How can I send money to Haiti?

Sending money to Haiti involves navigating a few options, each with its own advantages, depending on what's most important to you: speed, cost, or how your recipient will get the funds. The reality is, cash pickup is still a dominant method in Haiti due to varying bank penetration and infrastructure.

For cash pickup, which is often the most reliable way to ensure funds reach recipients quickly in Haiti, services like Western Union and MoneyGram are very strong contenders. They have extensive agent networks across the country, making it relatively easy for your recipient to find a convenient location. You can usually initiate these transfers online or in person at one of their agent locations in your home country. The fees can sometimes be a bit higher, especially for smaller amounts, and their exchange rates might not always be the most competitive compared to some online-only services, but the peace of mind of reliable cash pickup often makes up for it. The funds are typically available for pickup in minutes, which is a huge benefit if time is of the essence.

Then there are online money transfer services that often offer more competitive exchange rates and lower fees for bank deposits, though bank deposit isn't as universally accessible in Haiti as cash pickup. For instance, Remitly is a popular choice for many corridors, including Haiti, offering both cash pickup and bank deposit options, and they often have promotional rates for new customers. WorldRemit is another strong player, known for its various delivery methods, including cash pickup and bank deposits. These platforms often allow you to send money directly from your bank account, debit card, or credit card, offering flexibility. The exchange rates provided by these fintech platforms are generally closer to the mid-market rate than traditional banks, with a transparent markup. Delivery times can vary; cash pickup is usually instant, while bank deposits might take a day or two.

You could also consider sending a traditional bank wire transfer directly from your bank to your recipient's bank in Haiti. This method is generally more expensive, involves higher fees from both the sending and receiving banks, and the exchange rate conversion might not be as favorable. Plus, it usually takes several business days for the funds to arrive, and your recipient needs to have a bank account, which isn't always the case or as convenient for everyone in Haiti. For smaller, personal remittances, bank wires are rarely the most efficient or cost-effective choice.

Regarding compliance, regardless of the service you choose, expect to go through KYC (Know Your Customer) verification. This means providing identification like a government-issued ID, and for larger amounts, you might be asked for source of funds documentation. Transaction reporting thresholds are always in play, and any transfer can be flagged for review if it seems unusual or exceeds certain limits. This is all standard procedure to combat money laundering and ensure compliance with international regulations.

Honestly, for sending money to Haiti, especially for family support where cash pickup is often preferred, I'd lean towards Remitly, WorldRemit, Western Union, or MoneyGram. They've built their networks for exactly this kind of scenario. Always compare their exchange rates and fees at the time of your transfer, because these can fluctuate daily and even hourly. And definitely confirm with your recipient which pickup location or bank is most convenient for them before you send.