Complete Guide to International Money Transfers with India Post [2025]

India Post, with its vast network across the country, offers several options for sending and receiving money internationally. Whether you're supporting family abroad, paying for education, or receiving funds from overseas, understanding these services can help you make better financial decisions.

In this guide, we'll explore the different ways you can transfer money internationally through India Post, and also introduce you to Wise as a modern alternative for international transfers.

India Post also provides various domestic transfer services like Electronic Clearing Services and Mobile Money Transfer, but we'll focus only on international transfer methods in this article.

Sending Money Abroad from India with India Post

Here are the different ways you can remit money from India with India Post.

1. Sending International Money Order

India Post offers an International Money Order service through the Universal Postal Union's International Financial System (IFS). Currently, this service is only available for sending money to France and the UAE.

The process involves registering on the India Post website with an account linked to your Postal Savings Bank account. You can then initiate the transfer online, with specific limits for each destination country.

For a complete guide to sending Money Orders abroad, visit our international money order guide 👉.

2. Sending with MO Videsh

MO Videsh is an international remittance service offered by India Post that allows you to send money to most foreign destinations. Unlike the International Money Order service, MO Videsh payments are credited directly to the beneficiary's bank account in the destination country.

Key features of MO Videsh:

• Available at all computerized post offices across India
• Maximum limit of 5,000 USD per transaction
• Limited to 12 outward remittances per year
• Commission fees vary based on the transfer amount

3. Outward Remittance through India Post Payment Bank

If you have an account with India Post Payment Bank (IPPB), you can use their remittance services to send money abroad. This service is available to both savings and current account holders.

The process typically involves visiting your local IPPB branch or using netbanking platform to initiate the transfer. You'll need to provide the recipient's bank details and comply with RBI guidelines for international transfers.

Receiving Money in India from Abroad with India Post

Here are the different ways you can receive remittances in India with India Post.

1. Receiving International Money Order

You can receive money from France and UAE through India Post's International Financial System (IFS) Money Order service. When someone sends you money through this service, they'll receive a unique Money Order number that you'll need to collect your funds.

To receive your money, visit any post office that's part of the eMO network with the Money Order number and valid ID proof. For amounts up to 50,000 INR, you'll receive cash, while larger amounts are paid by cheque.

For a complete guide to receiving Money Orders from abroad, visit international money order guide 👉.

2. Receiving with MoneyGram

India Post has partnered with MoneyGram, a global money transfer service, allowing you to receive money from over 200 countries at participating post offices in India.

To collect MoneyGram transfers:

• Visit any post office offering MoneyGram services
• Provide the reference number given to the sender
• Show a valid government-issued photo ID
• Complete the necessary forms

The money is typically available within minutes after the sender completes the transaction, making it a quick option for receiving funds from abroad.

3. Receiving with Western Union

India Post also partners with Western Union to offer international money transfer services. This allows you to receive money from family and friends abroad at thousands of post offices across India.

The process is similar:

• Visit a post office that offers Western Union services
• Provide the Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) given to the sender
• Show valid identification
• Fill out the necessary paperwork

Western Union transfers are usually available for collection shortly after they're sent, providing another fast option for receiving international funds.

4. Receiving Remittances through India Post Payment Bank

If you have an India Post Payment Bank account, you can receive international transfers directly to your savings or current account.

To receive money this way:

• Provide your IPPB account details to the sender
• The sender can initiate the transfer through their bank or an online service like Wise.
• The money will be credited to your IPPB account

This method is convenient as you don't need to visit a post office to collect your funds – the money goes straight to your account.

The True Cost of International Transfers with India Post

When evaluating the cost of international transfers with India Post, it's important to consider both the upfront fees and the hidden costs:

1. Transfer Fee: This is the explicit charge that services tell you about when you initiate a transfer. It varies depending on the transfer method and amount.

2. Exchange Rate Markup: This is often overlooked but can significantly impact how much money actually reaches the recipient. When converting currencies, providers typically add a markup to the mid-market exchange rate you usually see on Google - and the used by providers such as Wise.

Meet Wise: A Modern Alternative to International Transfers

While India Post has been serving Indians reliably for generations, digital alternatives like Wise offer modern conveniences through a user-friendly online platform and mobile app.

Send Money with Wise 🚀

Wise can help you in several ways:

• For people living abroad: You can send money to India directly to bank accounts or UPI IDs, often at better rates than traditional banks or money transfer services.

• For Indian residents: You can send money from India for permitted purposes like education, travel, and medical expenses, with the assurance of RBI compliance.

• For Indian businesses and freelancers: A Wise Business account gives you local account details in multiple currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, and more), allowing you to receive payments from international clients as if you had a local bank account in their country.