You can get money out of Mexico through banks, money transfer apps, and services like PayPal, Western Union, or Wise.
Residents can move money abroad safely, quickly, and with minimal fees if they choose the right method.
This article covers:
- How can I get money sent from Mexico?
- Does the Western Union app work in Mexico?
- Is Cash App in Mexico?
- Is Venmo available in Mexico?
- Does Mexico use the PayPal or Cash App?
- What information is required for an international transfer?
Key Takeaways:
- Mexicans can send money internationally via banks, Western Union, PayPal, and specialized transfer apps.
- Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App are mostly unavailable in Mexico.
- Fees, speed, and exchange rates vary depending on the service used.
- Double-checking recipient details and using trusted platforms reduces fraud and transfer errors.
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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.
How can someone from Mexico send you money?
A person in Mexico can send you money through banks, money transfer services, or apps.
Popular options include Western Union, PayPal, and bank wire transfers, as well as specialized services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Remitly.
Senders usually need your full name, bank account number, and in some cases, your SWIFT/BIC code.
Transfers can be sent in USD or Mexican Pesos, depending on the platform and your country of residence.
How to get money out of Mexico?
Residents in Mexico can send funds abroad using banks, money transfer services, online apps, or international ATMs.
The fastest and most cost-effective method is based on your transfer amount, speed, and the recipient’s access to banking.
1. Transfer funds through a bank. Use a local bank like BBVA or Citibanamex to send money internationally via SWIFT.
Banks are secure and ideal for large transfers, though they may take a few days and charge higher fees.
2. Send money via a money transfer service. Use Western Union or MoneyGram for cash pickups or direct bank transfers abroad.
These services are fast and convenient for recipients without bank accounts, but fees and exchange rates are higher than online-only platforms.
3. Use online transfer apps. Send money through PayPal, Wise, Remitly, or Xoom directly to international accounts.
Digital platforms offer lower fees, faster transfers, and transparent exchange rates, but usually require both sender and recipient to have bank accounts.
4. Withdraw foreign currency from international ATMs. Use a global debit or credit card to withdraw cash in the recipient currency.
This is convenient for small amounts or travelers, but may incur ATM fees and less favorable exchange rates.
What money transfer app works in Mexico?
The most reliable money transfer apps in Mexico are PayPal, Wise, Remitly, and Xoom.
Several apps allow residents in Mexico to send money internationally, each with unique features, costs, and speed.
- PayPal: A widely accepted platform for sending money abroad.
Pros: Easy to use, works in multiple countries, supports both USD and MXN.
Cons: Higher fees for currency conversion, slower for large transfers. - Wise (TransferWise): Offers low-cost international transfers using real exchange rates.
Pros: Transparent fees, fast bank-to-bank transfers, competitive exchange rates.
Cons: Only works for bank account transfers (no cash pickups), requires verification. - Remitly: Designed for speed and convenience, offering bank deposits and cash pickups.
Pros: Fast transfers, multiple payout options, good for smaller or urgent amounts.
Cons: Higher fees for instant delivery, exchange rates slightly marked up. - Xoom (by PayPal): Specialized for sending money from Mexico to international bank accounts or cash pickup locations.
Pros: Fast delivery, integrates with PayPal, multiple payout options.
Cons: Fees vary by payment method, exchange rate margins can be higher than Wise.
Does Mexico use Zelle or PayPal?
Zelle is not officially supported in Mexico, while PayPal is widely used for both domestic and international transfers.
PayPal supports payments in USD and Mexican Pesos, making it a convenient option for cross-border transactions.
Zelle cannot be used directly by Mexican residents, though some may try workarounds using US bank accounts, which is not a standard or reliable method.
Does Mexico use Western Union?
Yes, Western Union is widely available in Mexico and is commonly used for sending money abroad.
It allows cash pickups in multiple currencies or transfers directly to bank accounts, making it ideal for fast transfers or recipients without bank accounts.
Pros:
- Fast delivery, often within minutes for cash pickups
- Works for recipients without bank accounts
- Widely accessible with many agent locations across Mexico
Cons:
- Higher fees compared with online-only services
- Exchange rates may be less favorable than digital platforms
- Not ideal for large or repeated transfers due to cost
Does Mexico use Cash App?
Cash App is not supported in Mexico. Mexican residents cannot receive or send money through the platform as it is limited to the US and the UK.
Instead, residents should use alternatives like PayPal, Wise, Remitly, or Xoom, which are fully supported in Mexico and allow both bank-to-bank transfers and, in some cases, cash pickups.
For small, quick transfers, digital platforms like Wise or PayPal are usually faster and more cost-effective than attempting informal workarounds.
Can I use Venmo in Mexico?
No. Venmo is a US-only service, and Mexican residents cannot open accounts or process transactions through it.
Attempting to send or receive money via Venmo from Mexico requires a US bank account and is generally unreliable and not recommended.
Instead, residents could consider established international transfer services like PayPal, Wise, Remitly, or Western Union, which are regulated, secure, and provide tracking and confirmation features.
For recurring payments or business transactions, fintech apps like Wise can save on fees and ensure funds reach the recipient quickly.
What is the safest way to send money?
The safest way to send money from Mexico is to use banks or trusted money transfer services while verifying recipient details.
- Use reputable banks or money transfer services: Ensure the platform is licensed and has strong security measures.
- Confirm recipient information: Double-check names, account numbers, and addresses before sending.
- Avoid unverified platforms or cash drops: Never send money through insecure or informal channels.
- Use tracking and confirmation options: Services like PayPal or Western Union offer tracking to confirm the transfer reaches the intended recipient.
Which bank is best for international money transfer?
The best banks for international money transfers in Mexico are BBVA, Citibanamex, Santander, and HSBC, offering reliable service, competitive fees, and wide currency support.
- BBVA México:
Pros: Large network of branches, online banking, supports SWIFT transfers.
Cons: Higher fees for small transfers, slower processing for some currencies. - Citibanamex:
Pros: Wide international reach, integration with Citibank abroad, multiple currency support.
Cons: Exchange rates may include a markup, paperwork can be required. - Santander México:
Pros: Competitive transfer fees, user-friendly online banking for international transfers.
Cons: Limits on transfer amounts and occasional processing delays. - HSBC México:
Pros: Strong international presence, reliable for business and personal transfers.
Cons: Fees can be higher than online-only transfer apps, in-person verification may be needed.
Tip: For smaller, frequent, or urgent transfers, combining a bank with a low-fee transfer service like Wise or Remitly allows faster delivery and lower costs.
What is the best way to send money internationally?
The best way to send money internationally from Mexico is Wise for low fees, Western Union or Remitly for speed, and banks or PayPal for safety and reliability.
- Lowest fees: Wise (TransferWise) offers transparent charges and real exchange rates, making it ideal for cost-conscious transfers.
- Fastest transfers: Western Union and Remitly Express deliver funds within minutes, suitable for urgent payments.
- Safety and reliability: Bank wire transfers or established online platforms like PayPal ensure secure transactions with tracking and confirmation.
Although these options each excel in different areas, it is important to consider your specific goals and the potential drawbacks of each method to choose the best fit.
How much does it cost to do an international transfer?
International money transfers from Mexico generally cost between $5 and 4% of the transfer amount.
The exact cost varies by service, transfer amount, destination, and speed of delivery.
- Bank transfers: Fees usually range from $15 to $50 USD for standard SWIFT transfers, with exchange rate markups applied.
- Online transfer apps (Wise, Remitly, Xoom): Fees start around $5–$15 USD for smaller amounts, with low-cost percentage-based fees for larger sums.
- Money transfer services (Western Union, MoneyGram): Fees vary by amount, destination, and speed; for example, a $1,000 transfer via Western Union Money in Minutes costs approximately $41.90 USD.
- Exchange rate margins: Many services include a small percentage above the mid-market rate, which can increase the effective cost.
Comparing fees and exchange rates across multiple providers before sending money can save both time and money while ensuring the transfer meets your needs.
What information is needed to send money internationally?
To send money internationally from Mexico, you typically need the recipient’s full name, bank account or IBAN/SWIFT code, address, transfer amount, and currency.
- Recipient’s full name: Must match their official ID for the transfer to be accepted.
- Bank account number or IBAN/SWIFT code: Needed for bank-to-bank transfers.
- Recipient’s address: Sometimes required for compliance or verification.
- Amount and currency: Specify exactly what you are sending and in which currency.
- Purpose of the transfer: Certain services or countries may require this for regulatory compliance.
What are the risks of money transfers?
The main risks of sending money internationally from Mexico include fraud, high fees, delays, and errors in recipient information.
- Fraud or scams: Sending money to unknown or unverified parties can lead to loss of funds.
- High fees or poor exchange rates: Using unverified or less reputable services may result in excessive charges.
- Delays: Transfers can be slowed by bank holidays, verification processes, or regulatory checks.
- Incorrect recipient details: Errors in account numbers or names can prevent delivery or cause funds to be lost.
Will there be a tax on money transfers?
Money transfers from Mexico are generally not subject to taxes.
However, certain fees and reporting rules may apply based on the amount, the service used, or the recipient country’s regulations.
- Bank or service fees: Banks and money transfer services often charge a processing fee or apply a margin on exchange rates.
- Regulatory reporting: Large transfers may trigger reporting to Mexican authorities for anti-money laundering compliance, but this is for oversight, not a tax.
- Recipient country taxes: Some countries may impose taxes or fees on incoming international transfers.
- Personal income tax: Money sent from your own funds is typically not considered taxable income, though transfers related to business payments or investments may have tax implications.
Tip: Keep documentation of transfers and check both Mexican and recipient-country rules to avoid unexpected charges.
Comparing the Ease of Getting Money Out of Mexico vs China
It is generally easier for residents to transfer money out of Mexico than China due to fewer restrictions and more available platforms.
Mexico: Residents can use banks, licensed transfer services, and digital platforms like PayPal, Wise, Remitly, and Xoom.
Transfers are monitored for compliance, but limits are reasonable and multiple options exist for both cash and bank transfers.
China: Residents face strict capital controls for moving money out of China, with an annual foreign exchange limit of about 50,000 USD.
International transfers often require government approval, formal documentation, and limited access to fintech platforms, making the process slower and more restrictive.
Bottom line: Mexico offers more flexibility, faster processing, and broader options for sending money abroad, while China imposes regulatory limits and additional paperwork that make transfers more difficult.
Conclusion
Sending money internationally from Mexico is no longer limited to banks or expensive wire transfers.
With digital platforms like Wise, PayPal, and Remitly, residents can access faster, cheaper, and more transparent ways to move funds abroad.
Beyond cost and speed, the real advantage comes from choosing methods that match your lifestyle, whether you prioritize security, convenience, or accessibility for the recipient.
While technology makes transfers easier, thoughtful planning such as verifying recipient details, understanding fees, and keeping proper documentation, remains essential to avoid errors, fraud, or unnecessary costs.
Ultimately, the ability to move money efficiently opens opportunities for business, family support, and personal investments, giving residents in Mexico greater control over their finances in a globally connected world.
FAQs
How much is $100 US in Mexico?
$100 USD is roughly 2,000 MXN at typical exchange rates. Exchange rates fluctuate daily, so the exact amount may vary when you make the conversion.
What information do I need to send money to someone in Mexico?
You need the recipient’s full name, bank account number, and sometimes the SWIFT/BIC code, along with the transfer amount and currency.
How much does Western Union charge to send $1000?
For a $1,000 transfer, Western Union typically charges around $41.90 USD for the Money in Minutes service, not including any exchange rate margins.
Fees increase for larger amounts, with transfers above $1,000 generally charged 4% of the principal.
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