How to Send Money to the Philippines From Canada

Sending money internationally is common, especially for those supporting family across borders. The need to transfer funds from Canada to the Philippines is frequent, driven by a significant Filipino diaspora. This article guides you through the process, ensuring funds reach their destination efficiently and securely.

Choosing Your Transfer Method

Several reliable options exist for sending money from Canada to the Philippines, each with distinct characteristics regarding speed, cost, and accessibility. Online money transfer services have gained popularity due to their convenience and competitive offerings. Companies like Remitly, Wise, WorldRemit, Xe, Paysend, RemitBee, and ACE Money Transfer provide digital platforms or mobile applications for initiating transfers, often featuring competitive exchange rates and transparent fees. Some services, such as Remitly and ACE, are known for their speed, with transfers often completing within minutes.

Traditional wire transfers through banks remain an option, though they typically involve higher fees and slower processing times compared to specialized online services. Cash pickup services, offered by providers like Western Union and MoneyGram, allow recipients to collect funds in person at designated agent locations in the Philippines. Mobile wallet transfers, increasingly available through services like GCash and Maya, allow direct deposits into a recipient’s digital wallet, providing a convenient and fast method for fund access. When comparing methods, consider both the advertised fees and the exchange rate offered, as some providers may incorporate additional costs into less favorable exchange rates.

Preparing Your Transfer Details

Before initiating any money transfer, gathering all necessary information and documentation is important. Senders in Canada will typically need to provide government-issued identification, such as a passport or driver’s license, along with proof of address, to comply with Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations.

The recipient’s details are equally important and must be accurate to avoid delays. This includes their full legal name, exactly as it appears on their official identification, and their complete address and contact number in the Philippines. The exact amount to be sent and the purpose of the transfer should also be clear before starting the transaction.

For Bank Transfers

For bank transfers, the sender will need the recipient’s bank name, branch, account number, and the bank’s SWIFT/BIC code. A SWIFT code is an international bank identifier.

For Cash Pickup

For cash pickup, the recipient will need a valid government-issued ID that matches the name provided by the sender, such as a Philippine passport, driver’s license, or various other local IDs.

For Mobile Wallet Transfers

For mobile wallet transfers, the mobile number linked to the recipient’s e-wallet is required.

Executing the Money Transfer

Once the transfer method has been chosen and all required details are gathered, executing the money transfer typically follows a straightforward process. For most online or app-based services, the first step involves creating an account or logging into an existing one.

After logging in, the sender will select the destination country, which is the Philippines, and specify the currency for the transfer. The amount to be sent in Canadian Dollars is entered, and the system will display the corresponding amount the recipient will receive in Philippine Pesos, along with any applicable fees and the exchange rate.

The next step involves inputting the sender and recipient details into the platform. This includes the sender’s payment information and the recipient’s chosen payout method, such as bank deposit, cash pickup, or mobile wallet. Senders can typically pay for the transfer using various methods, including bank transfers, debit or credit cards, or Interac e-Transfer.

After reviewing all the transaction details, the sender confirms the transaction. Upon successful submission, a confirmation email or SMS is usually sent, often containing a tracking number or reference number.

Recipient Actions and Fund Access

The recipient in the Philippines accesses the funds based on the payout method selected by the sender. For bank deposits, funds are credited directly to their bank account, and they can typically check their balance to confirm receipt.

For cash pickup, the sender should inform the recipient about the transfer and provide them with the unique tracking or reference number. The recipient must then visit a designated cash pickup location, such as a specific bank branch, pawnshop, or remittance center. To collect the funds, the recipient will need to present a valid government-issued identification that precisely matches the name provided by the sender, along with the tracking number.

For mobile wallet transfers, funds are usually credited directly to the recipient’s mobile wallet account, such as GCash or Maya. The recipient can typically verify the receipt of funds by checking their mobile wallet balance.