Wise Review 2025: The Safest and Most Affordable Way to Send Money to the UAE

If you’re planning a move to the UAE, one of the first practical things you’ll need to sort out is how to send money safely, quickly, and at a fair rate. Whether you’re paying a rent deposit, school fee, or simply transferring savings before your move, choosing the right method makes a big difference.

After relocating ourselves and supporting families and individuals moving to the UAE, Wise (formerly TransferWise) has consistently been one of the most reliable and cost-effective ways to send money from the UK to the UAE.

This guide explains exactly how Wise works, what it costs, how long transfers take, and when it’s the right choice for you.

What Is Wise?

Wise is a UK-regulated financial platform used by millions worldwide to send and receive international payments. It is popular among expats because it offers:

• Low, transparent fees

• The real mid-market exchange rate

• Fast transfers

• Clear tracking

• Strong security and regulation

Unlike banks, Wise does not hide fees inside a marked-up exchange rate.
You always get the actual rate you see on Google.

What Is the Mid-Market Rate?

The mid-market rate is the real exchange rate between two currencies — the midpoint between the buy and sell price.

Most banks add a hidden markup of 2–4% to this rate. Wise doesn’t.
They use the real rate and charge a small, clear fee.

This is why Wise is often much cheaper.

Real Example: Sending £1,000 to the UAE (As of 9 November 2025)

Based on your verified data:

• Wise fee: £5.86 (0.59%)

• UK bank transfer fee: £0

• Exchange rate: 1 GBP = 4.8350 AED

• Recipient receives: AED 4,806.62

• Delivery time: 0–2 working days (often same day)

Wise shows the full breakdown before you send no surprises.

How Fast Are Wise Transfers?

For UK → UAE bank transfers:

• 0–2 working days

• Often same day

• Weekend transfers may process Monday

• No weekend markups (but FX markets are closed)

Wise also provides full tracking so you always know where your transfer is.

Is Wise Safe?

Yes. Wise is regulated by:

• The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK

• The Central Bank of the UAE (for AED payouts)

• Global financial regulators across the EU, US, Australia, and Asia

Your money is held in safeguarded accounts, separate from Wise’s operating funds.

How to Send Money Using Wise (Step-by-Step)

1️⃣ Create a free Wise account

You can sign up in minutes using your email or mobile.

👉 Join Wise using our referral link
(You get the same great rate — and it supports Thrive in UAE at no extra cost.)

2️⃣ Enter the amount you want to send

Wise clearly shows:

• Total fees

• The real exchange rate

• Delivery estimate

• Exactly how much your UAE account will receive

3️⃣ Add the recipient’s UAE bank details

You will need:

• Bank name

• UAE IBAN (starts with AE…)

• Account holder’s full name

4️⃣ Choose your payment method

You can pay via:

• UK bank transfer (usually the cheapest)

• Debit card

• Credit card (higher fees)

• Apple Pay / Google Pay

5️⃣ Track your transfer

Wise sends updates at each stage so you know when your money arrives.

Wise Multi-Currency Account

Wise also offers a multi-currency account, allowing you to:

• Hold 40+ currencies

• Convert at the real exchange rate

• Spend with a Wise debit card

• Receive local account details in several countries

This is helpful for travellers, freelancers, and those with international financial commitments.

When Wise Is the Best Option

Wise is usually the best method when you need to send money directly into a UAE bank account, such as:

• Transferring money to your own UAE account

• Sending rent deposits to landlords who require UAE bank transfers

• Moving savings from the UK to the UAE

• Paying fees or deposits that must be transferred to a UAE bank account

Because Wise avoids SWIFT fees and uses the mid-market rate, it is typically cheaper and clearer than a UK bank transfer.

When Other Methods May Be More Practical

Wise may not be the method you use for every payment.
Other options may suit different situations:

• Card payments (Starling, UK credit cards, Monzo) — for school registrations, medical appointments, retail purchases

• Local UAE exchange houses — for instant UAE-to-UAE payments or cash-based transactions

• Physical currency exchange — if you need cash AED

• UAE bank account — once you live here, it becomes your main method for daily payments

But for UK → UAE bank transfers, Wise remains one of the strongest options.

Final Thoughts

Sending money to the UAE doesn’t need to be confusing or expensive.
Wise offers:

• Low, transparent fees

• Fair exchange rates

• Fast transfers

• Strong regulation

• Clear tracking

It’s the method we personally use — and one many of our clients rely on when preparing for their move.

Join Wise (Referral Link)

👉 Join Wise and start sending money securely

Affiliate Disclosure

This article contains referral links. Using them never costs you extra. We only recommend services we personally use and trust.