Frequently Asked Questions

Send money to a mobile phone

How can I send money to a mobile phone?

If your receiver lives in a country where we offer this service, you can send money to their mobile phone.Make sure your receiver has activated a mobile wallet with one of our partner mobile phone operators in their country.

Check available destination countries and mobile networks.

In which currency are receivers paid?

Mobile money transfers are paid in the local currency of the receiver’s country.

How can you ensure that sending to a mobile phone is secure?

Senders need to provide identification to send money to a mobile wallet. Transactions comply with the regulations of the sender’s country and with those for cross-border remittances. Mobile phone operators secure their customers’ mobile wallets with a PIN and other security methods. Please check with your service provider for more information.

If your mobile phone is lost or stolen, contact your mobile operator and they will freeze or suspend your mobile wallet account for your protection.

How do I send money to a mobile phone?

If your receiver lives in a country where we offer this service, you can even send money to their mobile phone—so they can get their money quicker and easier than ever. Make sure your receiver has activated a mobile wallet with one of our partner mobile operators in their country.

Check available destination countries and mobile networks.

Can money be sent to any mobile phone?

Mobile money transfers can only be sent to mobile phones that belong to mobile phone operators that work with Western Union.

What about currency exchange rates?

Exchange rates for mobile money transfers will be calculated, applied and displayed when the money is sent, unless otherwise specified by local regulations.

Does the sender need to have a mobile phone?

No, the sender doesn’t need to have a mobile phone to send a mobile money transfer. However, if the sender does have a mobile phone and chooses to provide their number, they’ll get a text message to confirm that the money has been delivered or to alert them of any issues.

What’s a mobile wallet?

A mobile wallet is an electronic account that’s linked to a person’s mobile phone. Money can be electronically deposited and used in the same way as cash. Mobile wallets are used to pay for goods, public transportation and utilities, as well as for paying bills and withdrawing cash.

What if the sender gives an incorrect mobile number for the receiver?

Funds are sent based on the mobile number provided. To be sure that your money is transferred to the intended receiver, you must be sure to provide the correct mobile phone number.

How will the receiver know when they’ve received funds in their mobile wallet?

Receivers will get a text message from their mobile service provider to confirm that the money has been delivered or to alert them of any issues.

Which countries can receive money sent online by mobile phone?

Check available destination countries and mobile networks.