Have you been searching for the best way to Send money to Nigeria from Australia?
Sending money overseas can seem complicated, but this guide covers the simple steps to transfer funds from Australia to Nigeria securely and affordably. Let’s get started!
Choosing a Remittance Provider
The first step is selecting a reputable money transfer service. Some popular options for sending money to Nigeria from Australia include:
Western Union
As one of the largest money transfer companies, Western Union offers fast transfers worldwide. Funds are generally available within minutes in Nigeria. However, fees tend to be on the higher side.
MoneyGram
Similar to Western Union in reach and speed of transfers. MoneyGram fees are usually lower though funds may take a bit longer to process.
Wise
Formerly TransferWise, Wise is a top-rated digital currency exchange offering competitive exchange rates and low transfer fees for international payments. Transfers take 1-3 business days on average.
Documents required to transfer money from Australia To Nigeria
To comply with anti-money laundering regulations, remittance companies require verification of your identity and source of funds. Be prepared to provide:
Passport or Driver’s License
For confirming your personal details match your transfer profile. Make sure it’s a valid government-issued ID.
Proof of Address
A utility bill, bank statement etc. dated within the last 3 months with your current address.
Income Documentation
Recent pay slips or tax returns to verify the origin of transferred funds.
Calculate the Exchange Rates and Fees
Compare live currency exchange rates across providers to get the best Australian dollar (AUD) to Nigerian naira (NGN) conversion rate. Remember exchange rates fluctuate daily:
Fees are usually a percentage of the transfer amount or a flat transaction charge. Ask about any additional recipient fees.
Consider transferring larger sums less frequently to minimize total fees paid per transfer.
Preferred versus standard speeds have tiered pricing – faster is more costly.
Initiate the Money Transfer
Now you can proceed with an international funds transfer online or at a branch location:
1 Create an online profile or log in
Provide contact details to receive transfer updates and receipts by email.
2. Select transfer amount and currency
Enter funds in AUD and state preferred currency at recipient’s end is NGN.
3. Input recipient details
Make sure to fill out names, location and other info correctly as on recipient’s ID to avoid delays.
4. Review fees and total amount
Confirm transfer details before initiating payment through linked bank account or debit/credit card.
How Recipients Receive Funds in Nigeria
There are a few pickup options commonly available in Nigeria, among these method include;
1 Cash Pickup at Agent Location
Most widely used. Recipient presents valid ID at Western Union, MoneyGram etc. agent locations nationwide to withdraw transferred funds in naira.
2. Bank Account Deposit
If recipient has a bank account, transfers can be directly credited. However, account ownership verification may be required by the bank first.
3. Mobile Wallet Credit
Providers like WorldRemit and TransferWise allow crediting funds to digital wallets like Paga, Opay etc. for cashless collections.
Tips for Smooth & Secure Transfers
Follow these good practices to avoid issues
- Double check all recipient details before submitting a transfer request.
- Contact the provider if funds are delayed more than expected duration.
- Inform recipients of expected transfers in advance via phone call or text.
- Share pick-up reference numbers/payment receipts securely through verified networks.
- Monitor your accounts closely and report any unauthorized activity immediately.
FAQs
Can OPay receive money from abroad?
Yes, OPay can receive money from abroad through its partnership with WorldRemit, enabling users to receive international transfers directly into their OPay mobile wallets in Nigeria.
What is the maximum transaction limit per transfer?
Limits vary by provider starting from as low as $100 to over $10,000 depending on verification levels. Most major institutions allow transferring up to $2,500-$5,000 per transaction.
How long does it take to receive money sent from Australia to Nigeria?
Receiving money sent from Australia to Nigeria can vary in speed. Typically, transfers can take minutes to a few business days depending on the service provider and payment method used.
For instance, with Western Union, transfers can take minutes to 2 days. Instarem offers instant transfers or up to 1-2 business days.
Revolut indicates that bank transfers from the UK to Nigeria can take 3-5 business days. WorldRemit mentions that 90% of transfers to Nigeria are sent within minutes
Conclusion
For people with contacts or business interests in Nigeria, transferring money from Australia remains easy and affordable using reliable providers like Western Union or Wise. Following verification protocols, comparing fees, and keeping your transfers within legal limits allows sending funds safely overseas in the easiest way possible. Let me know if you have any other money transfer related questions, do ask in the comment section.
