If you are currently staying overseas and wondering how to send money from Egypt to USA, this guide will help you find the best methods for sending money across borders.
Whether you’re a student studying abroad, an expat sending money back to your home country, or a business owner working with partners in the USA, knowing how to send money efficiently and affordably is crucial.
Being familiar with the options available for sending money from Egypt to the USA can help individuals and businesses save time and money while conducting international financial transactions.
If you want to invest as an expat or high-net-worth individual, which is what I specialize in, you can email me (advice@adamfayed.com) or use WhatsApp (+44-7393-450-837).
If you are sending money to the US to invest, it can be more productive to invest in overseas investments directly from Egypt.
What is the process of sending money from Egypt to USA?
The process of sending money from Egypt to the USA may vary depending on the method chosen and the institution used.
However, in general, the first step is choosing a money transfer service. There are various money transfer services available, such as banks, money transfer companies, and online platforms. It is important to choose a reputable and licensed service provider that offers competitive exchange rates and low fees.
Next, you will have to register with the service provider. In most cases, you will need to provide personal and financial information, including identification documents and proof of address.
Then, you will be required to provide the recipient’s details. You will need to provide the recipient’s name, address, and account or cash pickup details. Once done, you can initiate the transfer by paying the required amount in Egyptian pounds.
Most service providers will provide you with a reference number or a tracking number that you can use to track the status of your transfer. The recipient in the USA will receive the funds in US dollars, either in their bank account or as cash pickup.
What are the different money transfer options available for sending money from Egypt to the USA?
There are various options available for sending money from Egypt to USA. Each option comes with its own set of fees, exchange rates, and delivery times, so it’s important to do your research and choose the option that best suits your needs.
Bank wire transfer
You can send money from a bank in Egypt to a bank in the USA using a wire transfer. It is generally considered a reliable method as the money is transferred directly from one bank to another.
It typically can be completed within a few days, making it faster than some other methods of money transfer. It can also be used to transfer large amounts of money, making them a good option for businesses or individuals who need to transfer significant sums.
However, bank wire transfers can be relatively expensive, as banks may charge fees for both the sending and receiving of the funds. It may charge an extra fee for currency conversion and the rate may not be as favorable as other options.
The process can also be complex and time-consuming, requiring the sender to provide detailed information about the recipient and the purpose of the transfer.
There is also a risk of fraud when sending money via bank wire transfer, as the sender must provide sensitive information such as their bank account number.
Online money transfer services
There are several online money transfer services, such as PayPal, Western Union, and MoneyGram, that allow you to send money from Egypt to the USA quickly and securely.
This type of service can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection and transactions can be completed quickly, often within a matter of minutes.
Some online money transfer services also charge lower fees than traditional bank wire transfers, making them a more cost-effective option for sending money.
As with bank wire transfers, there is also a risk of fraud when using online money transfer services. Sending money online may raise some security concerns, such as the risk of hackers accessing personal information.
Online money transfer services may not also be available in all countries or may have restricted access to certain countries or regions.
The rate offered by the service may not be as favorable as other options, and they may also charge a fee for currency conversion. Some also impose limits on the amount of money that can be transferred at one time.
Prepaid debit cards
You can purchase a prepaid debit card in Egypt and load it with the amount of money you want to send. The recipient in the USA can then use the card to withdraw cash or make purchases.
These prepaid debit cards can be used like regular debit or credit cards, making it easy for recipients to access the funds in the USA.
It offers a more secure way than carrying cash, as it can be canceled or replaced if lost or stolen.
They are also widely accepted in the USA and can be used for purchases or cash withdrawals. They have a similar interface to regular debit/credit cards, making it easy for users to navigate and complete transactions.
However, prepaid debit cards may come with high costs, such as activation fees, monthly maintenance fees, and transaction fees. There may also be additional fees for currency conversion.
It usually has limits on the amount of money that can be loaded on the card, or may only be accepted by certain merchants. Additionally, if the card is lost, the funds may be lost as well, unless there is a way to retrieve the funds.
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies
You can use a cryptocurrency exchange in Egypt to purchase Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency, and then send it to the recipient in the USA. They can then exchange it for US dollars.
Cryptocurrencies are decentralized, meaning they are not controlled by any government or institution, which can provide more privacy and security. Transactions using cryptocurrencies are also borderless and can be made without the need for intermediaries.
Transactions with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies can be completed quickly, often within a matter of minutes. They also have low transaction fees compared to other methods of money transfer.
But, it is important to know that the value of cryptocurrencies is highly volatile, which means that the value of the money you send could change significantly before the recipient receives it.
The process of using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies can also be complex and difficult for some people to understand and use. And since they are not yet widely accepted, and their use is not yet regulated in many countries, it is difficult to use them for legal transactions.
There is also a high risk of fraud as transactions are irreversible and the value of the currency can be affected by market fluctuations. Cryptocurrency transactions require a digital wallet to store the currency, and if the wallet is hacked or the private keys are stolen, the funds may be lost.
Foreign exchange companies
Another method is to use a foreign exchange company in Egypt to convert Egyptian pounds to US dollars and send the funds to the recipient in the USA.
Foreign exchange companies often offer more competitive exchange rates than banks, which can result in more money being received by the recipient.
Transactions can also be completed quickly, often within a day or two. Many foreign exchange companies also have physical locations, as well as online platforms, making it easy to send money from Egypt to the USA.
One consideration, however, is that they charge higher fees than banks for their services, which can eat into the amount of money being sent.
Foreign exchange companies may not also be available in all countries or regions or may have restricted access to certain countries. They also usually have limited services and may not have a full range of options for customers.
Money order
Another money-sending option is to purchase a money order in Egypt and mail it to the recipient in the USA.
Money orders are a secure and guaranteed form of payment, as they are prepaid and issued by a government agency or financial institution, which reduces the risk of fraud.
They can also be purchased at a variety of locations, including post offices, banks, and convenience stores, which makes them easily accessible for both the sender and the recipient.
But aside from higher fees than other forms of money transfer, money orders can take longer to process and clear than others. This can delay the receipt of funds for the recipient.
Some money orders may also have lower limits on the amount of money that can be transferred, which can limit their usefulness for larger transactions.
Mobile wallet
Some mobile wallets providers, such as Vodafone cash and Orange cash, allow you to send money to other users or withdraw money from ATMs.
These apps allow for easy and quick money transfers from anywhere with a smartphone and internet connection.
They are less expensive than traditional bank transfers or money transfer services and often use encryption and other security measures to protect users’ financial information.
But, not all countries have fully developed mobile payment systems, so recipients in the USA may not be able to access the money sent to them through a mobile wallet.
Users may also experience technical issues that can cause delays or complications in money transfers.
Cash pickup
For non-techy individuals, some money transfer services allow you to send money to the USA for cash pickup at a nearby agent location.
Cash pickup locations can be found in many areas, making it easy for recipients to access the money. The transaction can be done quickly and money can often be picked up within a few hours of the transfer being made.
Recipients also do not need a bank account to receive money through cash pickup. However, they may charge high fees for the convenience of picking up cash in person.
Some cash pickup services may also have limits on the amount of money that can be transferred in a single transaction. It is worth noting though that not all countries have the same wide coverage of cash pickup locations as some other countries. The exchange rate may also vary between different companies.
What are the potential legal or regulatory issues that may arise when sending money from Egypt to the USA?
There may be several legal and regulatory issues that may arise when sending money from Egypt to the USA.
Some of these issues may include compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and countering the financing of terrorism (CFT) regulations, foreign exchange controls, and compliance with know-your-customer (KYC) requirements.
To navigate these issues, it is important to work with a reputable and licensed money transfer service that is compliant with all relevant regulations in both Egypt and the USA.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that all necessary documentation, such as identification documents and proof of source of funds, are gathered and provided to the money transfer service.
It is also a good idea to check with the Central Bank of Egypt and the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to ensure that there are no current sanctions or embargoes in place that may prohibit or restrict the transfer of money between Egypt and the USA.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sending money from Egypt to the USA can be done through various channels, such as banks, money transfer services, and online platforms.
However, it is important to be aware of the laws and regulations that govern international money transfers. It is also important to consider the fees and exchange rates associated with different transfer options and to compare them before making a decision.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that all the necessary documentation and identification are in order and to keep records of the transaction for your reference and in case of any future disputes.
Before sending money, it is also important to ensure that the recipient’s information is correct and that the money is being sent for a legal and legitimate purpose.
Overall, sending money from Egypt to the USA can be a simple process with the right preparation and knowledge. It’s always good to do your research, compare options and understand the regulations before making a decision.
Pained by financial indecision? Want to invest with Adam?
Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters, with over 760.2 million answer views on Quora.com, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.
