For millions of expats living in the UAE, sending money back home is a lifeline. Whether you’re supporting family in India, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Pakistan, or elsewhere, your remittance matters. But while the need is universal, the experience of sending money varies greatly depending on which service you use. You’ll find a wide mix of remittance channels—exchange houses, traditional banks, and app-based fintech platforms. But how do you decide what’s right for you?
The real cost of sending money
Most people only look at the transfer fee when comparing services. But the actual total cost also includes the exchange rate markup, which is where many services make hidden profits.
Let’s say you’re sending AED 1,000 to India. A provider that offers a lower exchange rate—even if the transfer fee is zero—might result in your recipient getting significantly less in INR. On the other hand, another service might charge a small fee but offer a much better rate, resulting in more money delivered.
That’s why comparing services only by fee is a mistake. You need to look at:
- The true exchange rate being applied
- Any hidden markups
- The speed of transfer
- Whether it’s easy to use for your lifestyle
Where traditional players fall short
Exchange houses have been a go-to option for years, and while they’re familiar, they’re also outdated:
- You often have to visit a branch during working hours
- Rates are not always transparent — you only see them after waiting in line
- Transfer times can vary from 1–3 working days
- Fees can go up based on destination or transaction value
Banks aren’t much better. Many of them:
- Require you to maintain a bank account and sometimes a minimum balance
- Charge higher fees for international transfers
- Process remittances slower than app-based alternatives
In short, these traditional options aren’t built for speed, convenience, or transparency.
How Huru changes the game
Huru was built with one goal: to make remittances simple, affordable, and accessible for every expat. Here’s what sets Huru apart:
1. Transfer fees from AED 5
With Huru, you see the full fee before you send — from AED 5 to AED 21, depending on the country and currency (see the schedule of charges). The recipient’s bank may charge its own fees.
2. Transparent exchange rates
You see the exchange rate before you send; it may include our exchange partner’s margin and can change during the day.
3. Fast transfers, sometimes instant
Depending on the corridor and bank, your funds can be credited within minutes or a few hours. We work with local payout partners to ensure reliability and speed.
4. 24/7 convenience
Everything is done through the Huru mobile app. No more branch visits, no more paperwork. You can send money at midnight or on a Friday afternoon; transfers sent outside our partners’ working hours are processed on the next business day.
5. Designed for all income groups
No minimum balance requirements. No salary certificate needed. Huru works for you whether you’re a skilled worker, freelancer, or just getting started in a new job.
Why users are switching to Huru
Expat workers across the UAE are turning to Huru because it offers:
- Peace of mind with upfront pricing and live tracking
- A digital-first experience with fewer errors and more control
- Fees and exchange rates shown upfront, before they send
Final thoughts
You work hard for your money. Sending it home shouldn’t be expensive, stressful, or slow. With Huru, you get a remittance service that’s built for today’s expats — mobile, transparent, and fair.
Next time you need to send money abroad, don’t settle for less. Try Huru and experience the difference.