Frequently Asked Questions

Receive money

Receiving money in Argentina

If you receive a money transfer in Argentina, you need to complete a one-time registration within 90 days of getting it.

Also, if you receive 2 additional transfers within that 90-day period (a total of 3 transfers), you will need to register before you can pick up the third transfer.

To get you registered, we will contact you within 24 hours of the transfer at the number provided by your sender. You will be asked to provide additional identifying information on an online form used for registering transfer

How can my receiver get the money?

1. Cash pickup at an agent location

Your receiver can pick up the money at any nearby Western Union location. They need to complete the To Receive Money Form (TRMF) and provide their government-issued photo ID4, along with the following information:

  • Tracking number (MTCN)
  • Sender’s complete name
  • Sender’s country state/city/province
  • Expected amount

2. Bank transfer

The money is sent to the receiver’s bank account you provided when you sent the transfer.

3. Mobile wallet

The money is sent to your receiver’s mobile wallet. Your receiver can visit their mobile network operator to receive the cash.

Note: You must be at least 18 years old to send or receive money with Western Union.

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4 We might ask your receiver to provide additional details for identity verification.

 

What does my receiver need to pick up the money transfer?

Your receiver can pick up their money from any of our agent locations. They just need to provide the following:

  • Tracking number (MTCN)
  • Sender’s and receiver’s full names
  • Expected amount
  • Your government-issued photo ID
  • Sender’s country and state/city/province

What are acceptable ID documents for picking up money?

Please be aware that as of 26th June 2017, you are required to show identification to send and receive money from an agent location in the United Kingdom. You are required to present one of the following documents for any transfer up to the value of 5000 GBP:

  • Current signed passport
  • Current full driving licence (EU) and provisional licence (UK only)
  • National identity card (EU only with the exception of UK)
  • EU residency card
  • Emergency / Temporary passport
  • Emergency travel documents
  • Ships Passport

Receiving money in China

  1. If you’re the receiver, you may need to complete a one-time registration before you can get the money.
  2. If you need to register, you will be contacted within 24 hours by us at the number provided by your sender.
  3. To register and confirm your identity, you will need:
    • The tracking number (MTCN)
    • Confirm your bank card number
    • Confirm your Chinese name as it appears on your government-issued ID
    • Your government-issued ID

4. If the receiver cannot be contacted within 3 days, we will not be able to complete the transfer, and the sender will be issued a refund.

5. You can also conctact Customer Care to provide your identity information.

 

How long will it take for my money to reach my receiver?

It typically takes up to 1-2 business days after the transfer is processed, for the money to be ready for pickup at an agent location or to be credited to your receiver’s bank account or credit or debit card.
The duration may, however, vary depending on the receiving country and the transfer amount.

How do I pick up a money transfer?

You can pick up your money at any agent location. You’ll need to provide the following information:

  • Tracking number (MTCN)
  • Origin country
  • Sender’s name
  • Amount
  • Valid identification

Some restrictions may apply.

Receiving money in Colombia

The Government of Colombia will require you to register if you receive a transfer in Colombia that exceeds its cash and frequency limits.

If you know you need to register, you can call Western Union’s Colombian partner, Giros y Finanzas, at any of the numbers below.

You can also wait for Giros y Finanzas to call you. They will try to contact you up to 3 times in the 15 days after we send the money. If Giros y Finanzas cannot reach you after 3 attempts, we will cancel the transfer and refund the sender.

Giros y Finanzas contact numbers in Colombia (country code 57):

  • National office: 018000 111 999
  • Cali: (2) 518 48 00
  • Bogotá: (1) 635 35 60
  • Medellín: (4) 511 51 51
  • Barranquilla: (5) 368 79 96
  • Pereira: (6) 335 16 11

Giros y Finanzas contact numbers outside Colombia:

  • Miami (USA): 1 (786) 206 6144
  • Montreal (Canada): 1 (514) 448 1874
  • Panama: 507 833 9275

Giros y Finanzas office hours of operation, Colombia Time (COT) (UTC -5):

  • Monday to Friday: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
  • Saturday, Sunday, and holidays: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm

Giros y Finanzas may ask you to provide the following:

  • Your full name (first name, middle name, paternal name, and maternal name)
  • Your date of birth
  • The country and city where you were born
  • The city you live in
  • Your address, phone/cell numbers, and email address
  • Your occupation

How can a receiver register to get their money?

Certain countries listed below may require a receiver to complete a one-time registration in order to pick up their money transfer. Registration procedures vary by country.

Please see the information below to learn if you need to register.

Receiving money in Jamaica

Before you can pick up the money, you’ll receive an SMS, an email, or a phone call from the agent so you can choose to register at a physical location or via online registration.

Here’s what you’ll need to provide for registration:

  • Your full name as it appears on your government-issued ID
  • Name on the bank account
  • Bank name
  • Bank code
  • Branch name
  • Branch code
  • Bank account number
  • Bank account needs to be in Jamaican dollars (JMD)
  • TRN number (Tax ID)
  • Government-issued ID, ID type, and expiration
  • Country of birth
  • Date of birth
  • Phone number (home and mobile)
  • Home address (street, city/town, or parish)
  • Occupation
  • Place of work (if homemaker or unemployed, this is not required)
  • Your email address

Please note that GraceKennedy will complete the verification required to make sure the receiver owns the given bank account. The verification process may take up to 2 business days and may be cancelled within 8 days if your registration is not complete.