Find the best ways to transfer money to Vanuatu

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

For instance, in the past month average exchange rate between the US Dollar and the Vatu was 0 VUV.

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

If you urgently need the money in Vanuatu, we recommend using Wise, which has offered the best VUV exchange rates over the last 6 months.

The cheapest way to fund your transfer to Vanuatu is by using a Bank transfer with Remitly, which is % cheaper than the next best option.

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

Based on a $2,000 transfer to Vanuatu using the last 6-months of our data, the options you have are:

• A bank transfer with Remitly will cost you $0 in fees and a 2.05% markup

• Debit card transfer with Wise costs $4.49 with -1.48% markup

• Credit card transfers with Wise costs $8.13 fee and comes with -1.48% markup

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

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

For example, Wise charges $8.13 when paying by credit card, compared to $0 via a bank transfer with Remitly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The speed of transferring VUV to Vanuatu 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 VUV, the more it will cost you in fees.

For example, consider a transfer of $2,000 from the US to Vanuatu:

• Fastest provider: Among 5 companies servicing Vanuatu, Ria Money Transfer consistently offers the quickest delivery times across all deposit methods, appearing in 50% of our searches.

• Bank or debit card deposits: Services like Ria Money Transfer for bank account deposits and Wise for card deposits provide almost instant and cost-effective VUV transfers. Fees are approximately $4 for bank deposits and $Wise for debit card deposits, with a minimal -1.48% markup.

• Credit card transfers: Based on six months of our data, using Wise for sending VUV via CC can take up to a day and incur a fee of $8.13 with -1.48% markup. However, 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 VUV transfers over SWIFT

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

For VUV transfers, you have the following options:

Money transfer companies

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

According to the past six-month analysis, we found that Wise is the overall best way to transfer money to Vanuatu, appearing 80% of the time for VUV transfers in our search system.

App

Most money transfer services to Vanuatu offer mobile apps, which often provide better VUV 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 Vanuatu 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 VUV.

Bank transfers

We advise you not to use your bank to wire money to VU because of the fees but rather use it to fund your VUV transfer.

There are several ways to receive money in Vanuatu, 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 Vanuatu, we recommend using Remitly. They appeared in 50% of the searches as the cheapest option for bank transfers to Vanuatu.

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

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

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

However, if you’re sending Vatu 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 VUV 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 Vatu 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 Vanuatu, we recommend using Wise.

There might be tax implications and government-imposed limits when sending Vatu to Vanuatu.

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

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

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