transfers unless triggered by compliance checks.
Can I send money overseas from New Zealand?
Yes. OrbitRemit supports transfers from both Australia (AUD) and New Zealand (NZD) to 52 destination countries. New Zealand customers can pay by bank transfer, debit card or POLi.
What happens if I enter the wrong recipient details?
Contact your provider immediately. If the transfer has not been processed yet, it may be possible to correct the details. Once a transfer has been sent to an incorrect account, recovery depends on the receiving bank’s cooperation and cannot be guaranteed. Always double-check details before confirming.
Send your first transfer with OrbitRemit
OrbitRemit has been helping Australians and New Zealanders send money home since 2008. Creating an account takes minutes, identity verification is completed online in under five minutes, and the full fee and exchange rate are shown upfront before you confirm.
- 52 destination countries from Australia and New Zealand
- Bank deposit, mobile wallets and cash pickup supported
- Identity verification completed once — online, no branch visit required
- Flat fees from AUD or NZD 0 on some corridors, varying by destination and delivery method — all shown upfront before you confirm. Transfers of AUD or NZD 10,000 or more are fee-free across all corridors
- Regulated by ASIC in Australia (AFSL: 470646) | DIA-supervised in New Zealand (FSP7721)
- Rated Excellent on Trustpilot from over 34,000 reviews
Fees, exchange rates, transfer speeds and delivery options vary by corridor and are subject to change. Always check current rates at orbitremit.com before sending. Last updated June 2026.
