Sending Money Home from the UAE: Banks, Exchange Houses, Apps
exchange house
Best Currency Exchange in UAE
A direct comparison of the six most-used currency exchange and remittance providers in the UAE — from Al Ansari's nationwide branch network to Wise's app-only mid-market rate. Branches, apps, fees, corridors, and when to use each.
Western Union UAE
Western Union does not run its own UAE branches — it operates through an agent network at Al Ansari, LuLu, Unimoni, BFC and partner banks, with around 3,500 counters nationwide. The headline feature is instant cash-to-cash send to 200+ countries, typically receivable in 15 minutes. The Digital app adds account-to-account options for UAE residents.
BFC Exchange UAE
BFC Exchange UAE is the UAE arm of Bahrain Financing Company — one of the oldest exchange houses in the Gulf, founded in 1917. With around 25 to 40 UAE branches, it offers a competitive, heritage-led alternative to the larger Al Ansari and LuLu networks, especially for the UAE-Bahrain corridor.