4 Best Ways to Conduct International Money Transfer From India

The process of international money transfer involves the prompt and convenient transfer of personal or corporate remittances from India to another country.

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In this blog post, we shall discuss the different factors involved in international money transfers from India and specific corporate international money transfers from India.

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Let’s deep dive!

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About International Money Transfer

Indian citizens can transfer money from India to other countries by following a process known as outward remittance. This process is regulated by various foreign regulations, as per the guidelines set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

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• Outward remittance from India can be processed through channels like banks, POs, and digital payment platforms.

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• According to RBI, individuals or firms are allowed to transfer up to $250,000 per fiscal year for business visits, gifts, overseas education,  leisure visits, etc.

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• The necessary documents required for making an outward remittance vary depending on the chosen bank and platform, but usually include a copy of the Permanent Account Number (PAN) card, proof of adequate funds, original fee slip/receipt/bill (if applicable), Form A2, and other relevant documents.

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• To process international money transfers from India, the RBI has established a process called outward remittance. This allows for money transfers to take place through banks, or post offices.

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• As per the RBI guidelines, an individual or entity can transfer up to $250,000 from India to foreign shores per financial year for purposes such as medical reasons, business visits, education, leisure, donations or gifts, and other necessary expenses of relatives abroad.

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• The necessary documents required for making an international money transfer from India may vary based on the chosen mode of transfer but generally include relevant personal identification documents, proof of adequate funds, and other relevant forms and receipts.

International Money Transfer Documents

To conduct international money transfer from India or make an outward remittance, you typically need to provide several key documents, including

• A Permanent Account Number (PAN) card,
• an original receipt/bill/fee slip,
• proof of adequate funds, and
• Form A2.

Factors to Consider

When making an international money transfer from India, there are several key factors to consider:-

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• Exchange rates: You'll need to consider the exchange rate for converting one currency to another, which can impact the amount of money the recipient receives.

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• Transfer speed: Depending on the method of transfer, the ideal time required for transfers can range from 48 to 72 hours, while demand drafts and cheques may take longer to process.

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• Overhead charges: It's common to incur foreign conversion tax, transfer fees, and sometimes service tax when sending money abroad.

Ways to Transfer Money Internationally

As digital payment portals continue to gain popularity, there are now numerous options for transferring money internationally.

The specific method you choose will depend on various factors such as the purpose of the transfer, the time available, and the currency of the receiving country.

If you're still unsure about which transfer option to use, consider the following points:

1. In the past, money orders were a popular choice for international money transfers. With a money order, you deposit funds into your bank account and the recipient can cash it at any check cashing location. This method is often a cost-effective and secure way to send money overseas.

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2. Bank drafts are a secure and cost-effective means of transferring money abroad. However, the processing time for bank drafts is typically longer than other transfer options.

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3. Online Money Transfer: A popular choice among Indians for transferring money abroad, this method requires the account holder's information and destination bank details. However, intermediator banks are excluded and may result in heavy overhead charges.

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4. Online wire transfer: Online wire transfer is a relatively new and affordable way of transferring money internationally. Several financial institutions such as Book My Forex and Western Union offer this service, which involves intermediator banks, making it safer and less costly compared to other options.

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Last Word

Besides the methods discussed earlier, there are numerous options available for transferring money abroad. It is crucial to exercise caution and ensure the reliability of the service provider.

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While making a transfer, it is imperative to note the exchange rates and overhead charges involved.

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Keeping a record of all transfer transactions is advisable for future reference. One must also be vigilant of scams and fraudulent activities.

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FAQs

1. What is the cheapest way to transfer money internationally from India?

Typically, bank transfers are the most cost-effective way to fund your international money transfer through Wise. Although bank transfers may take longer than debit or credit card transfers, they often offer the most favorable exchange rates and fees

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2. Can I transfer money from an Indian bank account to an international bank account?

Sending money abroad through online money transfer is a popular and easy method among Indians. To make a transfer, you only require the recipient's account details, along with the IBAN or SWIFT code of the recipient bank, and the account holder's information.

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3. What is the cheapest way to send money internationally for businesses?

In the case of corporate forex transactions direct bank transfers are not possible. Hence fintech services offer an easy way out for B2B forex transactions.

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