New immigrants, digital nomads, and international travelers face a common challenge - getting cash while abroad.
If you’ve recently relocated, access to funds may be delayed or unavailable without a local bank account. It’s often the same when you’re traveling to a country where bank cards aren’t widely accepted and ATMs charge hefty withdrawal fees.
In certain places like Mexico, some establishments aren’t even allowed to accept cash payments in U.S. dollars1,2,3, requiring you to have money transferred or exchanged into local currency.
While traditional bank-to-bank transfers may immediately come to mind, they usually take several days to process. When you need funds fast, money transfer apps like BOSS Money are easier, faster, and more affordable.
In this article, we explore the best ways to send money to yourself internationally.
How to send money to yourself using money transfer apps
Let’s start with the most convenient way to send money internationally - using a money transfer app right from your mobile phone.
BOSS Money lets you send money abroad almost instantly, and it only takes a few simple steps to use:
- Download the BOSS Money App. (It’s free on iOS and Android)
- Create an account using an ID and a mobile number. (Signing up is free)
- Transfer money to over 50 countries. (Transfers can take just seconds)
What’s great about BOSS Money is that it supports several options to receive money, even if you don’t have a local bank. You can pick up funds in cash at partner locations, transfer funds to a mobile wallet, or have money delivered to your door in areas where home delivery is available.
How do I send money between personal banking accounts in different countries?
If you have personal bank accounts in different countries, you can transfer funds traditionally using international wire transfer networks like SWIFT or your bank’s online banking system.
If your international accounts are from the same bank brand, you might have an option to link them and use the bank’s app or online banking system to make instant transfers. Transfer fees are typically low, and transfer speeds are almost instantaneous.
When dealing with different banking systems and currencies, BOSS Money lets you transfer funds from your U.S. account via debit or credit card to an overseas bank account. Open the app and follow the steps below:
- Select the destination country.
- Input the amount you want to send.
- Choose “Bank deposit” as your delivery method.
- Enter the recipient details (name, bank account number, contact information).
- Choose debit or credit card as your payment method.
- Confirm details and review fees.
- Tap Send.
With the BOSS Money App, your money will be transferred to your own international bank account within minutes to a few hours at the most.
Fees & charges
If you’re asking “How much does it cost to send money to myself?”, there’s no single answer. The actual costs will depend on the transfer method, destination country, and many other factors.
Wire transfers are typically the most expensive, while mobile apps usually offer more affordable fees. Keep in mind also that banks in your destination country might also charge receiving and withdrawal fees.
Currency exchange
When traveling, you can always bring cash and have it exchanged into the local currency upon arrival. Currency exchange counters are commonly found at airports, hotels, and tourist hubs.
Moreover, traveling with cash comes with serious downsides. You risk attracting unwanted attention and becoming a target for theft when carrying huge amounts. You also often end up losing money because of poor exchange rates and hidden service fees at currency exchange centers.
If you’re just an occasional traveler, currency exchange fees may be a minor inconvenience. However, when you’re a digital nomad or a new immigrant, those fees add up and significantly cut into your budget. This makes it wiser to only use currency exchange counters when you have no other options.
How can I transfer money for cash pickup?
While you’re in the United States, you can send money from a credit card or debit card to an authorized agent in your destination country.
Just follow the usual steps for sending money on the BOSS Money app. Select “Cash pickup” as the delivery method and select the pickup location most convenient for you.
You typically have up to 90 days to get the funds before it is charged administration fees or automatically refunded4. Note that the policies for receiving transfers vary depending on the partner agent.
Where can I pick up money in another country using BOSS Money
BOSS Money has an extensive network of agents in more than 50 countries and territories worldwide. You can pick up money transfers from any agent location near you.
Fees & charges
When using BOSS Money, all fees and charges are paid during the initiation of the transfer process. The final transfer amount shown before you confirm the transfer will usually be the exact amount the recipient will get. However, some agents may impose their own charges for administration or handling fees.
Home Delivery Option
BOSS Money offers the home delivery option to certain locations in the Dominican Republic5. If you choose this delivery method, an authorized agent or courier will deliver the cash straight to your doorstep. This lets you wire money even to areas where there are no banks nearby.
Fees & charges:
The fees for home delivery are about the same as the fees for other delivery options. The actual amount also depends on multiple factors, including the transfer amount, currency, and payment method.
What are the money transfer limits on the BOSS Money App?
For online money transfers with BOSS Money, the transaction limit ranges from a minimum of $10 to a maximum of $5,000 per transaction.5
You can send money from one bank to another or send money to your account as long as they are within these limits.
What do I need to collect my money transfer?
You only need two things to collect money transfers processed using BOSS Money: A valid ID and a transaction reference number.
The ID must have your photo and match the recipient’s name provided during the transfer order. You’ll also need the transaction reference number sent to your SMS.
How fast do I get my international money transfer?
Using BOSS Money, you typically get your money transfer within a few minutes. However, the actual service speed can be affected by several factors, including:
- Verification and approval. Your transfer may be delayed if additional documentation is needed.
- Availability of the sender’s funds. Failed card payments or insufficient funds can cause delays.
- Banking hours in the recipient country. Transfers may be delayed during local bank holidays and on weekends.
- Operating hours of partner agents. BOSS Money has thousands of agent locations, but many follow standard business hours. Some may also be closed on holidays.
Tips for picking up money transfer yourself
After successfully sending money to yourself through the BOSS Money App, you can now pick it up at a local cash pickup agent location. To make the pickup process safe and stress-free, keep these tips in mind:
1. Bring a valid ID.
Most agent locations require a government-issued ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or national ID. Some may require two forms of ID if you’re using secondary documents like school ID, employee ID, or utility bills.
2. Take note of the tracking number.
When money is sent using the BOSS Money App, you’ll be given a tracking number or money transfer control number. Agents ask for this number for verification and release of funds.
3. Choose a safe, familiar pickup location.
Go to an agent in a location you are familiar with. You can search for nearby authorized BOSS Money pickup partners directly within the app or on the BOSS website.
How do I withdraw money from an ATM abroad?
BOSS Money doesn’t provide the option to withdraw funds directly from an ATM. However, you may have the funds transferred to a local bank account instead and use their ATM network to withdraw cash.
If you don’t have a bank account, you may receive money transfers through cash pickup, mobile wallet, or home delivery.
Sources: all third party information obtained from applicable website as of July 31, 2025
- https://www.mexperience.com/buying-pesos-exchanging-foreign-currency-in-mexico/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/cancun/comments/1idd9cc/hotels_not_changing_dollars_for_pesos/
- https://www.facebook.com/groups/158267650892127/posts/24296915416600680/
- https://cdn.bossrevolution.com/Content/pdf/BR-Terms-of-Use-Regulated-Products-US.pdf
- https://www.bossrevolution.com/en-us/boss-money-app-faq#when-will-the-money-be-delivered-to-my-recipient
This article is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to address every aspect of the matters discussed herein. The information in this article is not intended as specific personal advice. The information in this article does not constitute legal, tax, regulatory or other professional advice from IDT Payment Services, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, “IDT”), and should not be taken or used as such by any individual. IDT makes no representation, warranty or guaranty, whether express or implied, that the content in this article is current, accurate, or complete. You should obtain professional or other substantive advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the information in this article.
