How to send money to UAE from Canada with the best CAD-AED rate

An app does the same job as the store for less, and you top it up with an Interac e-Transfer, the same way you'd send money to a friend.

Western Union charges $0 in fees and adds -0.18% markup, so your $1,000 delivers 2,667.3 AED in next day.

You don't need a SIN to sign up either, a passport works.

For bigger or less frequent transfers, compare a couple of online services on the day, and pick the cheapest.

Of 12 online companies, Western Union is the cheapest and currently gets you 2,667.3 AED on a $1,000 transfer after a $0 fee and -0.18% markup.

Funding by bank transfer (EFT) is cheapest but takes 1-2 days to clear, and Interac e-Transfer or debit card is faster but pricier.

For property, tuition, moving from Canada, or an inheritance, a broker is the best and usually the cheapest option.

Brokers like OFX charge no fees but add 0.65% on CAD/AED interbank rate.

The markup gets lower the more you send, with an account manager handling it end to end.

If you're sending large amounts. expect more questions about the transfers, so have statements and documents ready to avoid delays.

Some neobanks in Canada include international transfers with no transfer fee as part of the account.

Koho sends your $1,000 for $24.06 in fees with 0% markup.

It's a good option for small ocasional transfers, but I still suggest comparing your options.

Global accounts handle the business side, paying suppliers, contractors and overseas invoices in AED.

Companies like OFX, Airwallex, or WorldFirst are set up for the batch and recurring payments a personal app can't do.

If part of your life runs in AED, be it spending it, saving it, or waiting for a better rate, a multi-currency account can hold it alongside your CAD.

Wise lets you hold CAD and AED, and convert between them at low cost.

For example, converting $1,000 costs $8.95 in fees at -0.02% markup, which gets you 2,639.14 AED.