Transferring money from England to Jordan doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. When comparing popular services, we found that specialized providers like Halo Financial offer exchange rates as high as 0.9493 for a £10,000 transfer with no fees, while high street banks typically provide lower rates around 0.9264 with additional charges.
Fortunately, there are multiple ways to move money from England to Jordan, each with different benefits. International wire transfers might take 1-5 business days but often provide better exchange rates, whereas same-day services like Western Union allow your loved ones to receive cash within hours. In Jordan, the local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JD), which is divided into 1000 fils, and credit cards are widely accepted in malls and restaurants. Whether you’re sending funds for family support, property payments, or personal expenses, understanding your options is crucial.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most efficient methods for expats to receive money in Jordan from the UK, examining factors like fees, exchange rates, and processing times to help you make informed decisions about your international transfers.
The Basics of Receiving Money in Jordan
Jordan’s financial system makes receiving money from overseas straightforward once you understand the fundamentals. Let me walk you through how it all works.
How international transfers work
When money moves from England to Jordan, it typically travels through the SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) network. To successfully Move Money from England to Jordon via bank-to-bank transfers, payments are processed through the Jordanian Local Clearing System (JLCS) which operates Sunday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.. Transfers initiated during these hours can be credited within 60 minutes. Conversely, mobile banking transfers might take up to three working days since they’re processed through SWIFT rather than JLCS.
According to Jordanian regulations, visible and invisible payment transactions can be fulfilled without restrictions. Furthermore, you’re allowed to bring in and send out banknotes, coins, and other payment means without limitations.
Common methods used by expats
Expats receiving money in Jordan typically use these primary methods:
- Bank deposits – Ideal if you have a local account and want to save or withdraw cash as needed
- Cash pickup services – Western Union and MoneyGram operate through numerous local agents like Swiss Exchange and Zamzam Exchange
- Mobile money transfers – Convenient for those who use phone-based payment apps, especially if you lack traditional banking access
The fastest transfer option depends on urgency – Western Union offers same-day delivery, whereas international wire transfers typically take 1-5 business days but often provide better exchange rates.
Overview of Jordanian banking system
The Central Bank of Jordan oversees the banking system, which is remarkably accommodating for non-residents. Jordanian banks allow non-residents to maintain accounts in both Jordanian dinars and foreign currencies. Additionally, withdrawals and transfers from these accounts are permitted without restrictions.
Cross-border banking programs, such as Arab Bank’s “Arabi Cross Border,” enable expatriates to conduct banking transactions between Jordan and other countries. These services include cross-border account opening, fund transfers, and even non-resident mortgage loans up to $700,000 with competitive interest rates.
According to banking regulations, licensed banks in Jordan can maintain foreign currencies up to 15% of their total external obligations or the equivalent of 1 million Jordanian dinars, whichever is greater.
Top 4 Ways to Receive Money from the UK
As an expat in Jordan, I have several reliable options for receiving funds from the UK. Each method offers distinct advantages depending on my needs for speed, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.
1. Bank-to-bank international transfers
Bank transfers remain a solid choice for moving larger sums of money. Through this method, funds travel directly from a UK bank account to my Jordanian one. Although these transfers typically take longer than alternative methods, they often provide better value for money. I can receive up to £350,000 GBP (or equivalent) through online transfers, with deposits sometimes arriving in minutes. For larger amounts, specialized teams can arrange the transfer, making this ideal for purchasing property or making significant investments in Jordan.
2. Online money transfer services (Wise, Remitly, etc.)
Digital transfer services have revolutionized how I receive money from abroad. Services like Remitly offer competitive exchange rates sometimes as favorable as 0.7086 JOD to 1 USD for first-time users. Setting up is straightforward: the sender creates an account, selects the amount and delivery speed, chooses how I’ll receive the money, enters my information, and completes the payment. Wise provides an international account option that allows for sending, spending, and converting money like a local. These services typically charge modest fees for example, Remitly charges USD 2.99 when sending from USD to JOD.
3. Cash pickup services (Western Union, MoneyGram)
For situations requiring immediate cash, pickup services prove invaluable. With Western Union, I can collect cash at numerous agent locations throughout Jordan. Similarly, MoneyGram partners with trusted local companies including Swiss Exchange, Saudi Exchange, and Zamzam Exchange. Most notably, these services offer real-time tracking through mobile apps, allowing me to follow transfers as they happen and locate the nearest pickup locations. This option works particularly well for receiving emergency funds or when banking access is limited.
4. Mobile wallets and digital banking apps
Through Jordan’s “JoMoPay” system, I can receive instant payments via mobile wallets. These electronic accounts, accessible through smartphone apps, link to unique account numbers each individual in Jordan can open up to two wallets. I can assign identifiers like my name, mobile number, or email address for receiving transfers. Importantly, these apps display the sender’s full name before transfer completion, reducing misdirected payments. Moreover, I can easily return mistakenly received funds to the original sender without initiating a new transfer. This increasingly popular option combines convenience with enhanced security features.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Method
Selecting the right money transfer method requires careful evaluation of several factors. Knowing what to look for helps ensure you get the best value while meeting your specific needs.
Exchange rates and hidden fees
The actual cost of transferring money goes beyond the advertised fee. Many providers add markups to the exchange rate essentially a hidden fee. Even services claiming “zero fees” often make their profit through less favorable rates. To avoid this, always compare the offered rate with the mid-market rate (the rate banks use when trading between themselves). Some services like Western Union display current exchange rates and fees upfront, yet it’s still wise to calculate the full price before confirming any transfer.
Transfer speed and urgency
Transfer times vary significantly between services. Bank transfers to Jordan through the Jordanian Local Clearing System operate Sunday through Thursday (7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) and can be credited within 60 minutes. However, mobile banking transfers might take up to three working days. Services like Moneycorp deliver within 1-2 working days regardless of transfer size. For immediate needs, same-day options exist, though often at higher costs.
Recipient’s access to banking or cash
Consider how the recipient prefers to collect funds. If they have a bank account, direct deposits offer convenience. Otherwise, cash pickup services like Western Union provide numerous agent locations throughout Jordan. Another option is CliQ, which works through mobile banking apps and allows transfers using aliases like a name, mobile number, or email address instead of account numbers.
Security and fraud protection
Legitimate services employ encryption and fraud prevention measures to protect transfers. Look for services that display the sender’s full name before transfer completion and allow mistakenly received funds to be returned easily. When receiving transfer details, always verify payment information through a different communication channel than how you were initially contacted. Be cautious about urgent requests, as fraudsters often create false time pressure.
Customer support availability
Reliable customer support becomes critical if issues arise. Some providers offer round-the-clock assistance, while others have limited hours. Before choosing a service, check their support options phone numbers, email addresses, or live chat availability. If you suspect fraud, immediate action is essential; contact your provider promptly at their emergency number, as quick action may help recover fraudulently transferred money.
Setting Up to Receive Money in Jordan
Setting up properly to receive funds from the UK is a crucial step for expats in Jordan. Let me guide you through the process based on my experience.
Opening a local bank account
Getting a Jordanian bank account is the first step toward hassle-free transfers. Local banks offer current accounts that can be opened in multiple currencies, including JOD, USD, EUR, and GBP. The minimum deposit for opening an account is typically JOD 200 or USD 300 (or equivalent in other currencies). Fortunately, Jordan’s banking sector includes 28 commercial banks 15 local and 13 foreign giving you plenty of options.
Documents required for account setup
For Jordanians, you’ll need:
- Valid civil ID or military ID
- Proof of address (lease contract/utility bill)
Non-Jordanians must provide:
- Valid passport
- Valid residency permit
- Personal number for non-Jordanians
- Proof of income (for some banks)
Activating international transfer features
Once your account is active, request international transfer capabilities. Many Jordanian banks now offer “Cross-Border Account Opening” services specifically for non-resident Jordanians. These provide free money transfers across regional networks alongside online access to all accounts through internet and mobile banking.
Using multi-currency accounts
Multi-currency accounts simplify receiving money from England. They allow you to hold funds in different currencies without conversion fees. Subsequently, you can link multiple foreign currency accounts to your cards and transfer between them at competitive exchange rates.
Conclusion
Receiving money from the UK while living in Jordan offers several viable options for expats like me. Throughout this guide, we’ve seen that bank-to-bank transfers provide reliability for larger sums, whereas online services like Wise and Remitly offer competitive rates with digital convenience. Cash pickup services such as Western Union and MoneyGram remain essential for immediate access to funds, while mobile wallets connected to Jordan’s JoMoPay system represent the growing digital banking landscape.
Exchange rates ultimately determine the true cost of any international transfer. Therefore, comparing the offered rate against the mid-market rate before making any decision proves crucial. The urgency factor also plays a significant role same-day transfers typically cost more but solve immediate needs, while standard transfers take 1-5 days but often provide better value.
Security concerns should never be overlooked. Legitimate services employ strong encryption and verification measures to protect my money. Additionally, customer support availability becomes essential if problems arise during the transfer process.
Setting up properly makes all the difference. A local bank account with international transfer capabilities serves as the foundation for most transfer methods. Multi-currency accounts particularly benefit expats by allowing us to hold funds in different currencies without immediate conversion.
After weighing all factors fees, speed, accessibility, and security I can choose the method that best fits my specific situation. The financial landscape continues to evolve with increasingly competitive options for expats. Armed with this knowledge, sending money between the UK and Jordan becomes significantly less daunting, allowing me to focus on enjoying my expat experience rather than worrying about financial logistics.