Thousands of UAE residents use Remitly every month to send money home. But understanding exactly what Remitly charges is not straightforward — because the cost has two parts: a visible flat fee and an invisible exchange rate margin. This guide shows the complete picture for 2026.
Remitly Fee Structure in UAE (2026)
| Service | Flat Fee | FX Margin | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | AED 0 | ~1.5% | 3–5 business days | Rate-conscious senders |
| Express | AED 3–15 | ~0.5% | Minutes to hours | Urgent transfers |
FX margins are indicative. They vary by corridor and change daily.
Cost Examples: 500, 1,000, and 2,000 AED Transfers
All examples for AED to INR (India). Figures are illustrative based on typical observed spreads.
| Amount | Economy FX Cost | Economy Total | Express Fee | Express FX Cost | Express Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 AED | ~AED 7.5 | ~AED 7.5 | AED 3–8 | ~AED 2.5 | ~AED 5.5–10.5 |
| 1,000 AED | ~AED 15 | ~AED 15 | AED 5–12 | ~AED 5 | ~AED 10–17 |
| 2,000 AED | ~AED 30 | ~AED 30 | AED 8–15 | ~AED 10 | ~AED 18–25 |
Tip: For 2,000 AED+ transfers, Express total cost can be lower than Economy due to the smaller FX margin.
Remitly Promotional Rates
Remitly frequently offers promotional rates for first-time transfers. New users from UAE often receive a zero-fee first transfer or a significantly better exchange rate for their first send. These promotions can make Remitly highly competitive for first use — but the standard rates above apply from the second transfer onward. Always check the current promotional offer in the app before sending.
Remitly vs Al Ansari Exchange — 1,000 AED to INR
| Provider | Flat Fee | FX Margin | True Cost | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remitly Economy | AED 0 | ~1.5% | ~AED 15 | 3–5 days |
| Remitly Express | AED 8 | ~0.5% | ~AED 13 | Minutes |
| Al Ansari Exchange | AED 0 | ~0.8% | ~AED 8 | 1–4 hours |
| Wise | ~AED 4 | ~0% | ~AED 4 | 1–2 days |
Al Ansari and Wise typically offer better recipient amounts for 1,000 AED transfers to India. Remitly Express is competitive for urgent transfers. Compare live on remit.ae.
Check Live Fees and Rates
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Remitly charge to send money from UAE?
Remitly charges UAE senders in two ways: (1) a flat fee of AED 0 (Economy) or AED 3–15 (Express), and (2) an FX margin built into the exchange rate, typically 1.5% on Economy and 0.5% on Express. For a 1,000 AED transfer to India: Economy true cost is approximately AED 15 (FX margin only); Express true cost is approximately AED 8–20 (flat fee plus smaller margin).
Is Remitly free in UAE?
Remitly Economy has no flat transfer fee, but it is not free. The cost is hidden in the exchange rate — Remitly gives a rate below mid-market and keeps the difference. The true cost for a 1,000 AED Economy transfer is approximately AED 10–20 depending on the corridor and daily spread.
What is cheaper — Remitly Economy or Express?
It depends on the transfer amount. For small transfers (under AED 500), Economy is usually cheaper because Express adds a flat fee of AED 3–15. For large transfers (over AED 2,000), the lower FX margin on Express can offset the flat fee and make Express cheaper overall. Always compare the recipient amount — not the advertised rate — to determine which is better for your specific transfer.
remit.ae is an independent comparison service. We do not transfer money. Fee figures are illustrative and change daily — always verify the recipient amount before confirming any transfer. Stack Jewels LLC.