Compare the best ways to send money to Burundi

The exchange rate plays a key role in determining how much BIF your recipient in BI will get.

For example, in the past month average rate for USD to BIF was 2,949.5938 BIF.

Since USD-BIF exchange rates fluctuate with market conditions, waiting a couple of days could result in a better rate, giving your recipient more BIF.

If you need to make an urgent transfer, we recommend using Wise, which has consistently offered the best rates for Burundi Franc over the past six months.

The most cost-effective way to fund your transfer to Burundi is through a Bank transfer with Xoom, which is % cheaper than the second-best service.

The way you fund your transfer to Burundi impacts the cost, speed, and how much BIF the recipient will receive.

Based on our data from the last six months for a $2,000 transfer from the US to Burundi, the following are your best options:

• Multipass with bank transfer deposit costs $0 and has a 0.5% markup.

• Wise with a debit card deposit costs $18.56 with 0.77% markup.

• Wise with a credit card deposit costs $17.01 with 0.22% added to the BIF exchange rate.

We advise against using Bank transfer, as they tend to be the most expensive option for BIF transfers.

Credit card transfers may incur cash advance fees and higher interest rates on BIF.

CC deposits also tend to be more expensive. For example, charges $17.01 for credit card deposits, while a bank transfer via Multipass costs $0.

Whenever possible, avoid transfers via the SWIFT network to BI. SWIFT transfers to Burundi are slower and come with higher fees.

Instead, look for a cheaper option such as ACH or account balance.

Money transfer companies often have min and max limits on how much BIF you can send.

The amount you transfer can also affect the fees and the BIF exchange rate you receive. For instance, Wise is the best choice for sending large amounts to Burundi.

Additionally, there may be government-imposed restrictions, commercial limitations, and other factors that influence the amount of BIF you can send.

This is why it’s really important to compare your options when transferring money to Burundi.

The speed of sending Burundi Franc to Burundi depends on factors like the amount, timing, deposit, and withdrawal method chosen. Typically, faster transfers come with higher fees.

For example, based on a $2,000 transfer to Burundi:

Use Ria Money Transfer for fastest transfers

Of the 7 companies offering BIF transfers, Ria Money Transfer consistently offers the fastest delivery times across all deposit methods, appearing 3 times in our searches over the past 6 months.

For bank account & card deposits use Ria Money Transfer

Ria Money Transfer offers fast and affordable Burundi Franc transfers, with fees of around $4 for bank deposits and $Wise for debit card deposits, plus a small 2.8% markup on top of the BIF rate.

For credit card transfers use Wise

Based on our six-month search data, Wise takes up to one day to send BIF via credit card, with a fee of $17.01 and 0.22% markup.

For urgent transfers use cash transfer

If you need money urgently, we recommend cash pickup services through providers like Western Union or MoneyGram.

Avoid the SWIFT network

Avoid using SWIFT transfers for BIF transfers. Due to intermediary banks on the way to Burundi, SWIFT is slower and comes with higher fees.

There are a few different ways to move money to Burundi:

Money transfer services

You can transfer money online using an FX broker (managed service) such as OFX or an online-only company (self-managed) such as Wise.

Based on our six-month analysis, Wise stood out as the top money transfer company servicing Burundi, appearing in 83.3% of BIF transfers in our search system.

Mobile apps and e-wallets

Most money transfer services that accept Burundi offer mobile transfer apps, which often have better deals on BIF exchange rates.

You can check our guide on the best money transfer apps to find one that suits your needs.

Cash transfers

Cash transfers to Burundi are sent in person through services like Ria Money Transfers, MoneyGram, or Western Union.

Transferring Burundi Franc as cash is almost always instant but requires the recipient to visit a nearby agent in Burundi to collect the BIF.

Bank wire transfers

You can transfer Burundi Franc via your bank.

We strongly recommend not using your bank to wire BIF directly to Burundi due to high fees and slow transfer times.

Instead, use the bank transfer deposit option with Wise and send BIF from there.

There are multiple ways to receive money in Burundi. Picking the right one can save you on fees and speed up the BIF transfer process. Here are your options:

Deposit to the bank account

To deposit money directly into a recipient’s bank account in Burundi, we recommend Multipass. They appeared in 50% of BIF searches as the cheapest option for bank transfers to Burundi.

The card transfer will also land in the recipient’s bank account in Burundi. Use Wise to deposit with a debit card at just $18.56 per transfer.

Cash pickup and delivery

If the recipient in Burundi needs BIF urgently or doesn’t have access to a bank account in Burundi, cash pickup or home delivery are good options.

Mobile and digital wallets

You can receive BIF directly into digital wallets like PayPal, though this often comes with more limitations and costs more compared to services like Xoom.

When sending money to a bank account or e-wallet in Burundi, Burundi Franc will arrive without any involvement from the recipient.

However, if you're sending BIF as cash or transferring large amounts to Burundi, the recipient may need the following:

• Government-issued ID: A national ID of Burundi, a valid passport, or driver's license.

• Sender’s details: The sender's personal details such as full name and address.

• Transfer Details: The amount of BIF being received.

• Confirmation No.: This is usually given at the time of transfer.

• SWIFT Code / IBAN: Occasionally required for bank transfers.

The exact documents required may vary depending on the money transfer company and the transfer method used.

When sending bigger amounts to Burundi, companies may request proof of funds such as bank statements and address verification with the utility bill in line with AML (Anti-Money Laundering) policies.

We recommend using Wise to send large amounts of Burundi Franc.

There may be tax obligations and government-imposed limits or restrictions on BIF transfers/payments to BI.

Some BIF transfers could be subject to taxes such as gift tax or commercial tax.

Even if no limits or taxes apply, certain BIF transfers (especially large sums of Burundi Franc) may need to be reported to the tax authorities in Burundi or in your country.

When unsure, it’s best to consult with a tax professional in Burundi or your home country to ensure compliance with the regulations.