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.

What is a mobile wallet?

A mobile wallet is an electronic account that’s linked to a person’s mobile phone. Money can be deposited electronically 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.

Where can I send money to a mobile wallet?
CountriesMobile wallet
BangladeshbKash
BeninMTN
BotswanaOrange
BurundiEcoCash
CambodiaWing
CameroonOrange, MTN
ColombiaCoink
DRCAirtel, M-Pesa
El SalvadorAirtel, M-Pesa
EthiopiaHelloCash, Amole, CBE Birr, TeleBirr, GizePay

When the recipient’s currency is ETB

FijiM-Paisa
GabonAirtel
GhanaMTN, Airtel, Tigo, Vodafone Cash
GuineaMTN
Guinea BissauMTN
IndonesiaLinkaja, Ovo, AstraPay, DANA, Gopay, Imkas, Paytren, Shoppepay, Ottocash
Ivory CoastMTN, Orange
KenyaAirtel, M-Pesa, Equitel
LiberiaMTN
MadagascarAirtel, Orange, mVola
MalawiAirtel, TNM
MalaysiaTouch ‘n Go, Kayaaku, BigPay
MaliOrange, Moov
MongoliaLendMn

When the recipient’s currency is MNT

MoroccoOrange
MozambiqueM-Pesa
PhilippinesGcash, PayMaya, Coins, Grab, Lazada, CIS Bayad Center, Lulu, Shopeepay, Starpay, Tayocash, Ussc money, Zybi tech

When the recipient’s currency is PHP

RwandaAirtel, MTN

When the recipient’s currency is RWF

SamoaDigicel
SenegalFree, Orange, Wave
Sierra LeoneOrange
South SudanmGurush
TanzaniaAirtel, M-Pesa, Tigo
TongaDigicel
UgandaAirtel, MTN
ZambiaAirtel, MTN, Zamtel
ZimbabweEcoCash
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.

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 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.

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 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.

In which currency are receivers paid?

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

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.

Can’t find what you are looking for?

If you need to get in touch with Western Union, don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Care

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