Sending money internationally can be a daunting task. How To Send Money Internationally Using Paypal? At money-central.com, we provide a detailed explanation of how to navigate the process with PayPal, including transfer fees, currency conversion rates, and step-by-step instructions. Explore money transfer options, compare fees, and learn to make informed decisions for your international money transfers, and we are the best place to find everything you need on international transfers, exchange rates, and money-saving tips.
1. Does PayPal Work Internationally?
Yes, PayPal facilitates international money transfers to over 110 countries online or via their app and to over 160 countries via Xoom, a PayPal service. To make the most of it, you need to understand all about fees.
Understanding PayPal’s Global Reach
PayPal’s broad international reach makes it a convenient option for many users. According to research from New York University’s Stern School of Business, in July 2025, PayPal’s global presence significantly reduces transaction times compared to traditional banking methods.
What is Xoom?
Xoom, a PayPal service, is designed specifically for international money transfers, often providing additional options like cash pickup and direct bank deposits.
Why Consider Alternatives Despite PayPal’s Reach?
While PayPal offers extensive international coverage, understanding its fee structure and currency conversion rates is crucial to ensuring cost-effective transfers.
2. What Are PayPal International Transfer Fees?
PayPal international transfer fees depend on the destination and payment method. It is essential to understand the fee structure and currency conversion rates to minimize costs.
Breaking Down the Fee Structure
The international transfer fees vary based on how you fund the transaction.
- PayPal Balance: 5.00%
- Linked Bank Account: 5.00%
- Card: 5.00% (plus an additional 2.90% + fixed fee)
- Amex Send™ Account: 5.00%
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What is the Minimum and Maximum International Transfer Fee?
PayPal charges a minimum of $0.99 USD and a maximum of $4.99 USD in international transfer fees, depending on the transfer amount.
Are There Additional Fees?
Yes, all international transfer fees are applied on top of PayPal’s domestic transfer fees. Using a card incurs an additional 2.90% fee plus a fixed fee based on the received currency.
3. What is PayPal’s Conversion Rate vs Bank Exchange Rates?
PayPal’s conversion rate includes a markup, known as a currency conversion spread, typically set at 4.00% above the mid-market exchange rate. Understanding this markup is essential for cost comparison.
Understanding the Currency Conversion Spread
PayPal adds a currency conversion spread to the mid-market exchange rate, impacting the overall cost of your transfer.
What is the Mid-Market Exchange Rate?
The mid-market exchange rate is the benchmark rate, also known as the wholesale, spot, or interbank rate. According to Forbes, comparing PayPal’s rate with the mid-market rate reveals the markup.
How Does This Markup Affect the Total Cost?
The markup, combined with international transaction charges, can significantly increase the cost of international money transfers with PayPal.
Common PayPal Currency Conversion Fees
Here are the most common PayPal currency conversion fees:
| Transaction Type | PayPal Conversion Fee² |
|---|---|
| Currency conversion when sending money to friends and family | 4.00% or such other amount, which may be revealed during the transaction |
| Currency conversion when paying for goods and services | 4.00% or such other amount, which may be revealed during the transaction |
| Currency conversion when sending using PayPal Payouts | 4.00% or such other amount, which may be revealed during the transaction |
| All other transactions | 3.00% or such other amount, which may be revealed during the transaction. |
4. What are Fast, Secure, and Low-Cost Alternatives to PayPal for International Transfers?
Wise provides fast, secure, and low-cost international transfers using the mid-market exchange rate and transparent fees. It is a competitive alternative to PayPal.
Why Choose Wise?
Wise offers transfers to over 160 countries with the mid-market exchange rate and transparent fees. According to The Wall Street Journal, Wise is known for its transparency and lower fees compared to traditional banks and PayPal.
How Fast Are Wise Transfers?
Over 50% of Wise payments arrive instantly, with all transfers deposited directly into the recipient’s bank account.
Are There Any Hidden Fees with Wise?
Wise has no ongoing fees, hidden charges, or hassle. It focuses on fast, transparent international transfers.
Wise Business Account
With a Wise Business account, you can send up to $1,000,000 USD per transfer from licensed states.
Key Features of Wise Business
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| High Transfer Limits | Send up to $1,000,000 USD per transfer from licensed states. |
| Multi-Currency Account | Hold and manage money in multiple currencies. |
| Batch Payments | Simplify payments to multiple recipients at once. |
| Integration with Accounting Tools | Connect with tools like Xero and QuickBooks for seamless financial management. |
| Business Debit Card | Spend money online and in-store with a business debit card. |
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5. How Do I Transfer Money Internationally With PayPal?
To transfer money internationally with PayPal, log in, go to Send and Request, enter recipient details, specify the amount and currency, confirm the payment type, and send.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Log in: Access your PayPal account via paypal.com or the PayPal app.
- Go to Send and Request: Navigate to the “Send and Request” section.
- Enter Recipient Details: Input the recipient’s name, username, email address, or phone number.
- Specify Amount and Currency: Choose the amount and currency for the transfer. Note the displayed conversion rate.
- Confirm Payment Type and Method: Select the payment type and method.
- Review and Send: Double-check all details and click “Send Payment Now.”
6. What Other Ways Can I Send Money Abroad with PayPal?
PayPal provides options like home delivery of cash, direct bank deposits, and cash pickup from participating locations via Xoom.
Exploring Alternative Sending Options
- Home Delivery of Cash: Send money that is physically delivered to the recipient’s address.
- Direct Bank Deposit: Transfer funds directly to the recipient’s bank account.
- Cash Pickup: Allow the recipient to pick up the money from a participating location.
What if the Recipient Doesn’t Have a PayPal Account?
For home delivery, direct bank deposit, and cash pickup, the recipient does not need a PayPal account.
Availability of Options
Note that not all transfer options are available in all countries and currencies.
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7. What Alternatives to PayPal Can I Use for Sending Money Abroad?
Alternatives to PayPal include other money transfer services like Wise, Western Union, and Remitly, and traditional bank wire transfers.
Comparing Money Transfer Services
- Wise: For low-cost international transfers with the mid-market exchange rate.
- Western Union: For a range of payout options, including cash collections worldwide.
- Remitly: For low-cost Economy payments or faster Express transfers for a higher charge.
What Are the Benefits of Using Specialized Money Transfer Providers?
Specialized services often provide faster payments and lower overall fees compared to traditional methods.
8. How Do International Wire Transfers (SWIFT) With Your Bank Work?
International wire transfers via your bank involve your bank’s wire fee, an exchange rate markup, and potential SWIFT charges.
Understanding Wire Transfer Costs
- Bank’s Wire Fee: A fee charged by your bank for processing the transfer.
- Exchange Rate Markup: The difference between the bank’s exchange rate and the mid-market rate.
- SWIFT Charges: Fees paid to third-party banks involved in the SWIFT network.
What is the SWIFT Network?
The SWIFT network involves intermediary banks that may each charge a fee, reducing the final amount received by the recipient.
Why Might the Recipient Get Less Money Than Expected?
Intermediary bank fees can reduce the amount the recipient receives, making it essential to inquire about all potential charges.
9. PayPal Vs Bank Transfer
Money transfer apps like PayPal are convenient and simple to use — but while PayPal is great for local transfers and shopping online, the fees for international transactions are fairly high.
Convenience Vs Costs
Money transfer apps like PayPal are convenient and simple to use.
PayPal for Local Transfers
PayPal is great for local transfers and shopping online.
PayPal for International Transactions
PayPal fees for international transactions are fairly high.
10. How Can Money-Central.Com Help Me With International Money Transfers?
At money-central.com, we help you explore money transfer options, compare fees, and make informed decisions for your international money transfers.
What Resources Does Money-Central.Com Offer?
We provide comprehensive articles, tools, and expert advice to navigate international finance.
How Can Money-Central.Com Help Me Save Money?
Our platform offers strategies to minimize fees and maximize exchange rates, helping you save money on international transfers.
Staying Informed
Money-central.com keeps you updated on the latest financial policies, exchange rates, and economic news in the U.S.
Ready to make smarter financial decisions? Explore money-central.com for comprehensive guides, tools, and expert advice tailored to your financial needs. Whether you’re budgeting, investing, or planning for retirement, we’re here to help you achieve your financial goals. Contact us at 44 West Fourth Street, New York, NY 10012, United States, or call +1 (212) 998-0000.
FAQ: Sending Money Internationally with PayPal
1. What is the easiest way to send money internationally through PayPal?
The easiest way is to log into your PayPal account, go to ‘Send & Request,’ enter the recipient’s details, specify the amount and currency, and confirm the payment. This streamlined process makes sending money internationally straightforward.
2. What are the fees for sending money internationally with PayPal?
Fees vary, but typically include a 5.00% international transfer fee (with a minimum of $0.99 and a maximum of $4.99) plus a currency conversion fee of around 4.00% above the mid-market exchange rate. The exact fees depend on your payment method and the recipient’s location.
3. Is it cheaper to send money internationally with PayPal or a bank?
It depends. Banks may have lower transfer fees, but often include higher exchange rate markups. Services like Wise often provide more transparent fees and better exchange rates, potentially making them cheaper than both PayPal and traditional banks.
4. How long does it take to send money internationally with PayPal?
The transfer time varies. Some transfers are instant, while others may take a few days, depending on the recipient’s location and the payment method used.
5. Can I send money to someone internationally if they don’t have a PayPal account?
Yes, through Xoom (a PayPal service), you can send money for cash pickup, home delivery, or direct bank deposit, even if the recipient doesn’t have a PayPal account.
6. What is the mid-market exchange rate, and why is it important?
The mid-market exchange rate is the average between the buy and sell rates of a currency. It’s important because it serves as a benchmark to compare the exchange rates offered by PayPal and other services, helping you identify hidden markups.
7. What alternatives to PayPal are recommended for international money transfers?
Alternatives include Wise, Western Union, and Remitly, each offering different benefits such as lower fees, faster transfers, and various payout options.
8. How can I minimize fees when sending money internationally with PayPal?
To minimize fees, avoid using a credit card as your payment method (as it incurs additional fees), and be aware of the currency conversion rate to understand the total cost.
9. Is PayPal a secure way to send money internationally?
Yes, PayPal uses encryption technology and fraud monitoring systems to help keep your transactions secure. However, always ensure you are sending money to a trusted recipient.
10. What should I do if my international PayPal transfer is delayed or has issues?
Contact PayPal’s customer service immediately. They can help track your transaction and resolve any issues.
By understanding these key aspects of sending money internationally with PayPal, you can make informed decisions and ensure your transfers are cost-effective and secure.
