AE expats can send up to AED 135,000 abroad without a bank account using low-fee apps like Careem Pay and Botim and more/ Representative Image

Works through a partnership with Mastercard and regional fintech firms

Direct transfers to bank accounts or mobile wallets

Fully integrated with a built-in wallet feature for transaction tracking

Supported countries include India, Pakstan, the Philippines, and Egypt

Offers instant or same-day delivery in certain corridors

Send funds directly to bank accounts or mobile wallets

Also supports local transfers, bill payments, mobile top-ups, and gifting

4. Taptap Send: Zero-Fee Transfers for Emerging Markets

Transfer money using cash, prepaid card, or a linked digital wallet

Includes loyalty points and developer tools for integration

6. Al Ansari Exchange App : The All-in-One 'Super-App'

Small markups are built into rates, no flat hidden fees

5% TCS (Tax Collected at Source) on annual remittances above Dh30,500, as per Indian tax laws

For millions of UAE expatriates, sending money home is more than a transaction, it's a vital financial link that supports families, strengthens communities, and fuels national economies.Thanks to rapid advancements in financial technology, UAE expats no longer have to rely on traditional banks, which often involve high fees, long processing times, and the need for formal banking setups. Today, a growing number of digital platforms offer simple, fast, and low-cost alternatives, often requiring nothing more than a mobile number and a debit or credit card.Below is a detailed look at the most prominent digital platforms that allow expats in the UAE to transfer money internationally, even without holding a bank account.Originally a VoIP calling app, Botim has transformed into a powerful fintech tool. In 2023, it launched the world’s first in-chat international money transfer service in the UAE, India, and the Philippines.Careem, best known as a ride-hailing platform, launched Careem Pay with a focus on personal finance. The service now covers domestic and international money transfers, bill payments, and more.In 2022, Careem Pay rolled out its peer-to-peer transfer service, allowing users to send, request, or receive money via:Previously known as Etisalat Wallet, e& money is the fintech arm of the Emirates Telecom Group.Now licensed and regulated by the UAE Central Bank, the app offers a wide range of digital financial services.Newer to the UAE market but popular globally, Taptap Send focuses on enabling fast, affordable transfers to developing nations, particularly in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.Operated by LuLu Exchange, LuLu Money is a remittance and payment app serving over 170 countries.A well-established name in UAE remittances, Al Ansari Exchange has digitized its services into a comprehensive mobile platform.Previously known as UAE Exchange, Unimoni is part of Wizz Financial/Finablr, headquartered in Abu Dhabi and operating in over 30 countries.