Guide to Sending and Receiving Cash Internationally for India [2025]

Sending money to other countries is something many Indians need to do. While online transfers are now common, sometimes you might need to send or receive actual cash. This guide explains how to handle cash remittances to and from India, covering all options and important things to know.

As an alternative, we'll also introduce you to Wise — which doesn't support cash remittances, but offers convenient online bank-to-bank international transfers you can do from home.

What is Cash Remittance?

Cash remittance means sending or receiving physical money across international borders. Unlike digital transfers, cash remittances usually involve:

• The sender giving physical cash (not using a card or bank transfer)
• Providing personal details like full name and address
• Telling the purpose of the transfer
• Giving the recipient's details (name, location, or bank account information)

Remember that strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) rules make cash transfers more complicated than digital options. There are also safety concerns and practical challenges in moving physical cash safely across borders.

Sending Cash Remittances Abroad from India

Here are some ways to send cash abroad from India:

India Post (MO Videsh)

• MO Videsh lets you send money through select post offices in India
• Available to over 210 countries worldwide
• Maximum limit of 50,000 INR per transaction
• You need to show valid ID and complete KYC requirements

Check with your local post office to confirm availability and current rules. We cover international transfer services by India Post in our guide 👉.

Authorized Foreign Exchange Dealers

• Money changers approved by RBI may offer limited cash remittance services
• You must visit in person with valid ID and documents
• Strict KYC rules apply, including proof of why you're sending money

Most banks in India require you to have an account for international transfers, but some branches might accept cash deposits for international remittances if you can provide proper documents showing where the money came from.

Receiving Cash Remittances from Abroad in India

To receive cash, someone sending money from abroad would need to use a service that offers cash pickups in India. Popular options include:

• Western Union
• MoneyGram
• RIA Money Transfer
• Xoom
• India Post (through money transfer and partnerships)

To pick up cash, you must provide the reference number and your ID. Important things to remember when receiving cash:

• Check the opening hours of pickup locations
• Bring a government-issued photo ID
• Be careful when carrying cash
• Ask if home delivery is available in your area

How to Choose a Service:

Always do your research:

• Check company websites and apps for current rates and fees
• Read what other customers say
• Ask customer service if you have questions
• Make sure the provider is approved by the RBI to operate in India

When picking a remittance service, compare these factors:

• Convenience: How easy it is to send and receive money
• Speed: How quickly the money will arrive
• Fees: What you'll pay upfront and any hidden charges
• Exchange rates: The rate you get when converting currencies

Most providers add extra charges to the currency conversion rate you usually see on Google. These hidden markups on the mid-market rate can make your transfer much more expensive. Compare the rate your provider offers with the actual mid-market exchange rate here:

Meet Wise: A Convenient Alternative for Online Transfers

While Wise doesn't support cash remittances, it offers a completely digital option with online KYC for international money transfers. Wise charges low, clear fees and uses mid-market exchange rates without hidden markups.

Send Money with Wise 🚀

Wise can help you in several ways:

• For people living abroad: You can send money to India directly to bank accounts or UPI IDs, often at better rates than traditional banks or money transfer services.
• For Indian residents: You can send money from India for allowed purposes like education, travel, and medical expenses, following all RBI rules.
• For Indian businesses and freelancers: A Wise Business account gives you local account details in multiple currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, and more), so you can receive payments from international clients as if you had a local bank account in their country.

Conclusion

Sending cash internationally from India means following strict rules and finding authorized service providers. Receiving cash is easier with established companies like Western Union, MoneyGram, and others that have many locations across India.

Always compare fees, exchange rates, and reliability before choosing a provider. If you're comfortable with digital transfers, online services like Wise offer good rates and more convenience without the safety concerns of handling cash.

Remember that all international money transfers from India must follow the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) regulations and RBI guidelines, whether you're using cash or digital methods.