Best Money Transfer Services for Expats – Wise vs Revolut vs Western Union

Sending money internationally is one of the most common tasks for expats in Thailand. Whether you’re receiving funds from your home country or sending money abroad to support family, choosing the right service matters. This guide compares Wise, Revolut, and Western Union—three of the most popular money transfer options for foreigners living in Thailand.

Why This Matters to Expats

• You’ll save money on exchange rates and fees

• You’ll get faster transfers, often within minutes or hours

• You’ll avoid delays and complications with Thai banks

1. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Best for: Low fees and real exchange rate

✅ Pros:

• Uses the mid-market rate (no hidden FX markup)

• Transparent fees shown upfront

• Transfers to Thai bank accounts within minutes to 24 hours

• Great app and web interface

• Supports multi-currency account (“Wise Account”)

❌ Cons:

• No physical locations

• Daily/monthly limits for large amounts

💸 Example:
Send $1,000 USD to Thailand and receive almost the full amount in THB with minimal fees (~$5–7).

Affiliate Tip: 👉 Open a Wise Account and link it to your Thai bank for instant top-ups.

2. Revolut

Best for: Travelers and tech-savvy expats

✅ Pros:

• Free multi-currency wallet

• Real exchange rate with free quota each month

• In-app budgeting and savings tools

• Can be used like a local debit card in Thailand

❌ Cons:

• Not yet a licensed money transfer provider in Thailand

• Transfers may be slower than Wise

• Limits on free FX transactions

Bonus: Great for managing finances across countries and spending abroad with zero FX markup (within limits).

3. Western Union

Best for: Cash pick-up and global reach

✅ Pros:

• Thousands of locations in Thailand (e.g., 7-Eleven, post office, banks)

• Send or receive cash without a bank account

• Fast delivery, often within minutes

❌ Cons:

• High fees compared to Wise/Revolut

• FX rates often include a markup

• Not ideal for frequent or large transfers

Use Case: When your family needs to pick up cash in-person or you don’t have a Thai bank account yet.

Key Comparison Summary

Feature

Wise

Revolut

Western Union

Exchange Rate

Mid-market (best)

Mid-market (limited)

Marked up

Fees

Low

Low (with limits)

High

Speed

Fast (hours)

Moderate

Instant (cash pick-up)

Bank Transfer to Thailand

✅ Yes

⚠️ Limited Support

✅ Yes

Cash Pick-up Option

❌ No

❌ No

✅ Yes

✅ Tip: For most expats, Wise is the go-to for regular bank transfers. Western Union works best when you need to send cash urgently.

Pro Tips for Expats

• Always compare exchange rates and fees before sending

• Watch out for hidden charges in “zero fee” promotions

• Avoid using international bank transfers from your home bank—they’re expensive and slow

• Register with more than one service to have options

Use Cases by Expat Type

• Digital nomads: Wise + Revolut combo

• Retirees: Wise for monthly income transfers

• New arrivals without a bank: Western Union

• Freelancers: Use Wise to get paid in USD/EUR and convert to THB

Final Thoughts

Sending money as an expat shouldn’t cost a fortune. Services like Wise and Revolut offer modern, transparent solutions, while Western Union still fills an important role for quick cash pick-ups. Choose the right tool based on your needs—and keep your transfers simple, cheap, and stress-free.