If you lose money or encounter other financial difficulties while abroad, the money transfer systems offered by various financial institutions (e.g., TapTap Send, MoneyGram, Western Union, and others) provide a fast and reliable way to transfer money to over 200 countries.

In addition, travelers should check with their primary bank before departure to find out whether it works with partner banks or financial institutions abroad and how a quick transfer can be arranged in an emergency.

Example 1: Transfers and Withdrawals via Mobile Money (MoMo)

You can send money online; various apps are available for making payments.

• TapTap Send
• Wise
• Remitly
• Western Union (see also below)
• Ria Money Transfer
• Paysend
• Sendwave
• PayPal
• MoneyGram (see also below)
• WorldRemit, a.o.

Example 2: Money Transfers and Withdrawals via MoneyGram

You can send money online or at a MoneyGram location; for more information, visit www.moneygram.com

Money transfers and withdrawals are available at approximately 350,000 locations in over 200 countries. The system works similarly to the Western Union system (see below).

Example 3: Money transfers from Germany via Western Union

• online at www.westernunion.com
• via app (iOS and Android)
• at all ReiseBank AG branches (located at almost all major train stations, airports, border crossings, and ferry terminals; usually open 7 days a week, though not 24 hours a day—typically from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.).
• at post offices offering Postbank services (Postbank’s Western Union service). Postbank does not process the transfer through ReiseBank, but directly with Western Union agents in the respective country (www.postbank.de/westernunion)

Information

Western Union:

Hotline within Germany for online transactions: 0800 181 17 97 (daily 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.)
Hotline outside Germany for online transactions: +32 (0) 2 639 71 07
Information in German and English: 069-85 09 83 73 (Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.)
Website: www.westernunion.com

ReiseBank:

Hotline: +49 (0)69 978 807 650 or +49 (0)721 476 669 580
ReiseBank Frankfurt am Main Central Station: 069 24 27 85 91 (daily 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
Website: www.reisebank.de

Transfer Time

According to ReiseBank AG and Postbank, the deposited amount is generally available worldwide within a few minutes; however, transfers made through other banks may take longer.

Withdrawals

• Available at approximately 500,000 Western Union locations in over 200 countries. The funds are available nationwide (with the exception of the U.S., where the state and city of withdrawal must be specified). The withdrawal locations can be found online at www.westernunion.com.
• The requirements for withdrawal vary and are based on the national banking regulations of the respective countries. As a rule, presentation of identification is required for withdrawal. In some countries, withdrawal is possible after answering a security question that the depositor has previously set. Relevant information can be found at www.westernunion.com.
• Depositors at ReiseBank or Postbank will be informed about available pickup locations.

All information is provided without obligation and is subject to change. We assume no liability for any damages that may occur.