Every year, millions of people send money abroad to support their families, pay for studies, or cover emergencies. The difference between a good and a bad transfer isn't just the exchange rate: speed, how your recipient can collect the money, and the transparency of the fees you're paying also matter. In this guide, we explain how to send money abroad safely, what options are available, and how to do it in minutes with Retorna.
What is the best way to send money abroad?
There is no single answer: it depends on the destination country, the amount, the urgency, and whether or not your recipient has a bank account. What remains constant is what you should demand from any service: that it shows you the real exchange rate, that the fee is clear before you confirm the transfer, and that the money arrives within the promised timeframe.
💡 Tip: Always compare the final amount the other person receives, not just the advertised fee. That is where many services hide the true cost.
Main methods for sending money abroad
1. International bank transfers
A traditional method perceived as secure, but with higher fees and less favorable exchange rates. It can take between 1 and 5 business days and usually requires the recipient's SWIFT/BIC code and IBAN.
2. Digital platforms (fintech)
These operate 100% from your phone, with low fees and transparent exchange rates. Money can arrive in minutes or hours. Retorna is one of these platforms, focused on the routes most used by the Latin American community.
3. Remittance companies with physical locations
Companies like Western Union or MoneyGram allow for cash pickup, which is useful if the recipient does not have a bank account. Their network is extensive, but fees are usually higher, especially for small amounts or urgent transfers.
How to send money abroad with Retorna, step by step
Step 1: Sign up
Download the app or go to retorna.app and create your account using your ID. It takes less than two minutes.
Step 2: Choose destination and amount
Select the country you are sending to (Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, or the United States) and enter how much you want to send. The app shows you the exchange rate and exactly how much the other person will receive in real time.
Step 3: Add the recipient
Enter their details or choose someone from your saved contact list. Depending on the country, they can receive funds via bank account, digital wallet, or cash.
Step 4: Confirm and pay
Review the full summary—amount, fee, and estimated time—and confirm using your available payment method based on your country of origin.
Step 5: Done
You will receive a confirmation with tracking for your transfer. Many routes, such as those to Venezuela, are processed in minutes.
💡 With Retorna, over 52,000 families have already moved more than $70 million, collectively saving over $2 million in fees compared to other market options.
What to check before sending money abroad
- Real exchange rate: many services add a margin that acts as a hidden fee. Compare the final amount, not the advertised rate.
- Fees: these can be fixed, a percentage of the transfer, or an extra charge for speed. Look for full transparency before confirming.
- Speed: if it is urgent, digital platforms usually beat traditional banks by days.
- Delivery method: bank account, mobile wallet, or cash—it depends on what your recipient can use.
- Security and regulation: always use regulated services that require identity verification.
- Transfer limits: check the minimum and maximum amounts allowed based on the country of origin and destination.
Common mistakes when sending money abroad
- Not comparing the final amount the other person receives across different options.
- Focusing only on the fee and not on the actual exchange rate applied.
- Using public Wi-Fi networks to make the transfer.
- Getting the recipient's name or account details wrong.
- Not checking the cancellation policies before confirming the transfer.
🔗 Internal link building
Want to know which countries you can send to and from with Retorna? Check out: Countries you can send and receive money from with Retorna – updated guide
❓ Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for money to arrive abroad?
It depends on the method and the destination. With digital platforms like Retorna, many routes—such as Venezuela—arrive in minutes. Traditional bank transfers can take 1 to 5 business days.
Is it safe to send money abroad online?
Yes, as long as you use regulated platforms with identity verification and anti-fraud systems, like Retorna.
Can I send money if the recipient doesn't have a bank account?
Yes. Many platforms, including Retorna, allow the recipient to receive the money in cash or via a digital wallet, without needing a bank account.
What information do I need to send money abroad?
The recipient's full name, the details of the account or wallet where they will receive the money, and the destination country. Retorna simplifies this process within the app itself.
What are the fees for sending money abroad with Retorna?
Retorna shows the fee and the exchange rate before you confirm each transfer, with no hidden charges, so you know exactly how much your recipient will get.
Which countries can I send money to with Retorna?
You can currently send money to Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, and the United States from Chile, Colombia, Brazil, Peru, and several European countries.
Your money arrives in a heartbeat
With Retorna, your transfers arrive in minutes. It's as easy as sending a WhatsApp message. Send money in just a few clicks—fast, secure, and hassle-free.