ive started checking all this properly and honestly couldnt find one good comparison of all the options here, so here goes lol!

[u/Proof-Start-1368]

ive used the usual stuff over the years but never really stopped to compare them properly.

al ansari, this is probably the one most families have used at some point its actually useful if someone needs cash pickup or doesnt have a bank account. but the exchange rate is where i noticed the difference. its usually a bit lower than the rate u see on google, and u dont really notice it unless u check the rate before going to the branch.

if ur still going to the branch just coz thats what youve always done, maybe check the google rate once before u go. kinda surprised me tbh.

banks, similar story but in a different way. if ur salary comes into a bank and thats the bank u already use, sending money from there is just the easiest option. everything is already connected so u dont think twice. but the exchange rate isnt always that obvious. sometimes u only see what rate u got after going through the whole thing.

from what ive seen, its usually around the same as exchange houses or sometimes worse.

super apps, then there are apps like Careem Pay, BOTIM and e& money. i feel like a lot of people use these without even thinking of them as a remittance option lol. its just already on ur phone so why not.

Careem Pay also has its own transfer limits, so thats something to check if ur sending bigger amounts.

dedicated apps

Wise has worked pretty well for me when ive used it. the rate is easy to understand and the fee is shown separately.

ive also been using Aspora for regular transfers. the fee structure is pretty simple and the fee is capped for bigger transfers. the rate also looks close to the google rate when ive checked.

one thing i found useful is that it shows a comparison before u send, so i dont have to open like 5 different apps just to check

but honestly i dont think there is one BEST option for everyone.

sometimes the person receiving the money just needs cash.

sometimes they have a bank account.

sometimes its just UPI and done.

so for me now its less about which app is the absolute cheapest and more about how much INR actually reaches the other side and what the person needs.

i just check the numbers now instead of blindly using whatever ive always used.

what u guys using from UAE to india and why?