Whether you’re supporting family abroad, paying international bills, or sending a gift to loved ones overseas, sending money internationally from Australia has never been more straightforward. But with so many options available — from traditional banks to online money transfer services — knowing how to choose the right provider can save you significant time and money.
This guide covers everything you need to know about how to send money overseas from Australia in 2026, including the best methods, what fees to watch out for, and how to get the most out of your transfer.
Ways to send money overseas from Australia
There are several ways to send money internationally from Australia. Each option varies in cost, speed and convenience.
1. Online money transfer services
Online money transfer services — sometimes called remittance providers or international transfer apps — are the most popular choice for Australians sending money overseas. Providers like OrbitRemit operate entirely online, with lower overheads than banks, allowing them to offer more competitive exchange rates and lower fees.
Advantages:
- Lower fees than traditional banks
- Competitive exchange rates
- Fast transfers — often same day or within 1–2 working days
- Easy to use via app or website
- Real-time transfer tracking
Best for: Regular transfers, remittances to family, and anyone looking for the best value.
2. Traditional banks
Most Australian banks — including Commonwealth Bank, NAB, Westpac, ANZ and others — offer international wire transfers. While convenient if you already bank with them, bank transfers typically come with higher fees and less favourable exchange rates compared to specialist transfer services.
Advantages:
- Familiar and trusted
- Integrated with your existing accounts
Disadvantages:
- Higher transfer fees — often $20–$30 or more per transfer
- Less competitive exchange rates
- Slower processing times — typically 2–5 working days
Best for: Occasional large transfers where convenience outweighs cost.
3. Cash transfer and pickup services
Providers like Western Union allow you to send money that a recipient can collect in cash from a physical location. This can be useful for recipients without a bank account, but typically comes with higher fees and less competitive exchange rates.
Advantages:
- Useful for unbanked recipients
- Widespread pickup network in many countries
Disadvantages:
- Higher fees
- Less competitive exchange rates
- Requires recipient to travel to a pickup location
Best for: Recipients without bank accounts or mobile wallets.
4. Mobile wallets
Many countries now support international transfers directly to mobile wallets — such as GCash (Philippines), bKash (Bangladesh), eSewa (Nepal) and Alipay (China). Some online transfer services, including OrbitRemit, support direct mobile wallet delivery alongside bank transfers.
Advantages:
- Fast delivery — often within minutes
- Convenient for recipients without traditional bank accounts
- Widely used across Asia and the Pacific
Best for: Recipients in countries with widespread mobile wallet adoption.
What to look for when choosing a money transfer service
Not all international money transfer providers are equal. Here are the key factors to compare before sending:
Transfer fees
Some providers charge a flat fee per transfer, others charge a percentage of the amount sent, and some claim to be “fee-free” but build their margin into the exchange rate. Always check the total cost — fee plus exchange rate — before confirming.
Exchange rates
The exchange rate determines how much your recipient actually receives. Even a small difference in the rate can significantly affect the final amount, especially for larger transfers. Compare the rate offered to the mid-market rate (the rate you’ll see on Google) to understand the true cost.
Transfer speed
Transfer times vary significantly between providers and destinations. Some transfers arrive the same day, others take 1–3 working days, and bank-to-bank international wires can take up to 5 working days. If timing matters — for example, sending money for a festival or emergency — always check the estimated delivery time before confirming.
Supported countries and currencies
Not every provider supports every destination. Always confirm your recipient’s country and currency are supported before registering.
Delivery options
Some corridors support multiple delivery methods — bank deposit, mobile wallet, or cash pickup. If your recipient doesn’t have a bank account, make sure your chosen provider offers an alternative.
Security and regulation
Only use providers that are regulated by the appropriate Australian authorities. Legitimate money transfer services operating in Australia should be registered with AUSTRAC (Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre) and regulated by ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission).
How to send money overseas from Australia with OrbitRemit
OrbitRemit is an Australian and New Zealand-based money transfer service offering fast, secure international transfers to 50+ countries with competitive exchange rates and low fees.
Step 1: Create an account
Register online or download the OrbitRemit app. New customers complete a one-time biometric verification — a quick identity check required under Australian financial regulations.
📋 How to complete biometric verification →
Step 2: Set up your transfer
- Select your destination country and currency
- Enter the amount you want to send in AUD, or the amount your recipient should receive
- Review the exchange rate and fee shown upfront — no hidden charges
Use OrbitRemit’s currency calculator to compare live rates before committing.
Step 3: Add your recipient
Enter your recipient’s details. Depending on the destination, this may include:
- Full legal name
- Bank account details
- Mobile wallet number (for supported wallets)
- Identification details (for cash pickup)
Step 4: Choose your payment method
Pay for your transfer using:
- Bank transfer
- Debit card
- PayID
- Apple Pay or Google Pay
Step 5: Track your transfer
Once payment is received, OrbitRemit processes your transfer. Track its progress in real time from your account or app.
How much does it cost to send money overseas from Australia?
Transfer costs vary by provider and destination. With OrbitRemit, fees are low and transparent — shown upfront before you confirm. Many popular corridors from Australia are completely free:
| Destination | OrbitRemit Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| India | $0 — free |
| Bangladesh | $0 — free |
| Pakistan | $0 — free |
| South Korea | $0 — free |
| Thailand | $0 — free |
| Vietnam | $0 — free |
| United Kingdom | $0 — free |
| Nepal | $0 — free |
| South Africa | $1 |
| Fiji | $1 |
| Malaysia | $2 |
| Samoa | $2 |
| Bhutan | $4 |
| Philippines | $4 (bank); $0 for GCash |
| Indonesia | $4 |
| USA | $4 |
| Hong Kong | $6 |
Transfers of $10,000 AUD or more are fee-free regardless of destination. All fees shown upfront before you confirm.
How long does it take to send money overseas from Australia?
Transfer times depend on the provider, destination and payment method. With OrbitRemit, most transfers arrive quickly:
| Destination | Typical Transfer Time |
|---|---|
| India | Same business day |
| Bangladesh | 1–2 working days |
| Nepal | Same business day |
| Philippines | Same day |
| Vietnam | 1–2 working days |
| Thailand | 1–2 working days |
| Indonesia | Same business day |
| Malaysia | 1–2 working days |
| United Kingdom | 1–3 working days |
| USA | 1–3 working days |
Transfers made on weekends or public holidays may take slightly longer. Estimated delivery time is always shown before you confirm.
Tips for getting the best exchange rate
1. Compare the total cost, not just the fee A provider advertising “$0 fees” may offer a worse exchange rate than a provider charging a small flat fee. Always compare the total amount your recipient will receive.
2. Use a specialist transfer service, not your bank Banks typically add a significant margin to the exchange rate on top of their transfer fees. Specialist services like OrbitRemit are typically much more cost-effective.
3. Check the rate before you send Exchange rates move throughout the day. Use OrbitRemit’s currency calculator to check the live rate before committing to a transfer.
4. Consider transfer limits If you need to send a large amount, check the transfer limits for your chosen provider and destination. With OrbitRemit, transfers of $10,000 AUD or more are fee-free.
5. Set up rate alerts OrbitRemit’s app allows you to set rate alerts — so you’re notified when the exchange rate reaches your target, helping you send at the best possible time.
Is it safe to send money overseas from Australia?
Yes — provided you use a regulated, licensed provider. In Australia, legitimate money transfer services must be:
- Registered with AUSTRAC as a remittance provider
- Regulated by ASIC under the Australian Financial Services framework
OrbitRemit holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) number: 470646 and is registered with AUSTRAC (registration number: 100439420). Every transfer is protected by industry-leading encryption and fraud detection systems.
Always verify a provider’s regulatory credentials before sending. You can check AUSTRAC’s register of remittance providers at austrac.gov.au.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the cheapest way to send money overseas from Australia?
The cheapest way to send money overseas from Australia is typically through a specialist online money transfer service rather than a traditional bank. Services like OrbitRemit offer low flat fees and competitive exchange rates, with many popular corridors — including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Vietnam and the UK — completely free from AUD.
How long does an international transfer take from Australia?
Transfer times vary by provider and destination. With OrbitRemit, most transfers arrive within the same business day or 1–2 working days. Bank-to-bank international wires through traditional banks can take 2–5 working days.
Do I need to pay tax on international money transfers from Australia?
Sending money overseas for personal reasons — such as supporting family — is generally not subject to income tax in Australia. However, if you are sending money for business purposes or investment, you should consult a tax professional. The ATO may require reporting of certain international transactions.
Is there a limit on how much money I can send overseas from Australia?
There is no legal cap on how much money you can send overseas from Australia, but individual providers set their own transfer limits. With OrbitRemit, limits vary by destination — check the relevant corridor page for details. Transfers over a certain threshold may require additional identity verification under AUSTRAC’s anti-money laundering requirements.
What details do I need to send money overseas?
Requirements vary by destination and delivery method, but typically include:
– Recipient’s full legal name
– Bank account details (account number, BSB, IBAN or – SWIFT/BIC depending on the country)
– Contact details
For mobile wallet transfers, you’ll need the recipient’s registered mobile number.
For cash pickup, identification details are required.
Can I send money overseas from a business account in Australia?
Yes. OrbitRemit supports business account transfers to many destinations, including India, Canada, Europe, the UK, Indonesia, Malaysia and more. Business transfers are subject to standard verification and compliance checks.
Start sending money overseas from Australia today
Sending money internationally from Australia is straightforward when you use the right provider. OrbitRemit offers Australians a fast, secure and cost-effective way to send money to 50+ countries — with low fees, competitive exchange rates, and transfers that typically arrive within the same business day or 1–2 working days.
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