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If you need to send money to a recipient in India – perhaps to family or friend, or for business investment – then the easiest and best way to do so is via international money transfer.
An international money transfer works by moving an amount of money electronically from the sender’s bank account to a bank account overseas.
In 2016, India was the seventh most popular place Australians transferred money to.
International money transfer companies, based online, allow customers to set up accounts from where they can send money overseas. The customer pays the money to the transfer company who then, in turn, pays the money into the recipient’s bank account.
You can send money straight into an Indian bank account directly from your Australian one; your bank might even have a specific international money transfer service. Just be aware that banks may charge more expensive fees and exchange rates than other providers.
If you or your recipient would prefer your transfer in cash, then the sender simply needs to visit (either online or instore) a money transfer company, who can arrange for your transfer to be collected or delivered to your recipient in cash. If your recipient is collecting the cash transfer, then they’ll need to visit the transfer company’s local office to do so.
If you’re wanting to send money to India in the form of a cheque, you can purchase an international cheque from your bank, which you then post to your recipient in India. The recipient can then cash or deposit the cheque at their bank.
Before you make an international money transfer, you’ll first need to sign up to an account with your provider of choice (a bank or money transfer company).
You’ll need to provide your details (including name, address, banking details and some formal identification documents) in order for your provider to verify your identity.
Provide certain details about your recipient, including their address, bank account number and BSB, to your money transfer provider.
You’ll then need to choose the country you wish to send to, the currency you want to convert to, and the amount you wish to send; this will generate a quoted amount, which includes fees and exchange rates, which you’ll then pay to the provider.
The provider will, in turn, pay that amount to your recipient.
To receive internationally transferred money, you’ll first need to ensure that your sender has your correct details. Decide with your sender which way you’d like to receive the money.
You may be able to track the progress of your funds if your money transfer service provides a reference number.
The exact details you’ll need in order to send money to India will depend on your provider and your transfer method. Typically, you’ll need to provide your name, address, phone number and banking details. Some money transfer services may even require a government-issued ID as part of the identification process. You’ll also need to provide details of your recipient.
Transferring money to a recipient in India who doesn’t have a bank account may be possible through a cash transfer, however, availability of this service will depend on your provider. Check your provider’s international money transfer requirements to see if you are able to transfer money without your recipient needing to have a bank account.
Exchange rates can fluctuate at any time as they’re influenced by international factors, like trade and tourism. It’s important that the sender checks the exchange rate at the time of completing their transaction.
