How to Send Money to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific

Sending money to Australia, New Zealand or the Pacific islands? Your options can vary depending on where your recipient lives and how they want to receive the money.

Sometimes called Oceania, this region includes Australia, New Zealand and Pacific island destinations including Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.

Start with your recipient’s country to see the MoneyGram services available there, or keep reading for what to know before you send.

Countries we serve across the Pacific

MoneyGram serves destinations across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. Choose your recipient’s country below to see the current transfer and receiving options available there.

‍

How to send money to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific

The basic process is similar across the region, but the options available to you depend on your recipient’s country.

1. Choose the destination. Start with the country where your recipient will receive the money.
2. Choose how they’ll receive it. Depending on the destination, options may include cash pickup, direct to bank or another supported payout method.
3. Enter your recipient’s information. Make sure their name and any required account details are correct. For cash pickup, their name should match the identification they’ll use to collect the transfer.
4. Choose how you want to pay. Available payment methods will be shown when you set up your transfer.
5. Review and send. Check the recipient information, payout method, fee, exchange rate, and expected receiving amount before completing the transfer.
6. Share the reference number when needed. If your recipient is collecting cash, make sure they have the transfer information required for pickup.

Send money online with MoneyGram and see the current options available for your destination.

How your recipient can receive money

Receiving options vary across the region, which is why it’s worth asking your recipient what works best for them before you send.

Direct to bank

Where supported, direct to bank can send an eligible transfer directly to your recipient’s account.

This may be a useful option for someone who already uses a bank account for everyday expenses and doesn’t need to collect physical cash.

Cash pickup

Cash pickup may be available in supported destinations, including Pacific island markets.

For someone who prefers cash or doesn’t have an eligible bank account, this can provide another way to receive money.

Your recipient will generally need the transfer reference number and accepted identification. Check what your recipient needs to collect cash before they go.

Other ways to receive money

Other payout methods may be available depending on the country.

The best option comes down to what’s available where your recipient lives and how they already manage their money. See more about choosing between cash pickup, direct to bank, and mobile wallet.

How long transfers take

How long a transfer takes depends on the destination, how you pay and how your recipient receives the money.

Bank account transfers and cash pickup follow different processes. Banking hours, weekends, local holidays, verification, and other transaction details can also affect timing.

‍

What your recipient will need

For cash pickup, your recipient will generally need the reference number and an accepted form of photo identification. Requirements can vary by country, so check what your recipient needs to collect cash before they go.

For direct to bank, you’ll need the correct recipient and banking information required for their destination.

For other payout methods, your recipient will need the eligible account and information required for that service.

Currencies across the Pacific

Australia uses the Australian dollar, while New Zealand uses the New Zealand dollar.

Other Pacific destinations use their own currencies, so the exchange rate that matters depends on where your recipient lives.

If you’re sending to Australia or New Zealand, check the exchange rate and expected receiving amount for the appropriate currency when setting up your transfer.

For Pacific island destinations, use the country-specific information shown for your transaction.

Fees and exchange rates

The cost of an international transfer isn’t just the transfer fee. The exchange rate matters too.

Both can vary based on the destination, amount, payment method, payout method and other transaction details. Rather than relying on a fixed figure, check the current rate for the transfer you’re planning.

Also look at the expected receiving amount.

This becomes especially important as the amount you send increases because the exchange rate affects how much of your money is converted into your recipient’s currency.

Compare the full transaction, not just the transfer fee.

Popular destinations across the Pacific

Australia

If you need to send money to Australia, use the Australia corridor page to check current payout methods, recipient requirements, fees and exchange rates.

New Zealand

For a transfer to New Zealand, check the country-specific page to see the current receiving options and information you’ll need from your recipient.

Fiji

If your recipient lives in Fiji, start with the Fiji corridor page for current payout options and requirements.

Samoa

For transfers to Samoa, use the country-specific corridor page to see how your recipient can receive the money.

Tonga

If you’re sending to Tonga, check current MoneyGram services and payout methods before setting up your transfer.

Frequently asked questions

What countries are part of Oceania?

Oceania is a regional term commonly used for Australia, New Zealand and countries across the Pacific islands.

MoneyGram availability does not necessarily follow a geographic definition of the region, so use the approved country list on this page to see which destinations are currently supported.

Can I send money to Australia from the USA?

If MoneyGram currently supports your transfer route, use the Australia corridor page to see the available payout methods and requirements for sending from the US.

Does my recipient need a bank account?

Not always. Depending on the destination and available MoneyGram services, cash pickup, or another supported payout method may be available without a bank account.

Can my recipient collect cash?

Cash pickup may be available in supported destinations. Where available, your recipient will need to visit a participating location and meet the requirements for collection.

Use the location finder to find a MoneyGram location where applicable.

What if my recipient’s country isn’t listed?

If the destination isn’t on MoneyGram’s current approved country list, don’t select a nearby country instead. The transfer needs to be sent to the actual supported destination where your recipient will receive it.

How do I know how much my recipient will receive?

The expected amount depends on the details of your transfer, including the destination, amount, payout method, fee, and exchange rate.

Use MoneyGram’s live calculator to check the current rate and expected receiving amount before you send.

‍

‍