How to Send Money Abroad: Service Options, Costs, and Transfer Time

Jakarta, Pintu News – Are you studying abroad, working as a remote worker, or have family members who need money sent overseas? Understanding the right way to send money abroad can save you significantly on costs.

In 2026, the options are increasingly diverse: from conventional bank transfers such as BCA and BNI, fintech services such as Wise and Flip Globe, to USDT stablecoins that are growing in popularity due to their very low cost. This article provides a complete comparison of all options along with costs, timing, and the best tips to ensure your money arrives efficiently.

How to Send Money Abroad via Bank (SWIFT)

International transfers through banks using the SWIFT network are the most conventional method. Almost all major Indonesian banks such as BCA, BRI, BNI, Mandiri, and CIMB Niaga provide this service. You can do it through a bank branch, mobile banking app, or internet banking.

As an example, BCA’s overseas transfer fee starts from Rp50,000 for the telex fee plus USD 20 per transaction. Bank Mandiri charges a service fee of USD 25 for transfers in US dollars and USD 30 for other foreign currencies. Processing time is generally 1-5 business days, depending on the correspondent bank intermediary. To use this service, prepare the SWIFT/BIC code of the destination bank, account number, and the recipient’s complete name and address.

The advantage of sending money abroad via bank is proven security and trustworthiness. The disadvantage is higher costs and slower processing time compared to modern fintech services.

Read also: “Stablecoins Seen as a New Transformation in the Global Money Transfer System“

Wise: Transfer with Mid-Market Rate Without Markup

Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a popular choice for sending money abroad because it uses the mid-market exchange rate, the same exchange rate you see on Google, with no hidden markup. Wise fees are transparent and range from 0.5% to 2% of the transfer amount, far more economical than banks that typically add a 2-5% markup to the exchange rate.

The process is straightforward: create a Wise account, verify your identity, select the destination currency, enter the recipient’s account details, and make the payment. Funds typically arrive within 1-3 business days, and often faster for popular destinations such as the United States, Europe, Australia, and Singapore. Wise is available for sending from Indonesia to more than 80 countries.

Flip Globe: Affordable Fees to 60+ Countries

Flip Globe is an international transfer service from the Flip app that is already familiar among Indonesian users. With fees starting from Rp25,000 and no admin fee for the first transaction, Flip Globe is an economical choice for sending money abroad especially for beginners. The service supports transfers to more than 60 countries with competitive exchange rates.

Flip Globe also offers a real-time fee calculator so you can see how much the recipient will receive before deciding to transfer. Processing time varies by destination country, generally ranging from a few hours to 2 business days.

USDT Stablecoin: The Cheapest Way to Send Money Abroad

For users already familiar with crypto, stablecoins such as USDT (Tether) offer the cheapest way to send money abroad. The network fee for USDT transfer via TRON (TRC-20) or Polygon can be as low as less than USD 1, with settlement time of just a few minutes and no operating hour restrictions.

The process: buy USDT on Pintu or another Indonesian crypto platform, send it to the recipient’s wallet abroad, then the recipient converts the USDT to their local currency. Its value is stable because it’s pegged 1:1 to USD, so there is no price fluctuation risk during the transfer process. This method is highly efficient for freelancers receiving payments from international clients or migrant workers who regularly send money to family in Indonesia.

Read also: “How to Buy Tether (USDT), Sell and Exchange It to Rupiah on Pintu“

Factors Affecting International Transfer Costs

Before choosing a service, it’s important to understand the components of overseas transfer costs. First is the fixed fee charged by the service provider (telex, provision, admin). Second is the exchange rate markup, the difference between the offered rate and the mid-market rate. Third is the correspondent fee that may be deducted by intermediary banks, especially on SWIFT transfers. Fourth, some destination countries impose their own taxes or receipt fees.

For cost-efficient transfers, always calculate the total cost that includes all the above components, not just the fee stated upfront. Even a 1% difference on a USD 1,000 transfer means Rp178,000 more expensive, a significant figure if transfers are made regularly every month.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sending Money Abroad

What is the cheapest way to send money abroad from Indonesia?

For the lowest cost, USDT stablecoin via the TRC-20 network is the best choice, with fees below USD 1 per transaction. For direct transfers to a destination bank account, Wise and Flip Globe generally offer more competitive exchange rates than conventional banks.

What is the limit for sending money abroad from Indonesia?

Limits vary by bank and service. Generally for personal purposes, transfers below USD 25,000 per day can be made without additional documents. Larger amounts require supporting documents for the transfer purpose in accordance with Bank Indonesia’s regulations on foreign exchange.

How long does it take to transfer money abroad from Indonesia?

SWIFT bank transfers take 1-5 business days. Wise and Flip Globe generally take 1-3 business days. USDT stablecoin is the fastest, only a few minutes.

Are special documents required to send money abroad?

For transfers below a certain threshold (generally equivalent to USD 25,000), transfers can be made directly. Larger amounts require an underlying transaction or supporting documents such as an invoice, proof of asset ownership, or an employment contract in accordance with Bank Indonesia’s provisions.

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*Disclaimer:

This content aims to enrich readers’ information. Pintu collects this information from various relevant sources and is not influenced by outside parties. Please note that past asset performance does not determine future performance projections. Crypto buying and selling activities carry high risks and volatility; always conduct independent research and use cold money before investing. All Bitcoin buying and selling activities and other crypto asset investments are the reader’s responsibility.

References

• Nurmianti Nurmianti. “Transfer Fee Abroad: How Much and What’s the Most Economical Way?“. Wise. Accessed on June 23, 2026.
• “6 Ways to Send Money Abroad from Indonesia“. Wise. Accessed on June 23, 2026.
• “Outward Remittance“. BCA. Accessed on June 23, 2026.
• “Flip Globe“. Flip. Accessed on June 23, 2026.