Remittances are a major source of foreign exchange for Ethiopia. If you're sending money to family or friends, here's what to consider.
Choosing a Service
Compare providers by:
- Fees: Fixed fees vs. percentage; first-transfer promotions
- Exchange rate: Mid-market rate vs. marked-up rate
- Speed: Minutes (cash pickup) to 1–3 days (bank transfer)
- Delivery options: Bank deposit, cash pickup, mobile wallet (TeleBirr, CBE Birr)
See our Send Money to Ethiopia page for a ranked comparison.
Delivery Options
- Bank deposit: Money goes directly to the recipient's account (CBE, Awash, Abyssinia, etc.)
- Cash pickup: Recipient collects at an agent (Western Union, Dahabshiil, etc.)
- Mobile wallet: TeleBirr or CBE Birr—funds arrive on the recipient's phone
Documents
Recipients may need ID to collect cash. For bank deposit, the sender needs the recipient's account number and bank name.
Exchange Rate
The rate you get affects how much birr the recipient receives. Providers that use the mid-market rate (e.g., Wise) often give more birr per dollar, even if they charge a fee.
Tips
- Compare total cost (fees + exchange rate margin), not just fees
- New customers often get waived fees on the first transfer
- Check if your bank has a partnership with an Ethiopian bank for lower fees