Sending money home from Saudi Arabia: how do I compare fees and exchange rates?

Compare the amount that arrives rather than the fee alone, and know that SAMA requires bank-affiliated exchange and remittance centres to agree the fee and exchange rate with you before completing a transfer.

What SAMA's rules require

• Exchange and remittance centres affiliated with banks must agree transfer fees and exchange rates with the customer in advance and document it (SAMA circular 43098769, June 2022).
• Remittance centres must display prices, commissions and fees prominently, clearly and without misleading customers.
• They must have a clear, effective complaints mechanism and explain how long complaints take.
• For expatriates, after three months or once the iqama is issued, transfers go through bank accounts or express transfer systems, and the customer number is based on the iqama number.

How to compare

1. Get quotes for the same amount from two or three providers on the same day.
2. Compare the amount your family will receive, because a better exchange rate can outweigh a lower fee.
3. Check how the money arrives (bank deposit, cash pickup or wallet) and how long it takes.
4. Keep the confirmation in case you need to complain.

Official sources

• SAMA Rulebook: Rules of Receiving Financial Transfers for Remittance or Currency Exchange
• SAMA Rulebook: Guide to Rules Governing Banks' Remittance Centers
• SAMA Rulebook: Expatriates and Visitors in Saudi Arabia

On Saudi Expats: compare providers side by side with the remittance comparison tool.

Checked September 2026. Exchange rates move, so compare quotes on the day you send.

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