Compare all the best ways to send money to Samoa

The exchange rate determines how much WST the recipient will receive.

For instance, in the past 7 days average exchange rate between the US Dollar and the Tala was 2.8096 WST.

Since USD - WST exchange rates fluctuate based on market conditions, waiting a few days can result in a better rate and more WST for your recipient.

If you urgently need the money in Samoa, we recommend using Revolut, which offers the best WST exchange rates.

The cheapest way to fund your transfer to Samoa is by using a bank transfer with Revolut, which is 0% cheaper than the next best option.

How you pay for your transfer impacts the cost, speed, and the amount of WST received.

Based on a $7,000 transfer to Samoa using our live data, the options you have are:

• A bank transfer with Revolut will cost you $21 in fees and a 0.2% markup

• Debit card transfer with Xe costs $0 with 2.97% markup

We recommend not using bank transfer when sending money to Samoa, as they tend to be the most expensive.

Credit card transfers tend to add cash advance fees and might have higher interest rates on WST.

Whenever possible, avoid sending WST over the SWIFT network. Despite the name, WST transfers over SWIFT are slower and come with higher fees.

Money transfer companies will often have minimum and maximum limits on how much WST you can send.

Often, the amount will also impact the fees and the WST rate you get.

For example, we found Wise to be the best option for sending large amounts to Samoa.

There might also be government-imposed restrictions, commercial restrictions, and many more.

This is why it’s important to compare your transfer options to Samoa.

The speed of transferring WST to Samoa depends on several factors, including the amount being sent, the timing of the transfer, and the chosen payment method.

Usually, the quicker you need your WST, the more it will cost you in fees.

For example, consider a transfer of $7,000 from the US to Samoa:

• Fastest provider: Among 6 companies servicing Samoa, OFX consistently offers the quickest delivery times across all deposit methods.

• Bank or debit card deposits: Services like OFX for bank account deposits and Xe for card deposits provide almost instant and cost-effective WST transfers. Fees are approximately $0 for bank deposits and $0 for debit card deposits, with a minimal 2.97% markup.

• Credit card deposits are another option, but be mindful of potential cash advance fees.

• Urgent transfers: For the fastest possible transfers, we recommend opting for cash pickup services through providers like Western Union or Ria Money.

Avoid making WST transfers over SWIFT

SWIFT is slower for WST transfers due to the involvement of intermediary banks in Samoa, so it’s best to avoid it if speed is your priority.

For WST transfers, you have the following options:

Money transfer companies

You can send Tala via an FX broker (a managed service) or via an online-only company (self-managed).

According to our analysis, we found that Wise is the overall best way to transfer money to Samoa.

App

Most money transfer services to Samoa offer mobile apps, which often provide better WST exchange rates.

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

In-person

Cash transfers to Samoa can be made in person through services like Ria Money Transfers or Western Union.

Cash transfers are almost always instant but require the recipient to physically visit the nearest agent to collect WST.

Bank transfers

We suggest you not to use your bank to wire money to WS because of the fees but rather use it to fund your WST transfer.

There are several ways to receive money in Samoa, including direct bank deposits, cash pickups, home deliveries, and mobile wallets.

Here are your options:

• Direct bank deposits: to deposit money into the recipient's account in Samoa, we recommend using Revolut.

• Cash pickup: if you need immediate access to cash in Samoa, consider using cash pickup, but check availability.

• Mobile wallets: you can receive WST directly into your digital wallet like PayPal, but they come with limitations and higher costs compared to using Revolut.

In most cases, WST will arrive without any involvement from the recipient.

However, if you’re sending Tala as cash, or in large amounts, the receiver might need the following*:

• Valid forms of ID: such as passport, or driver’s license.

• Sender's information: the full name and address.

• Transfer details: the amount of WST to be received.

• Transfer confirmation number: the sender should give it to the recipient.

• SWIFT code / IBAN: sometimes you may need to include IBAN and/or the SWIFT code.

*The exact documents you need might vary by the company you use.

For larger Tala transfers, money transfer companies may ask for a source of funds and proof of address. This is done in accordance with AML policies.

If you’re making a large transfer to Samoa, we recommend using Wise.

There might be tax implications and government-imposed limits when sending Tala to Samoa.

Some WST transfers may be subject to various taxes, including gift tax and commercial tax.

Even if there are no limits or taxation involved, certain WST transfers need to be reported to the tax authorities in Samoa.

When in doubt, please contact a tax professional in Samoa or in your country.