The Best Ways to Send Money to Mozambique

Many individuals and businesses need to send money internationally. Transferring funds efficiently and securely to Mozambique is important, whether for family support, personal finances, or commercial transactions. Understanding available methods and procedures helps ensure funds reach recipients without delays. This guide outlines the process for international money transfers.

Available Money Transfer Services

International money transfers use various services, each with unique models, speeds, and fees. Traditional bank wire transfers, via the SWIFT network, allow direct account transfers. They are reliable, secure, and usually take one to five business days. Fees range from $25 to $50 per transaction, potentially including charges from sending, intermediary, and receiving banks.

Online money transfer platforms offer an alternative, often with competitive exchange rates and lower fees. Companies like WorldRemit, Xe, Paysend, Remitly, Xoom, and Revolut allow transfers via websites or mobile apps. Transfers complete within minutes to a few business days, depending on the payout method. Fees involve a percentage of the amount, a fixed fee, or both, plus any exchange rate markup.

Cash pickup services (e.g., Western Union, MoneyGram, Xoom, Mukuru) allow recipients to collect funds in cash at designated agent locations in Mozambique. They are fast, with funds available within minutes. While convenient for urgent needs, fees can be higher for smaller amounts, and exchange rates may have wider margins. Fees depend on the amount, destination, and agent location.

Essential Information and Documentation

Both sender and recipient must gather specific information and documentation for a smooth transaction. U.S. senders need valid government-issued identification (e.g., passport, state driver’s license, national ID card). Proof of address (e.g., utility bill, bank statement) may be required. Senders also need financial details, such as bank account and routing numbers for direct debits, or credit/debit card information.

The recipient in Mozambique must provide specific details for successful fund delivery. Their full legal name, exactly as on their official identification, is mandatory to avoid delays. Their physical address and a valid contact phone number are also needed for communication and verification. Depending on the receiving method, additional information like their bank account number and SWIFT/BIC code may be required for direct bank deposits.

For mobile money transfers, the recipient’s mobile money account number, linked to a registered service, is required. For cash pickup, the recipient needs valid identification (e.g., national ID card, passport) matching the sender’s provided name. Accurate information is crucial; minor discrepancies can lead to delays, rejections, or returned funds. Preparing these details in advance helps prevent issues.

Initiating Your Money Transfer

With all information prepared, initiate the money transfer through your chosen service provider. Access their platform (online portal, mobile app, or agent location) to begin. Select Mozambique as the destination and input the U.S. dollar transfer amount. The system displays the equivalent Mozambican Metical (MZN) amount the recipient will receive, including exchange rate and fees.

Next, the sender enters the recipient’s full legal name, physical address, and contact number. For bank transfers, provide the recipient’s bank name, account number, and SWIFT/BIC code. For mobile money transfers, the recipient’s mobile money account number is required. The platform then presents a transaction summary (send amount, exchange rate, fees, expected payout) for review.

After reviewing the summary, select your payment method. Options include direct debit, debit/credit card, or cash payment at an agent location. Once processed, the sender receives a confirmation with a unique transaction reference or tracking number. This number allows both sender and recipient to track the transfer and collect funds.

Recipient Fund Collection

After the sender initiates the transfer, the recipient in Mozambique must collect funds based on the payout method. For cash pickup, the recipient needs the transaction reference number and valid identification (e.g., Mozambican national ID, passport). They visit a designated agent location, present their ID and reference number, and sign for the funds.

For direct bank transfers, funds are credited to the recipient’s account within the estimated time frame (minutes to several business days). Recipients can access funds via standard banking channels (e.g., ATM withdrawals, online banking, local branch visits). A reference number is not needed for collection, as funds are automatically deposited. The recipient should monitor their bank account balance to confirm arrival.

If money was sent to a mobile money wallet, funds appear in the recipient’s mobile money account. Services like M-Pesa, e-Mola, and mKesh are widely used in Mozambique. Recipients can use funds from their mobile phone for transactions (e.g., payments, purchases, cash withdrawals at authorized agents). They can check their balance via a USSD code or the mobile money application. Recipients should know the expected amount and sender’s name to verify accuracy upon collection.