How to Receive Money from Abroad with Western Union

With Western Union, there are many convenient ways to receive money transfers from abroad or from Italy. You and your money sender can choose anything from cash pickup to bank transfer, and you can pick the method that suits you both best.

Whatever the occasion, receive your money with Western Union.

Smarter. Safer. Together. Learn how to #BeFraudSmart

We encrypt your money transfers

We encrypt your money transfers

We are committed to keeping your data secure

We are committed to keeping your data secure

We’ve sent money around the world for more than 150 years

We’ve sent money around the world for more than 150 years

How Can I Receive Money From Abroad?

Knowing that your money is on its way is a good feeling. Whether it’s a canceled flight, an urgent repair or just an amazing birthday present, with Western Union, receiving money from abroad or from Italy is simple. And if you’re also looking for a method that you can trust, you’ll appreciate the peace of mind that comes with using a reliable service like Western Union.

If you’re wondering how to receive money online or in person, here are some ways we can help.

Receive Money Online or in Person Today

Receive Money However Suits You Best

Receive money from abroad directly into your bank account or pick it up in person at one of our agent locations in Italy.

Get a Free Quote before Transferring Money

Get a free quote, with no obligation to send money later, so you and your loved ones can see what will be sent and received in each currency.

Convenient Locations

You can easily pick up cash in Italy by visiting one of your nearest Western Union agent locations across the country.

Track Your Money Transfers in Real Time

Track your money transfers at any time, online or via the app, by using the MTCN (money transfer control number).

Reasons to Choose Western Union

Maximum Commitment to Safety

Our encryption and fraud prevention systems help protect any money transfers you send or receive with Western Union.

Frequent Money Transfers Made Easy

Your loved ones can make frequent money transfers easily by saving your details, so they are ready the next time you need to receive money from abroad or from Italy.

Register now for free

Register now for free to send money to Worldwide. Use the Western Union app or simply fill in a few details online to arrange your money transfer.

Global Reach

Western Union offers digital services in over 70 countries, its money transfer app is available in over 40 countries and in a hundreds of thousands of agent locations worldwide.

Use the App to Send and Receive Money in Just a Few Taps

The sender can send money straight from the app, with just a few taps, or they can start a transfer in the app and then pay in person at a Western Union agent location.

Both the sender and the receiver can track the money transfer in real time.

The sender can save the receiver’s details, making it easy to send money to friends and family again.

Learn more
4.6/5
4.5/5

Rating as of 10 April, 2024.

For 170 Years, Millions of People Across the Globe Have Been Relying on Our Services

As a global leader in cross-border, cross-currency money transactions, Western Union aims to help drive economic growth and create a better world, keeping you in touch with your loved ones. Join customers from over 200 countries who receive money from abroad through Western Union.

Receive Money Online or in Person on Special Occasions

Whatever the occasion you and your loved ones are celebrating—whether it’s a birthday, wedding or your parents’ anniversary—receive your money from abroad reliably and on time with a Western Union money transfer.

Track Your Money Transfers for Peace of Mind

When you receive a Western Union money transfer from abroad or Italy, you and the sender can track the money transfer at any time. Simply enter your transfer details and MTCN in our app.

Track Your Money Transfers for Peace of Mind

When you receive a Western Union money transfer from abroad or Italy, you and the sender can track the money transfer at any time. Simply enter your transfer details and MTCN in our app.

FAQs on How to Receive Money Online or in Person With Western Union

How Do I Receive Money Without a Bank Account?

You can receive money from abroad or Italy without having a bank account. Your loved ones can send you money from many countries around the world, which you can pick up at one of your nearest Western Union agent locations of the thousands across Italy.

How Do I Receive Money With Western Union?

To receive money from abroad at one of our agent locations, you must have the following details to hand:

  • The sender’s full name (first, middle and last name)
  • The country from which the money was sent
  • The approximate amount that was sent
  • The MTCN (money transfer control number)
  • A valid identification document, as required.

 

Here are the identification documents accepted in Italy:

  • Italian ID card
  • Italian passport
  • Driver’s license
  • Boat license
  • Firearms license
  • Pension book
  • Provisional license to operate heating systems
  • Identification card issued by a professional association
  • Other government-issued identification cards and documents, provided that they have a photograph and a stamp or another equivalent mark
How Long Does It Take to Receive Money From Western Union?

The time it takes to receive a money transfer in Italy from abroad will also depend on the country from which it is being sent and the payment method used.

In many cases, the money is available in minutes1; if, however, the money is sent to your bank account, it could take several business days1. In any case, your loved ones will be able to get an estimate of how long it will take based on the payment method used, by consulting the Western Union website in their country of residence.

How Much Money Can Be Transferred to Italy From Abroad?

The amount of money you can receive in Italy from abroad will depend on the country from which it is being sent and the payment method used.

For example, if your loved ones are transferring money from France, the limit for the amount of money that can be sent to your bank account in Italy is €50,000. If instead they are transferring money from Spain, the limit that can be sent to your bank account is €3000.

The best way to find out how much you can receive is for your loved ones to consult the Western Union website in their country of residence, where they can check the limits for sending money to Italy from their country.

How Do I Receive Money Sent From Abroad?

The best way to receive money from abroad is to use a reliable money transfer service that is convenient for both you and your loved ones.

When you use Western Union’s international money transfer services, we offer a range of convenient options for you and your sender. In Italy, you can choose between bank transfer or cash pickup at an agent location; while in other countries, you can receive money to your mobile wallet3, debit card or Western Union Digital Banking account.

Even better, you and your loved ones can track your money transfer with the MTCN, so you know where the money is at each stage of the transfer process.

How Do I Receive Money From Abroad Securely?

With Western Union, you’ll receive money from abroad securely. We use the most advanced encryption and fraud prevention systems to ensure reliable online money transfers.

This enhanced layer of safety, which is aligned with the latest EU regulations and changes to safety systems, helps credit card-issuing banks2 better identify and verify customers, allowing for convenient, smooth and reliable online transactions.

What Is The Easiest Way to Receive Money From Abroad?

As well as searching for the best method, the easiest way is the one that is most convenient for you and the person sending you money.

Although it may seem easier to choose a method where the money will arrive in minutes1, if it is hard for you to get to one of our agent locations quickly, it may be easier to receive the money to your bank account, even if this method will take several business days1.

We encourage your loved ones to check the time estimates on the Western Union website for their country of residence, and then you can decide with them which method is easiest for you both.

Have a Question or Need Help?

Visit the FAQ section or contact us. Our customer service team is always on hand to help.

1 Funds may be delayed or specific services unavailable based on certain transaction conditions, including amount sent, destination country, currency availability, regulatory issues, identification requirements, agent location opening hours, differences in time zones or the selection of options for delayed sending. Additional restrictions may apply. See online Terms and Conditions for details.

2 If you’re using a credit card, a card-issuer cash advance fee and associated interest charges may apply. To avoid these fees or for reduced fees, use a debit card or another payment method.

3 Funds will be paid to receiver’s mWallet account provider for credit to account tied to receiver’s mobile number. Additional third-party charges may apply, including SMS and account over-limit and cash-out fees. Funds availability subject to terms and conditions of service. See Mobile Form for Restrictions.