How to Send Money from Saudi Arabia to Egypt — Best Ways & Lowest Fees

Egypt is one of the top recipients of remittances from Saudi Arabia, with hundreds of thousands of Egyptian expats working across the Kingdom. The SAR/EGP exchange rate has been volatile in recent years — this guide explains which transfer methods give the best rates and fastest delivery to Egyptian bank accounts and mobile wallets.

Highlights

★Egypt consistently ranks among the top 5 recipients of remittances from Saudi Arabia — the corridor is well-served by most major transfer services.
★The Egyptian Pound (EGP) has experienced significant volatility — always check the live rate on the day of transfer rather than relying on a rate quoted earlier.
★Al Rajhi Bank and STC Pay are the most popular options for Egyptian expats due to competitive EGP rates and mobile-first convenience.
★Instant cash pickup through Western Union and MoneyGram is widely available across Egypt including at Egypt Post offices.
★Wise offers mid-market SAR/EGP rates with transparent fees — particularly competitive for larger transfers.
★Egypt's Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) encourages official remittance channels — all services listed here are fully compliant.

Which Method Should You Use?

Best overall rate + speedAl Rajhi Bank or STC Pay — both offer competitive EGP rates and same-day or next-day credit to Egyptian bank accounts.

Recipient uses Vodafone Cash, Orange Money, or FawryWestern Union or MoneyGram — widely integrated with Egyptian mobile wallets and cash pickup points.

Best rate for large amounts (SAR 5,000+)Compare Wise, Al Ansari Exchange, and your bank on the day — larger amounts attract better rates at exchange houses.

Recipient has no bank accountWestern Union cash pickup — thousands of locations across Egypt including post offices and licensed agents.

Most convenient for regular transfersSTC Pay or Al Rajhi app — both work entirely from your phone with no branch visits.

Who Is This For?

Egyptian expats in Saudi Arabia who send money home regularly or occasionally, and want to maximise their EGP transfer value.

Practical Tips

💡The SAR/EGP rate changes frequently given Egypt's economic conditions — check multiple providers on the day of transfer. A difference of even EGP 1–2 per SAR matters on larger amounts.
💡Transfer during Egyptian banking hours (9am–2:30pm EET, which is 10am–3:30pm Saudi time) for same-day credit. Transfers after banking hours typically credit the next morning.
💡For recipients who prefer cash, Western Union through Egypt Post branches has widespread coverage even in smaller Egyptian cities and governorates.
💡Wise is particularly good for SAR to EGP when you want to lock in the fairest rate — the fee is transparent and the rate shown is what you get.
💡Keep all transfer receipts and reference numbers — if funds are delayed you will need the reference to trace through the receiving bank.
💡Egyptian banks including Banque Misr, National Bank of Egypt, CIB, and QNB Al Ahli all accept international remittances — confirm your recipient's bank account details (IBAN format: 27 digits starting with EG) before sending.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best SAR to EGP rate?

Rates fluctuate daily. Compare Al Rajhi, STC Pay, Wise, and one exchange house on the day you want to send. Wise consistently offers mid-market rates with transparent fees, which is often best for larger amounts. For smaller regular transfers, Al Rajhi and STC Pay are the most convenient.

How long does a transfer from Saudi Arabia to Egypt take?

Al Rajhi or STC Pay to Egyptian banks: same day to next business day. Wise: 1–3 business days. Western Union cash pickup: usually within minutes of sending. SWIFT bank transfer: 1–3 business days.

Can I send to an Egyptian mobile wallet from Saudi Arabia?

Western Union and MoneyGram support transfers to Vodafone Cash and other Egyptian mobile wallets. STC Pay may also support this — check the latest options in the app as the Egypt corridor has expanded. For bank-to-wallet transfers, the recipient's Egyptian mobile number registered with the wallet is required.

What details do I need to send to an Egyptian bank account?

You need: the recipient's full name, bank name, branch, and Egyptian IBAN (27 digits starting with EG). Most major Egyptian banks publish IBAN generators online where account holders can look up their IBAN from their account number.

Is there a limit on how much I can send from Saudi Arabia to Egypt?

Saudi Arabia does not set a personal remittance cap for Iqama holders. Banks may request source-of-funds documentation for large transfers (SAR 50,000+). Egypt's CBE welcomes inward remittances and has no cap on receipts through official channels.