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What is airtime?
Airtime is a popular form of credit used to top up prepaid mobile phones. It can be used to access all the offerings of your network’s service, such as making or receiving calls, text messages, and using mobile data.
How does sending airtime work?
Sending an airtime top up to a prepaid mobile located overseas is exactly like topping up a pay-as-you-go phone. You’ll need to confirm the recipient’s mobile number, the country they’re in, and the amount you’d like to top up.
Since airtime transfers are managed remotely via mobile networks, the mobile top up should be sent to the recipient almost immediately. When the airtime is credited to the recipient’s phone, they’ll receive a text message from their provider informing them that their airtime has been topped up.
Why send an international airtime transfer?
They’re quick
Airtime transfers are usually completed within minutes, so there’s no need to worry about any potential delays. However, there may be a small delay if there is an outage on the mobile network receiving the transfer.
They’re direct
Your airtime transfer will be sent directly to the phone number you request when starting your transfer.
They’re useful in an emergency
Sending airtime can be useful in an emergency. If you have family or friends staying abroad and they’re unable to use their mobile phone due to a lack of available minutes or mobile data, you can quickly send them the airtime they need.
Which money transfer providers let you send airtime?
Transfer provider | Countries serviced | Fees | Speed | Minimum transfer | Payment methods |
130+ | None | Instant | $1 USD | Bank transfer, debit card, credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay | |
190 | First transfer free | Instant | $1 USD | Bank transfer, debit card, and credit card |
Servicing over 130 different countries, WorldRemit is the ideal money transfer provider for sending airtime. Their airtime transfers are free and instant, you can send an airtime top up using your smartphone, tablet, or computer, and you can transfer from as little as 1 USD. WorldRemit accepts airtime transfers via bank transfer, debit card, credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and more.
You can also make an airtime transfer using Small World money transfer. It allows you to send an airtime top up to other networks without the recipient having to take complicated actions. Small World also provides a mobile app which allows you to track your transfer as you send it.
How much does it cost to send airtime?
Costs will vary depending on your chosen provider and the mobile network you’re transferring to. If the recipient’s mobile is being used overseas, your payment will also be subject to the current exchange rate.
Which countries can I send airtime to?
You can send airtime to beneficiaries in almost all other countries across the world, depending on the service provider you send airtime with. However, not all service providers can deliver airtime to the country you need, so it’s important to check before choosing a provider.
Some countries deduct tax from airtime top ups, so the recipient of your transfer may get a lower amount than you sent. You should be informed of any tax deductions due on your transfer before you make it.
Send airtime abroad
When might I need to send airtime?
If a friend or relative has run out of airtime, sending them a top up yourself will make sure they’re still contactable. This is possible whether they’re in the same country as you or overseas.
Sending airtime can also be a useful tool if your employee is conducting business overseas and needs more airtime to be able to complete their work.
How to send airtime to someone
You can send airtime using a specialist money transfer service, or sometimes directly through your mobile network provider. You can send airtime internationally or domestically. Most providers will simply need the recipient’s name, mobile number, service provider, and the payment method you’d like to use.
What information will I need to be able to send airtime?
Whether overseas or on home turf, you’ll need the following details to be able to send airtime.
Full name of the recipient
Mobile number of the recipient
Service provider they’re with
Amount you’d like to send
Payment method*
*Either debit or credit cards are the most widely accepted ways to pay for airtime top ups.
How long does it take for an airtime top up to be received?
Airtime transfers are usually completed instantly, with the recipient getting their airtime within minutes of the payment being sent. Very occasionally, there may be a small delay if there is an outage on the mobile network.
Can I cancel airtime after I’ve sent it?
This depends on your transfer provider, but typically airtime mobile top ups cannot be cancelled or refunded. Because of this, most transfer providers ask you to confirm the telephone number of the recipient twice before proceeding to payment to prevent mistakes.
Is an airtime top up the same as a mobile recharge?
An airtime top up is the same as a mobile recharge or mobile top up. Airtime top ups have different names in different countries, so they may also be known as mobile loads, mobile credit, mobile minutes, or a phone refill.
Can airtime be converted into cash?
Airtime can be converted to cash by platforms based in Nigeria. However, it’s important to conduct thorough research before sending any money through a platform, as some have high transaction fees, and there has been an increase in airtime to cash scams in recent years.
Are there other ways of sending money abroad?
There are lots of ways of sending money abroad other than mobile airtime. These include:
Bank deposits
Often the cheapest and fastest way of sending money abroad is via an international money transfer provider. Specialist transfer providers offer lower fees than some of the more traditional methods of transferring money.
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