Ngaahi Fehuʻi ʻOku Lahi Hono ʻEké
These questions and answers apply specifically to Australia and New Zealand. There may be some local differences for other pacific countries.
Who can transfer my money?
Banks – if you have a bank account your own bank may be able to transfer money for you. You will not be able to transfer money via a bank with whom you do not have an account with.
Money transfer organisations (MTOs) – these are companies that specialise in transferring money. There are many MTOs and you should research which one suits your needs.
Both banks and Money Transfer Organisations will charge a fee to transfer your money.
How can I send money to another country?
There are many ways to send money from one country to another:
Pa‘anga – You can send cash from the sending country, by using one of many different money transfer organisations, and your family can pick up cash in the country that they are in. Do not send cash in the mail as it is not safe and may go missing.
Card-to-card – You can send your money by using a bank card and the person you’re sending to can collect the money in cash at an ATM or the money can be spent in stores where the card is accepted.
International Money Order (IMO) – Your bank will give you an international guaranteed cheque and your family can then cash the cheque at their bank or pay it into their bank account.
Bank to Bank Transfer – If you have a bank account you can transfer money from this to a bank account in another country. The method used is often called a SWIFT.
‘Initanetí – Some money transfer companies let you transmit through the internet (online). You need to set up a special account and then the company will send the money to your friend’s bank account or make it available for the money to be collected as cash.
Mobile Phone and New Technology – Some areas are using new technology to send money. For example, mobile phone money transfers are popular in Fiji where the person can receive the funds through their mobile phone.
How much money can I send?
What ID do I need to send money?
Do I have to be an Australian or a New Zealander to send money?
Do I have to pay to send money?
Yes. Both banks and MTOs will charge a “currency conversion fee”. This fee is often hidden in the exchange rates which is why Send Money Pacific helps you compare the exchange rates and choose the best option.
How does the person get the money I send?
If you send money through MTOs then you will need to ask them what recipients are required to bring with them in order to receive the money. In many cases, the recipient will need to bring evidence of their identity such as an identification card, passport or driving licence
How long will it take for my money to arrive?
Different methods take different amounts of time. Always check with your provider. In general cash transfers and card, transfers take between 10 minutes and 2 days and bank account transfers take between 2 to 5 days.
Will the person I’m sending to have to pay anything as well?
You will need to check with the company you are using and the company should tell you before you complete the transfer. Many, but not all, of the transfers from Australia and New Zealand, do not require the person receiving the money to pay anything.
If you are withdrawing transferred funds from an ATM in the receiving country, you should be aware that ATM surcharges may apply.
What is an exchange rate?
Is an exchange rate guaranteed?
I sent money but it never arrived? What do I do?
You should contact the company that you sent the money through and ask them to determine where it is. You should also make sure that the person you have sent the money to has contacted the organisation that should pay the money to them. If the money can still not be found, you should contact one of the organisations below.
‘Aositelēlia
For complaints in Australia contact the Australian Financial Complaints Authority on +1 800 931 678 or go to: https://www.afca.org.au.
Nu‘usila
In New Zealand you can take your complaint to one of the dispute resolution schemes. All financial service providers must belong to a dispute resolution scheme.
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