How to send money to Sri Lanka from abroad? The 7 best ways with the lowest fees

03 Avani 2026 Preface: More than 3 million Sri Lankans live abroad around the world. Sending money every month from countries like Switzerland, Canada, the UK, Germany, France, and Australia to family back home is one of their key responsibilities. However, many people use outdated methods with high fees and lose a large part of their hard-earned money as charges. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at how to send money from overseas to Sri Lanka safely and at the lowest possible cost. 1. Why is sending through traditional banks so expensive? Many people send money directly from their foreign bank account to a Sri Lankan bank account via SWIFT. In this method, three types of fees are charged: first, the sending bank’s fee ($15–$40), second, intermediary banks’ fees, and third, the receiving fee charged by the Sri Lankan bank. In addition, because banks use their own exchange rate, you receive 2–3% fewer Sri Lankan rupees than the market rate. That’s why digital remittance services are now the best option. 2. The 7 best modern ways to send money with low fees Method 1: Wise (formerly TransferWise) – the lowest fees Wise is currently the world’s No. 1 low-fee service. Its key advantage is that it uses the real mid-market exchange rate. There are no hidden fees. For example, if you send 1000 CHF from Switzerland, the fee is only around 3–5 CHF. The money reaches any bank account in Sri Lanka directly within 1–2 working days. It is authorized by the UK Financial Authority for security. Method 2: Remitly – special offer for new users Remitly is very popular for senders from the USA, Canada, and the UK. It has two options: Economy and Express. Economy has very low fees and takes 3–4 days. Express delivers in a few minutes. First-time senders get a special exchange rate. You can send to all banks in Sri Lanka such as Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank, and Peoples Bank. Method 3: WorldRemit – fast service WorldRemit allows sending money to Sri Lanka from 130+ countries. Its app is very easy to use. In addition to bank transfers, it also offers Cash Pickup in Sri Lanka. That means even if your relative doesn’t have a bank account, they can go to a nearby WorldRemit agent and collect the cash. Method 4: Ria Money Transfer – best for small amounts Ria is best for those who frequently send small amounts ($100–$300). Its fee is often just $3. There are 1,000+ Ria locations in Sri Lanka. Methods 5 & 6: Western Union & MoneyGram – for emergencies These are among the world’s oldest companies. Fees are slightly higher, but the money can be received within 5 minutes. Their strength is that you can withdraw money even in any village in Sri Lanka. However, the exchange rate is usually less favorable. Method 7: Special schemes by Sri Lankan banks Banks like Bank of Ceylon and Commercial Bank have “NRFC accounts” and special remittance schemes for expatriates. In some cases, you may even be eligible for an additional 2% government incentive. Contact your Sri Lankan bank and ask before sending. 3. Which method should you choose? A comparison • Want the lowest fees? -> Wise • Sending for the first time? -> Remitly (best rate) • Need the money immediately? -> WorldRemit / Western Union • Sending to someone without a bank account? -> WorldRemit Cash Pickup 4. 5 safety tips to follow when sending money 1. Compare the exchange rate: Search Google for “CHF to LKR mid-market rate” and see which provider offers a rate close to it. 2. Look at the total cost: Some companies advertise “0 fee” but take a bigger margin in the exchange rate. Choose a transparent company like Wise. 3. Check if it’s regulated: Verify whether it is approved by government bodies such as the FCA or FINTRAC. 4. Start with a small amount: For the first time, test by sending $50 instead of sending a large amount. 5. Keep the receipt: After sending, share the transaction number with your relative and keep it safe. Sending money from abroad to Sri Lanka is no longer an expensive task. With digital services like Wise, Remitly, and WorldRemit, you can save 20–30% in fees on each transfer. Choose the best option by comparing what matters for you—speed, cost, and convenience. Let your hard-earned money reach your family in full. 1. Wise (formerly TransferWise) – the best! ⭐ Wise has the lowest fees in the world. It provides the real mid-market rate shown on Google. Fee: If you send CHF 1000, only CHF 6.89 Speed: Direct to bank account in 1–2 working days Special: Direct transfers to Sampath, NSB, Commercial Bank, and all others 👉 Referral Link: wise.com (insert your referral link here) 2. Remitly First transfer free for new users! Two services—Economy (low fee, 3–5 days) and Express (delivery in minutes, slightly higher fee). Very popular for sending from Switzerland to Sri Lanka. 3. Western Union Digital (App) If you send at a branch, the fee is high. But if you send via the app, it’s 50% cheaper! In Sri Lanka, cash pickup is available immediately at 2000+ locations. 4. MoneyGram Online Similar to Western Union, but the online rate is slightly lower. Both bank deposit and cash pickup are available. 5. Ria Money Transfer Very reliable for sending from Europe to Sri Lanka. Low fees and a good exchange rate. 6. SWIFT Transfer through a bank (bank to bank) Very secure but expensive. CHF 20–40 + a poor exchange rate. Consider this only if you’re sending more than CHF 10,000. 7. Binance Pay / Crypto Fee is only $1! But the recipient in Sri Lanka must know how to convert crypto into LKR. Only for those who are tech-savvy. Conclusion: Which is best? For small and medium amounts (CHF 100–5000) – Wise is king! If you urgently need cash – Western Union / MoneyGram app For large amounts – bank transfer (but Wise is still cheaper) Note: Always compare rates in 3 apps before sending! Even a difference of 2–3 LKR per 1 CHF can become a difference of LKR 5,000–10,000 on large amounts! Which method do you use to send? Tell us in the comments! Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Remittance fees and exchange rates can change daily. Please verify on the official website of the relevant provider before sending money.