Sending money transfer to Tanzania doesn’t have to be complicated, even if you’re doing it for the first time. With Western Union’s 150+ years of experience sending money worldwide, you can now transfer funds to over 200 countries and territories globally. Whether you’re supporting family back home or paying for services abroad, the process is more straightforward than you might think.
In fact, when looking for an international money transfer to Tanzania, speed matters. Many providers deliver funds within minutes, WorldRemit sends 90% of transfers to their local partners in Tanzania in that timeframe, while Revolut completes most card transfers in seconds (though some may take up to 30 minutes). Above all, reliability is crucial when sending money internationally, which explains why over 5 million customers trust services like WorldRemit for their global transfers.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to send money to Tanzania, from setting up your account to tracking your transfer. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to complete your first remittance without unnecessary stress or confusion.
Step 1: Set up your account
Before sending your first international money transfer, selecting a reliable service provider is crucial. When researching options for how to Transfer Money from UK to Tanzania, look for providers with secured websites, transparent company information, and easily accessible customer service. Additionally, check for reasonable pricing structures and competitive exchange rates to maximize your transfer value.
Many experienced users recommend checking review sites such as Trustpilot for verified customer experiences before making your decision. Remember that online money transfer providers often offer better rates and lower fees than traditional banks, despite banks being familiar options for many first-time senders.
Register with your personal details
Once you’ve selected a provider, registration typically takes just a few minutes. Most services require:
- Full name
- Email address
- Mobile phone number
- Date of birth
- Home address
For example, with Western Union, you’ll create a free account where your information is securely stored for future transfers. Many services now offer mobile apps through Apple App Store or Google Play Store for convenient signup and transfers.
Verify your identity with documents
Identity verification is an essential security measure required by law under Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations. This process prevents money laundering and ensures your transactions remain secure.
For verification, you’ll typically need to provide:
- Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, or national ID card)
- Proof of address (recent utility bill or bank statement)
- Sometimes, proof of funds for larger transfers
Most providers now use advanced verification technologies that can verify your identity in approximately four minutes. This step might seem like an extra hassle, but it’s actually protecting both you and the recipient by ensuring your money reaches its intended destination safely.
After verification, you’ll be ready to set up your first money transfer to Tanzania with confidence that your transaction will be processed securely.
Step 2: Enter recipient details
After setting up your account, providing accurate recipient information becomes critical for your international money transfer to Tanzania. This step directly affects whether your money reaches the intended person.
Full name and contact information
The foundation of any successful transfer starts with correct recipient identification. You must provide:
- The full legal name of your recipient exactly as it appears on their official identification
- Their complete address as registered with their bank
- A valid phone number (especially important for mobile wallet transfers)
Remember that names should match official bank records precisely. Consequently, ask your recipient to confirm how their name appears in their banking documents to avoid delays.
Bank account or mobile wallet info
Depending on your chosen transfer method, you’ll need specific financial details:
For bank transfers:
- The recipient’s bank account number (standard format varies by country)
- Their bank’s name and address
- SWIFT/BIC code (an international bank identifier code)
- For certain countries, an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) or other specific identifiers like:
- CLABE for Mexico
- Transit Code for Canada
- IFSC code for India
For mobile wallet transfers:
- The recipient’s phone number linked to their mobile wallet
- Confirmation that they have a verified mobile wallet account with a supported provider
Double-check for accuracy
This final verification step cannot be overstated. Transfers with incorrect details may face significant complications:
- Transfer delays or complete failure
- Funds potentially sent to the wrong recipient
- Difficulties recovering money once sent
Furthermore, take extra time to review all information before confirming. Many services require you to acknowledge you’ve verified all details. International transfers particularly are difficult to reverse once initiated, so precision matters tremendously.
I recommend reading back each piece of information aloud as you enter it and asking your recipient to confirm details via a separate communication channel whenever possible.
Step 3: Choose how to send and receive money
Now that you’ve entered your recipient’s details, it’s time to select the most appropriate transfer method for your international money transfer to Tanzania. Each option offers distinct advantages depending on your recipient’s needs and location.
Bank transfer
Bank transfers use the SWIFT network, making them highly secure for transferring large sums. Primarily used for business transactions, this method requires both you and your recipient to have bank accounts. Although bank transfers offer excellent security, they typically take several business days to process and often come with higher fees than digital alternatives. Notably, banks charge an average of nearly 13.40% of your transfer amount, making them the most expensive option.
Cash pickup
This option allows recipients to collect money in physical cash from agent locations like Western Union or MoneyGram. Cash pickup typically becomes available within 2-4 hours, making it ideal for urgent transfers. Western Union maintains thousands of international agent locations, reaching places where banking access is limited. This method particularly benefits recipients without bank accounts but carries safety considerations when collecting large amounts.
Mobile wallet
For recipients with mobile wallets, you can send money directly to their phones. Mobile wallet transfers are:
- Rapidly growing in popularity
- Usually processed quickly
- Perfect for regions with limited banking infrastructure
- Available through partner companies in supported countries
Card transfer
Visa Direct allows transfers directly to bank accounts linked to Visa debit cards using just the 16-digit card number. This method skips complicated bank codes and routing numbers. Funds typically arrive in the recipient’s account within 30 minutes, although delivery times may vary by country. Currently available for transfers to countries including Philippines, Jamaica, Thailand, Colombia, and El Salvador.
Payment link options
Payment links provide a modern alternative for receiving funds. You can generate secure payment links to share via email, text messages, or apps like WhatsApp. Recipients simply click the link to complete the transaction using their preferred payment method. Payment links can be customized with your branding and remain active for specified periods, offering flexibility for both senders and receivers.
Step 4: Pay and track your transfer
The final phase of your international money transfer to Tanzania involves completing payment and monitoring your transaction. Once you’ve selected a provider and entered recipient details, it’s time to finalize your transfer.
Pay using card, bank, or app
Most remittance providers offer multiple payment options to fund your transfer:
- Bank account transfer – Usually the cheapest option but takes longer
- Debit or credit card – Faster but may incur higher fees
- Mobile payment – Services like Apple Pay and Google Pay are increasingly available
- Cash payment – Available at agent locations for in-person transactions
After selecting your payment method and confirming details, you’ll receive a confirmation email with transaction details. First-time users might need to accept a service agreement before proceeding.
Essential knowledge of fees and exchange rates
The true cost of your transfer consists of both upfront fees and exchange rates. Globally, sending remittances costs an average of 6.49% of the amount sent. Therefore, comparing providers is essential.
Transaction fees typically vary based on:
- Transfer amount
- Payment method (bank transfers often cheapest)
- Destination country
- Delivery speed (faster = more expensive)
Moreover, exchange rates include markups that providers set at their discretion. These hidden costs can significantly reduce how much money your recipient actually receives.
Track your transfer with MTCN or app
After payment, you’ll receive a tracking number (MTCN – Money Transfer Control Number). This 10-digit code helps you:
- Monitor your transfer status online or via app
- Provide proof for customer support inquiries
- Enable your recipient to collect funds (essential for cash pickup)
Many providers offer real-time tracking through mobile apps, sending notifications when money reaches your recipient. Meanwhile, bank transfers can be traced using the Federal Reference number if needed.
Conclusion
Sending money internationally might feel intimidating at first, but after following these four steps, you should feel confident about completing your first transfer to Tanzania. Most importantly, selecting a reliable provider with competitive rates ensures your money reaches its destination safely and efficiently.
Double-checking all recipient details certainly makes the difference between a successful transfer and potential complications. Therefore, taking extra time to verify information before finalizing your transfer is time well spent, especially since international transfers can be difficult to reverse.
Different transfer methods offer unique advantages depending on your recipient’s needs. Cash pickups provide immediate access to funds, while mobile wallets work perfectly for recipients in areas with limited banking infrastructure. Bank transfers, though slower, offer security for larger amounts.
Tracking capabilities give you peace of mind throughout the process. The tracking number provided allows you to monitor your transfer status and serves as essential proof should any questions arise about your transaction.
First-time senders should remember that fees can vary significantly between providers. Actually, comparing several options before making your decision could save considerable money, particularly for recurring transfers. Many digital providers now offer substantially better rates than traditional banks.
The process of sending money internationally has become remarkably straightforward thanks to technological advancements. You can now complete an entire transfer from your smartphone within minutes, connecting you financially with loved ones across the globe regardless of distance. This accessibility makes supporting family or paying for services abroad simpler than ever before.
