Eid Remittance Guide: How to Send Eidi and Zakat Payments to Family Abroad

Q: What is the cheapest way to send Eidi internationally?

For amounts over $100, USDC on Stellar or Tron is typically the cheapest option at $2-5 total cost. Wise is the best traditional option with no FX markup and fees of $3-7. Costs depend on your send currency and destination — use RemitRoutes to compare live rates for your specific corridor.

Q: Can I send Zakat via cryptocurrency?

Yes, you can send Zakat via USDC or other stablecoins if your recipient can cash out to local currency. Scholars generally permit electronic transfers for Zakat as long as the recipient receives the full intended amount. Keep transfer receipts as documentation. If sending to a formal Zakat organization, confirm they accept crypto before sending.

Q: How early should I send Eid money to ensure it arrives on time?

Send at least 5-7 days before Eid if using a bank transfer or Wise, as volume spikes can add 1-2 days to settlement. If you are sending last-minute (within 24 hours of Eid), use a crypto rail like USDC on Stellar or Tron — these settle in under an hour and are not affected by banking holiday schedules. Western Union cash pickup is also available same-day in most countries.

Q: Do exchange rates get worse around Eid?

Yes. Remittance providers and exchange houses commonly widen FX spreads by 0.5-1.5% during peak Eid demand. Sending 5-10 days before Eid typically secures better rates. Crypto rails are less affected because the stablecoin value is fixed at $1 — only the local off-ramp rate varies, and local exchange competition usually keeps it tight.

Q: What is the best way to send money from the UAE to Pakistan for Eid?

Rain (AED on-ramp) combined with USDC on Stellar is the cheapest option, typically 0.5-1.5% total cost. Al Ansari Exchange and Western Union are reliable traditional options with same-day delivery. Avoid standard UAE bank wires — they often add $20-40 in intermediary fees on top of a wide FX spread.

Why Eid is the worst time to use a bank wire

$4.2B — Remittances sent to Pakistan in Q1 alone (2024)

Understanding Zakat: amounts, recipients, and transfer requirements

Exchange rates widen in the 48 hours before Eid

Cost comparison: $500 USD to PKR (Pakistan)

Provider	Fee	FX Markup	Total Cost	Speed
Bank Wire (SWIFT)	$35-45	2-4%	$65-100	3-7 days
Wise	$4-7	0%	$4-7	1-2 days
Western Union (bank deposit)	$5-12	1-3%	$15-35	Minutes-1 day
USDC on Stellar via Coinbase	$1-3	~0.3%	$2-5	< 1 hour
Rain (AED on-ramp) + Stellar	$1-4	~0.5%	$3-6	< 2 hours

Cost comparison: $300 USD to BDT (Bangladesh)

Provider	Fee	FX Markup	Total Cost	Speed
Bank Wire (SWIFT)	$35-45	2-3%	$55-80	3-5 days
Wise	$3-5	0%	$3-5	1-2 days
Western Union (cash pickup)	$5-8	1-2%	$11-18	Minutes
USDC on Tron via Coinbase	$1-2	~0.3%	$2-4	< 1 hour

1. Calculate how much you need to send (Eidi + Zakat)

2. Choose your corridor and compare live rates

3. Send early — at least 5 days before Eid

4. Help your recipient set up a cash-out method

5. Confirm delivery and keep records for Zakat

15-25% — Typical Eid-period remittance volume increase

Sending from the UAE or Saudi Arabia (AED, SAR)

Sending from the UK (GBP)

Avoid informal hawala for large Zakat amounts

Compare Eid transfer rates for your corridor

More guides for sending money to Muslim-majority countries

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest way to send Eidi internationally?

For amounts over $100, USDC on Stellar or Tron is typically the cheapest option at $2-5 total cost. Wise is the best traditional option with no FX markup and fees of $3-7. Costs depend on your send currency and destination — use RemitRoutes to compare live rates for your specific corridor.

Can I send Zakat via cryptocurrency?

Yes, you can send Zakat via USDC or other stablecoins if your recipient can cash out to local currency. Scholars generally permit electronic transfers for Zakat as long as the recipient receives the full intended amount. Keep transfer receipts as documentation. If sending to a formal Zakat organization, confirm they accept crypto before sending.

How early should I send Eid money to ensure it arrives on time?

Send at least 5-7 days before Eid if using a bank transfer or Wise, as volume spikes can add 1-2 days to settlement. If you are sending last-minute (within 24 hours of Eid), use a crypto rail like USDC on Stellar or Tron — these settle in under an hour and are not affected by banking holiday schedules. Western Union cash pickup is also available same-day in most countries.

Do exchange rates get worse around Eid?

Yes. Remittance providers and exchange houses commonly widen FX spreads by 0.5-1.5% during peak Eid demand. Sending 5-10 days before Eid typically secures better rates. Crypto rails are less affected because the stablecoin value is fixed at $1 — only the local off-ramp rate varies, and local exchange competition usually keeps it tight.

What is the best way to send money from the UAE to Pakistan for Eid?

Rain (AED on-ramp) combined with USDC on Stellar is the cheapest option, typically 0.5-1.5% total cost. Al Ansari Exchange and Western Union are reliable traditional options with same-day delivery. Avoid standard UAE bank wires — they often add $20-40 in intermediary fees on top of a wide FX spread.

Compare live rates across 370+ corridors on RemitRoutes · methodology.