Indian expatriates living in the United Arab Emirates are actively seeking out the best remittance deals as the Indian Rupee plummets to a record low of 23.8 against the U.S. dollar.
In the current economic climate, remittance rates and fees from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to India have become a topic of interest for many expatriates. As of August 2025, remittance rates and fees from UAE to India vary among banks, currency exchange houses, and digital remittance platforms.
Currency Houses / Exchange Platforms:
One of the popular choices among Indian expats is Money2India, which offers an exchange rate around 1 AED = 23.77 INR with a flat fee of 12 AED per transfer from UAE to India. They also provide real-time tracking and fast services. Another large player, Al Ansari Exchange, has reported increased remittance volumes due to the favorable current exchange rate and offers competitive rates and promotional offers through its widespread branches and digital channels.
Banks:
Banks typically have higher fees and less favorable exchange rates compared to currency houses and digital platforms. ICICI Bank and other NRI banking services show exchange rates close to those of Money2India but can include additional service charges depending on the transfer amount.
Digital Remittance Platforms:
Digital platforms like Wise, Xe, and others offer near mid-market exchange rates. For instance, Wise shows the mid-market INR to AED exchange around 1 INR = 0.0419 AED (equiv. roughly AED 23.87 per 1000 INR), reflecting very close to real market rates. Xe highlights bank-beating rates with generally low or no fees, instant or same-day transfers depending on the payment method, providing better value than banks in many cases.
Summary Comparison:
| Provider Type | Approx. Exchange Rate (AED to INR) | Fees | Transfer speed | Notes | |----------------------|-----------------------------------|-----------------------------------|--------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | Currency Houses | ~23.77 INR/AED | Flat fee ~12 AED per transfer | Fast (real-time tracking) | Competitive rates, large physical presence (e.g., Al Ansari) | | Banks (e.g., ICICI) | Similar or slightly less favorable| Varies; e.g., USD equivalent fees | 1-3 business days | May charge extra service fees | | Digital Platforms (Wise, Xe) | Near mid-market (~23.8 INR/AED) | Low to zero fees | Instant to same-day | Transparent, competitive, real-time rate updates |
Contextual Note: The Indian rupee's depreciation against the dirham in 2025 has encouraged more remittances from UAE expatriates, boosting demand for favorable rates and quicker services, especially on digital platforms.
Hence, digital remittance platforms and specialized currency houses tend to offer the best combination of exchange rate, fees, and transfer speed compared to traditional banks for sending money from UAE to India currently. However, exact rates and fees depend on the transfer amount, payment method, and provider promotions at the time of transfer. It is advisable to check live rates and fees before initiating a transfer.
Since the start of August, the dirham to rupee remittance flows have been among the highest recorded, with more Indian expats switching to alternate platforms to ensure they get the best exchange rate. Some offers exist that can lower the fee costs for remitters in the UAE. It is essential to research and compare providers to find the most suitable option for your needs.
- In the search for the best combination of exchange rate, fees, and transfer speed, many Indians in the UAE are turning to digital remittance platforms and specialized currency houses.
- For instance, while banks like ICICI Bank may have exchange rates similar to currency houses, they often charge extra service fees, making digital platforms like Wise and Xe a more viable option.
- Xe, in particular, stands out with bank-beating rates, low or no fees, and instant or same-day transfers, making it a preferred choice for many UAE-based remitters.
