Last updated: Oct 2026
Sending money home is one of the most important things many of us do every month. The good news is that there are more options than ever. The catch is that the cheapest looking fee is not always the best deal. This guide explains how to compare.
What changed: the birr now floats
On 29 July 2024, the National Bank of Ethiopia moved from a managed exchange rate to a market based one. Banks can now buy and sell foreign currency at rates they set. In practice, this means every bank and transfer company quotes its own rate, and rates move day to day. Always check the rate on the day you send.
How your family can receive money
- Bank deposit into an Ethiopian bank account. Many providers pay into the major banks.
- Cash pickup at a bank branch or agent. Useful for relatives without an account.
- Mobile wallet, most commonly telebirr. Fast and convenient for recipients with a phone.
Main options compared
| Provider | Payout options in Ethiopia | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| WorldRemit | Bank deposit, cash pickup, mobile wallet | Shows fee and rate upfront; can pay ETB or USD into select accounts |
| Remitly | Bank deposit, cash pickup, mobile wallet | Express delivery when paying by debit or credit card, where available; new customer offer on the first transfer |
| Western Union | Cash pickup, mobile wallet | Says it has thousands of agent locations in Ethiopia; sending from a US bank account can take up to four business days |
| Wise | Bank deposit (ETB) | Uses the mid market rate and shows its fee upfront; pays into local bank accounts only |
| Dahabshiil | Bank account, cash pickup, digital wallet | Long established in the Horn of Africa; app and online sending |
We are deliberately not printing fees. Fees depend on the amount, how you pay (card or bank), the payout method and promotions, and they change often. Each provider has a calculator that shows the exact cost before you send.
How to compare properly
- Enter the same amount in each provider’s calculator.
- Look at the total birr your recipient gets, not just the fee.
- Check the delivery time and the payout method your family actually wants.
- Watch for first transfer promotions. They are real, but they usually apply once.
- Keep your receipt and tracking number until the money is collected.
Diaspora accounts
If you send regularly, an Ethiopian bank diaspora account may suit you. Major banks offer foreign currency diaspora accounts and birr savings accounts for Ethiopians abroad. See our guide comparing Ethiopian banks.
Find a local agent
Prefer to send in person? Browse money transfer services on your city hub, such as Washington DC metro or Seattle.
Featured image: أشرف اليماني, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.