Send Money from UAE to India

Compare current AED → INR rates from 17+ providers. Best rates for Gulf NRIs.

Why People Send Money UAE → India

The UAE is home to over 3.5 million Indian nationals — the largest single diaspora community in the UAE. The UAE→India corridor is one of the three largest remittance corridors in the world, with billions of dirhams flowing home each year from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and across the Gulf. Senders include skilled professionals, construction workers, and healthcare staff supporting families, funding property purchases, and building NRI portfolios back home.

Pro Tip: Exchange houses can beat banks on AED/INR

In the UAE, licensed exchange houses (Al Ansari, Lulu Exchange, Al Fardan) often offer competitive AED→INR rates. Digital providers like Wise and WorldRemit are also excellent and available 24/7 from your phone. Always compare before visiting an exchange house counter.

How to send money from UAE to India

Compare AED→INR rates in the tool above: Look at the total INR amount your recipient receives. On a AED 1,000 transfer, a 0.5% rate difference is about ₹180 INR — that adds up over regular transfers. Always compare the final recipient amount, not just the listed fee.
Register with your chosen provider: Sign up using a UAE passport, Emirates ID (EID), or residency visa. Wise and WorldRemit both operate in the UAE. Exchange houses like Al Ansari and Lulu Exchange have walk-in branches across Dubai and other emirates if you prefer in-person.
Enter Indian bank details: You need the recipient's account number and 11-character IFSC code identifying their bank branch. Common banks: SBI (SBIN), HDFC (HDFC), ICICI (ICIC), Axis (UTIB). Recipients can find their IFSC in their banking app or on a cheque leaf.
Choose your payment method: Bank transfer or direct debit from your UAE bank account is cheapest. Cash payments at exchange house branches are convenient for those without UAE bank accounts. Debit card payments add 1–2% on most platforms.
Confirm and track: Wise and WorldRemit send real-time notifications to both sender and recipient. Most AED→INR transfers via digital providers arrive within 1–2 business days. Exchange house transfers can be same-day for established accounts.

What to know

IFSC code is required for India

All international transfers to Indian bank accounts need the 11-character IFSC code identifying the specific bank branch. There is no IBAN system in India. Recipients can find their IFSC in their bank app, on a cheque, or by searching "[bank name] [branch name] IFSC" online. Without it, transfers cannot be processed.

UAE exchange houses are well-regulated

UAE exchange houses are licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) and are safe, regulated businesses. Al Ansari Exchange, Lulu Exchange, Al Fardan Exchange, and UAE Exchange are among the most established. They offer competitive AED→INR rates and have branches across all emirates. Many NRIs use exchange houses for cash or in-person transfers.

FEMA limits on India inward remittances

India does not cap the amount you can receive as personal remittances. Transfers above $250,000 per financial year for capital account transactions (property, investment) may require additional documentation under FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act). For regular family support, there is no practical limit.

For UAE→India, Wise offers the closest AED→INR rate to mid-market with transparent fees — ideal for larger amounts. WorldRemit is excellent for first-time senders with competitive rates and strong mobile app. Al Ansari Exchange and Lulu Exchange are the top UAE exchange houses with competitive AED→INR rates and wide physical branch coverage. Western Union and MoneyGram handle cash pickup across India. Instarem is worth comparing for mid-to-large amounts. Avoid your UAE bank's SWIFT transfer service — AED→INR rates from UAE banks typically carry a 3–5% markup.

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to send money from UAE to India?

For digital transfers: Wise typically offers AED→INR rates closest to mid-market. WorldRemit and Instarem are also competitive. For in-person: Al Ansari Exchange and Lulu Exchange branches across the UAE often match or beat digital providers on AED→INR. Use the comparison table above to check current rates — the winner changes daily.

How long does a transfer from UAE to India take?

Digital providers (Wise, WorldRemit) typically deliver to Indian bank accounts within 1–2 business days. Same-day delivery is possible for transfers submitted early in the day to IMPS-enabled Indian banks. Exchange house transfers are often same-day for established customers. Cash pickup through Western Union is within minutes.

What is the AED to INR rate today?

The AED/INR rate changes every day based on market conditions. Use our live comparison tool above to see today's exact rate from each provider. Different providers apply different margins on top of the mid-market rate — the actual INR amount varies significantly between providers.

Can I send money from Dubai to India online?

Yes. Wise, WorldRemit, and Western Union all operate in the UAE and allow you to send AED online to Indian bank accounts. You need a UAE-registered mobile number and Emirates ID or passport for registration. Transfers are processed 24/7 via app or website.

What Indian bank details do I need for a UAE transfer?

You need: (1) the recipient's bank account number, and (2) their 11-character IFSC code identifying their specific bank branch. For Wise, you may also need the bank's SWIFT code. Your recipient can find both in their bank app, on a bank statement, or by contacting their branch.

Is there a limit on how much I can send from UAE to India?

Wise allows up to AED 3,000,000 for fully verified accounts. WorldRemit allows up to AED 50,000 per transaction. Exchange houses typically allow larger amounts with appropriate documentation. India does not cap incoming personal remittances, though capital account transactions above $250,000/year may require FEMA compliance documentation.