Introduction
For the majority of Ratibi cardholders across the UAE, sending money home is not just a financial transaction — it is a lifeline. It is the school fees paid on time, the family grocery bill covered, the medical expense handled, the house being built brick by brick. Every month, millions of workers in the UAE send a significant portion of their salary back to their home countries — and for Ratibi cardholders, doing this efficiently and affordably is one of the most important financial skills they can develop. This guide covers every aspect of international remittance from the Ratibi card — from the best exchange houses and their fees, to the fastest transfer methods, the most important things to check before sending, and how to make sure every dirham reaches its destination safely.
Why International Remittance Matters for Ratibi Cardholders
The UAE is home to one of the largest concentrations of migrant workers in the world. The majority of Ratibi cardholders come from South Asia — particularly India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal — as well as Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines and Indonesia, along with workers from Egypt, Ethiopia, and many other countries.
For these workers, international remittance is not an occasional activity — it is a monthly necessity. Research consistently shows that migrant workers in the UAE send between 40% and 70% of their monthly salary back to their home countries.
The Ratibi card, as the primary financial tool for these workers, plays a central role in this remittance process. Understanding how to use it efficiently for international transfers saves both money and time every single month.
How International Remittance Works From a Ratibi Card
The Ratibi card does not have a built-in international wire transfer feature — meaning money cannot be sent directly from the card to an overseas bank account through a FAB banking interface in the traditional sense.
Instead, international remittance from a Ratibi card is done through one of two main pathways:
Pathway 1 — Exchange House (Most Common) The cardholder visits a UAE exchange house, pays for the transfer using the Ratibi card at the payment terminal, and the exchange house sends the money to the recipient’s bank account, mobile wallet, or cash pickup location overseas.
Pathway 2 — Cash Withdrawal Followed by Exchange House Payment The cardholder withdraws cash from an ATM using the Ratibi card and uses that cash to pay for the remittance at an exchange house. This method is slightly less convenient but achieves the same result.
Both pathways lead to the same outcome — money sent from the Ratibi card balance to a recipient overseas. The first pathway is generally faster and more convenient.
The Main Exchange Houses for Ratibi Card Remittance
The UAE has one of the most developed exchange house networks in the world. The following exchange houses are widely used by Ratibi cardholders for international remittance and accept card payments at their branches:
Al Ansari Exchange
Al Ansari Exchange is one of the largest and most trusted exchange house networks in the UAE, with hundreds of branches across all seven emirates. It is particularly popular among South Asian and Southeast Asian workers.
- Accepts Ratibi card payments: Yes — at branch terminals
- Transfer destinations: Over 90 countries worldwide
- Popular corridors: India, Pakistan, Philippines, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Egypt
- Transfer speed: Same day to 24 hours for most destinations
- Branch network: Extremely wide — present in most malls, labour accommodation areas, and residential neighbourhoods
UAE Exchange
UAE Exchange is one of the oldest and most established remittance brands in the UAE, now operating under the Lulu Financial Group. It has a strong network and is widely trusted for both speed and reliability.
- Accepts Ratibi card payments: Yes — at branch terminals
- Transfer destinations: Over 100 countries
- Transfer speed: Within hours for major corridors
- Branch network: Available across all emirates
Al Fardan Exchange
Al Fardan Exchange is well known for competitive exchange rates and is popular among workers sending money to South Asian destinations.
- Accepts Ratibi card payments: Yes — at branch terminals
- Transfer destinations: Major remittance corridors worldwide
- Transfer speed: Same day for most destinations
- Branch network: Available in major cities and business districts
LuLu Exchange
LuLu Exchange is particularly convenient for workers who live or work near LuLu hypermarkets — which are commonly located near labour accommodation areas across the UAE.
- Accepts Ratibi card payments: Yes — at branch terminals
- Transfer destinations: India, Pakistan, Philippines, Bangladesh, Nepal, and others
- Transfer speed: Same day for most destinations
- Branch network: Inside and near LuLu hypermarkets across the UAE
Western Union
Western Union is the most globally recognised remittance brand and offers transfers to virtually every country in the world. It is particularly useful for workers sending money to countries with less developed banking infrastructure.
- Accepts Ratibi card payments: Yes — at authorised agent locations
- Transfer destinations: Almost every country worldwide
- Transfer options: Bank account deposit, mobile wallet, cash pickup
- Transfer speed: Within minutes for cash pickup; 1 to 3 business days for bank deposits
- Branch network: Available through numerous UAE agents and some exchange houses
Step-by-Step Guide — How to Send Money Internationally From the Ratibi Card
Step 1 — Check the Ratibi Card Balance
Before heading to the exchange house, check the available balance using the Magnati portal, FAB mobile app, or ATM. This confirms exactly how much is available to send and avoids any embarrassing declined transactions at the exchange house counter.
Step 2 — Decide How Much to Send
Decide the exact amount to be transferred. Keep in mind:
- The exchange house fee that will be deducted in addition to the transfer amount
- The daily transaction limits on the Ratibi card
- Leaving enough balance on the card for personal expenses until the next salary
Step 3 — Compare Exchange Rates and Fees
Before committing to a specific exchange house, it is worth checking the exchange rates and fees at two or three options. Even small differences in the exchange rate can make a meaningful difference when transferring larger amounts.
Exchange rates and fees can be checked:
- At the exchange house branch directly
- Through the exchange house’s official website or mobile app
- Through comparison websites that list UAE exchange rates in real time
Step 4 — Visit the Nearest Exchange House Branch
Go to the nearest branch of the chosen exchange house. Most branches are open seven days a week and many are open late into the evening — making it convenient for workers who cannot visit during regular working hours.
Step 5 — Provide the Transfer Details
At the counter, provide the following information to the agent:
- The recipient’s full name — exactly as it appears on their bank account or ID
- The recipient’s bank account number or IBAN
- The name of the recipient’s bank
- The bank branch details if required
- The destination country
- The amount to be transferred
- The purpose of the transfer — most exchange houses ask for this as a standard requirement
For cash pickup transfers — where the recipient collects the money in cash at a Western Union or similar agent location overseas — the recipient’s full name and a secret answer or PIN code will be used instead of bank account details.
Step 6 — Pay Using the Ratibi Card
Present the Ratibi card at the counter. The agent will process the payment through the card terminal. Insert the card, enter the PIN, and confirm the transaction amount on the terminal screen before approving.
The total amount charged to the Ratibi card will be the transfer amount plus the exchange house fee.
Step 7 — Collect the Receipt
After the transaction is approved, the exchange house will provide a receipt containing:
- The transaction reference number
- The amount sent and the exchange rate applied
- The fee charged
- The expected delivery time
- The recipient’s details
Keep this receipt safely until the recipient confirms the money has been received. The reference number on the receipt is essential for tracking the transfer or raising any issues.
Step 8 — Inform the Recipient
Contact the recipient to let them know the transfer has been sent, the expected amount in local currency, and the expected arrival time. For cash pickup transfers, provide the transaction reference number and any PIN code required for collection.
Transfer Fees and Exchange Rates — What to Expect
Understanding the cost of international remittance helps workers plan their transfers more effectively and choose the most cost-efficient option.
Transfer Fees
Exchange house fees for international remittances from the UAE typically range as follows:
| Transfer Amount (AED) | Typical Fee Range |
| Up to AED 500 | AED 5 to AED 15 |
| AED 500 to AED 2,000 | AED 10 to AED 25 |
| AED 2,000 to AED 5,000 | AED 15 to AED 35 |
| Above AED 5,000 | Varies by exchange house |
Fees vary by exchange house, destination country, and transfer method. Some exchange houses offer promotional zero-fee transfers for specific corridors or during festive seasons — it is worth checking for these promotions regularly.
Exchange Rates
In addition to the transfer fee, the exchange rate applied to the transfer determines how much the recipient receives in their local currency. Exchange houses make a margin on the exchange rate — meaning the rate offered is slightly lower than the mid-market rate.
A difference of even 0.5% in the exchange rate on a AED 2,000 transfer means AED 10 more or less reaching the recipient. On a monthly basis, consistently choosing the best rate adds up to meaningful savings over the course of a year.
Popular Remittance Corridors and Estimated Delivery Times
| Destination Country | Typical Transfer Time | Most Popular Exchange Houses |
| India | 1 to 4 hours | Al Ansari, UAE Exchange, LuLu Exchange |
| Pakistan | Same day to 24 hours | Al Ansari, Al Fardan, UAE Exchange |
| Philippines | Same day to 24 hours | Al Ansari, Western Union, UAE Exchange |
| Bangladesh | Same day to 24 hours | Al Ansari, UAE Exchange |
| Nepal | Same day to 48 hours | Al Ansari, UAE Exchange |
| Sri Lanka | Same day to 24 hours | Al Ansari, Al Fardan |
| Egypt | Same day to 24 hours | Al Fardan, UAE Exchange |
| Indonesia | 1 to 3 business days | Western Union, UAE Exchange |
Important Tips for Safe and Cost-Effective Remittance
Always use authorised exchange houses — only use exchange houses that are licensed by the UAE Central Bank. Using unofficial money transfer services is illegal in the UAE and puts the sender’s money and legal status at serious risk.
Double-check the recipient’s bank details — an incorrect account number or recipient name can cause the transfer to fail or be sent to the wrong account. Always verify the details with the recipient before submitting the transfer.
Send during off-peak times — exchange houses can be busy on Fridays, Saturdays, and around payday periods. Visiting during weekday mornings or early afternoons typically means shorter waiting times.
Keep all receipts — retain every transfer receipt until the recipient confirms the money has arrived. The reference number is the only way to track or dispute a transfer.
Be aware of transfer limits — some exchange houses have daily or per-transaction limits for card payments. If a large transfer needs to be split across multiple transactions or days, plan accordingly.
Watch for promotional rates — exchange houses frequently offer promotional exchange rates and reduced fees during Eid, Diwali, Christmas, and other festive seasons. Timing large transfers to coincide with these promotions can result in significant savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the entire Ratibi card balance be sent as a remittance in one transaction? This depends on the daily transaction limits on the Ratibi card and the exchange house’s per-transaction limits. For large transfers, it may be necessary to split the amount across two or more transactions or visit the exchange house on consecutive days.
Q: Is there a minimum amount that can be sent internationally from the Ratibi card? Most exchange houses have a minimum transfer amount — typically around AED 50 to AED 100. This varies by exchange house and destination country.
Q: What if the recipient does not have a bank account? Cash pickup is available through Western Union and some other exchange houses. The recipient can collect the money in cash at any authorised agent location in their home country using the transaction reference number provided on the receipt.
Q: Can remittances be sent online using the Ratibi card without visiting a branch? Some exchange houses offer online remittance services through their websites or mobile apps. The availability of card payment through these channels for Ratibi prepaid cards should be confirmed directly with the exchange house, as not all platforms accept prepaid cards for online transactions.
Q: What if the transfer does not arrive within the expected timeframe? Contact the exchange house immediately with the transaction reference number from the receipt. Most exchange houses have dedicated customer service teams to trace and resolve delayed transfers. If the exchange house cannot resolve the issue, the UAE Central Bank’s consumer protection channels can be contacted for assistance.
Q: Is it safe to send large amounts using the Ratibi card at an exchange house? Yes — provided the exchange house is licensed and authorised by the UAE Central Bank. Always verify the credentials of the exchange house before using it, and keep the receipt for every transaction.
Final Thoughts
International remittance from the Ratibi card is one of the most important financial activities in the lives of millions of workers across the UAE. Done wisely — by choosing the right exchange house, comparing rates, checking fees, and keeping receipts — it is a safe, reliable, and cost-effective way to support family back home every single month.
The key is to treat every remittance as a financial decision worth a few minutes of comparison and planning — because small savings on fees and exchange rates, made consistently every month, add up to a meaningful amount over the course of a year.
For workers who need to understand how much cash can be withdrawn from the Ratibi card at an ATM — which affects how much can be sent through the cash withdrawal and exchange house method — Article #15: Ratibi Card Daily and Monthly Withdrawal Limits covers all applicable limits in full detail.
next — Ratibi Card Daily and Monthly Withdrawal Limits, where every withdrawal and transaction limit applicable to the Ratibi prepaid card is explained clearly — so cardholders always know exactly how much they can access at any given time.