How to Send Money to Someone in a Country Where PayPal Isn’t Available

 In the modern digital economy, cross-border transactions are an essential part of business and personal financial management. PayPal has been one of the most widely-used platforms for sending money internationally, but it is not available in every country. As of 2025, PayPal operates in over 200 countries, but there are still several regions where PayPal has no presence, making it difficult to send money to recipients in those countries. However, there are several alternatives that can facilitate international transfers even when PayPal isn’t available.

In this article, we will explore various methods you can use to send money to someone in a country where PayPal isn’t available. We will discuss digital payment platforms, traditional methods of transferring money, and emerging solutions to help you choose the best option depending on your needs and the recipient’s location.

1. Alternatives to PayPal for International Money Transfers

A. Payoneer

Overview: Payoneer is a global payment platform that allows individuals and businesses to send and receive money internationally. It offers a range of services including global bank transfers, prepaid debit cards, and multi-currency accounts. Payoneer supports payments to and from over 200 countries and territories, and it’s a reliable alternative for sending money to places where PayPal isn’t available.

How it Works:

1. Sign Up: The first step is to create a Payoneer account on their official website or mobile app. You will need to provide personal or business details, including identification for verification.

2. Link Payment Methods: Once your account is set up, you can link it to your bank account or debit/credit card for funding your transactions.

3. Send Money: To send money, log into your Payoneer account and select the option to make a payment. You will need the recipient's Payoneer account details or email address. The recipient will receive the funds in their Payoneer account, which they can transfer to their local bank or use for online purchases.

4. Multi-Currency Accounts: Payoneer supports multiple currencies, allowing for easier transfers without the need for complex conversions.

Advantages:

• Global reach: Payoneer supports over 150 currencies.

• Quick international payments.

• Ability to receive payments as if you had a local bank account in different countries (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.).

• Prepaid MasterCard for easy withdrawal.

Disadvantages:

• Fees may be higher for certain payment methods or cross-border transactions.

• Verification process can take a bit of time.

B. Western Union

Overview: Western Union is a traditional money transfer service that has been around for more than 150 years. It operates in over 200 countries, including those where PayPal isn’t available. Western Union allows you to send money to someone via bank transfer, credit card, or cash at an agent location. The recipient can receive the money as a bank deposit or pick it up in cash at any Western Union branch.

How it Works:

1. Create an Account: Western Union allows you to create an online account to send money from the comfort of your home, or you can use their agent locations. You’ll need to provide your details and the recipient’s details.

2. Select Payment Method: You can fund your transfer using a bank transfer, debit/credit card, or even cash. Western Union offers both online and physical locations for sending money.

3. Send Money: After selecting your payment method and entering the recipient’s details (name, location, etc.), you can send the money. If the recipient is in a country without access to PayPal, they can collect their funds at a Western Union agent location or receive it in their bank account.

4. Track the Transfer: Western Union provides a tracking number (MTCN) to monitor the status of your transfer.

Advantages:

• Availability in over 200 countries.

• Options for both online and in-person money transfers.

• Quick transfer times, often within minutes.

Disadvantages:

• High fees compared to other online platforms, especially for smaller amounts.

• Exchange rates can be less favorable than other platforms.

C. TransferWise (Wise)

Overview: Wise, formerly known as TransferWise, is an international money transfer service known for its transparency in fees and real exchange rates. Wise supports over 50 currencies and is an excellent alternative for sending money to countries where PayPal is unavailable. It allows you to send funds directly to the recipient’s bank account at competitive exchange rates.

How it Works:

1. Create a Wise Account: To use Wise, you need to set up an account by providing your email, and personal details, and verifying your identity.

2. Select the Transfer Amount and Currency: After signing in, select the amount you want to send and the currency in which the recipient will receive the funds.

3. Enter Recipient’s Details: Enter the recipient's bank account details, such as their name, account number, and bank address. Wise uses the recipient's bank account to transfer the money.

4. Payment Method: You can fund the transfer using a bank transfer, debit/credit card, or even your Wise balance if you have one.

5. Track the Transfer: Once the transaction is initiated, you can track it in real time via your Wise account.

Advantages:

• Low fees and transparent pricing.

• Real exchange rates, without markups.

• Reliable and secure transfer method.

Disadvantages:

• The recipient must have a bank account.

• Limited customer support in some regions.

D. Skrill

Overview: Skrill is another global payment provider that can be used to send money internationally, particularly in regions where PayPal is unavailable. Skrill allows you to send money to anyone with a Skrill account, and it supports a wide range of payment methods, including bank transfers, credit cards, and prepaid debit cards.

How it Works:

1. Create an Account: First, sign up for a Skrill account by entering your email address and setting up a password.

2. Add a Payment Method: Link your bank account, debit/credit card, or prepaid card to your Skrill account to fund your transaction.

3. Initiate Payment: Enter the recipient's Skrill account details, including their email address. Then, choose the payment amount and currency.

4. Confirm and Send: After reviewing the transaction details, confirm and send the payment.

Advantages:

• Fast and secure international transfers.

• Multiple payment methods available.

• Lower fees than traditional banks.

Disadvantages:

• Skrill charges fees for currency conversion and withdrawals.

• Not as widely accepted as PayPal or other services.

E. Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)

Overview: Cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Litecoin, offers a decentralized method of transferring money internationally. Cryptocurrency can be particularly useful in countries where PayPal and traditional banking services are either not available or are heavily regulated.

How it Works:

1. Choose a Wallet: To send cryptocurrency, both the sender and the recipient need a digital wallet. There are many cryptocurrency wallets available, such as Coinbase, Trust Wallet, and MetaMask.

2. Fund Your Wallet: If you don't already have cryptocurrency, you can buy it from an exchange using fiat currency. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are widely available through exchanges like Coinbase, Binance, or Kraken.

3. Send Cryptocurrency: To send cryptocurrency, you need the recipient’s wallet address. Enter the amount of cryptocurrency you wish to send, confirm the transaction, and the money will be transferred.

4. Confirm the Transfer: Depending on the network traffic, cryptocurrency transactions can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours to be confirmed.

Advantages:

• Fast and low-cost transactions, especially for large sums.

• Not subject to the same regulations as traditional financial systems.

• Ideal for countries where traditional banking services are limited.

Disadvantages:

• Volatile exchange rates.

• The recipient needs a cryptocurrency wallet.

• Risk of loss due to security vulnerabilities if wallets are not properly secured.

2. Traditional Methods for Sending Money Internationally

A. Bank Wire Transfers

Overview: Bank wire transfers are one of the most traditional ways to send money internationally. Many banks offer wire transfer services that allow you to send money to a recipient’s bank account abroad. While the process can be slow, it is a secure and reliable method.

How it Works:

1. Visit Your Bank or Use Online Banking: Go to your bank or use their online banking service to initiate the wire transfer.

2. Enter Details: Provide the recipient’s name, bank account number, bank’s SWIFT/BIC code, and other required details.

3. Initiate Transfer: Review and confirm the details of the transaction before sending the payment.

Advantages:

• Secure and widely accepted.

• Ideal for large transactions.

Disadvantages:

• High fees, particularly for international transfers.

• Slow processing times, sometimes taking several days.

B. MoneyGram

Overview: MoneyGram is another well-established money transfer service that operates in over 200 countries. Like Western Union, it allows you to send money to recipients who may not have access to PayPal. Money can be received in cash or sent to a bank account, depending on the recipient’s preference.

How it Works:

1. Set Up an Account: Create an account with MoneyGram either online or by visiting a local branch.

2. Choose Payment Method: Pay for the transfer using your bank account, credit card, or cash.

3. Enter Details: Provide the recipient’s information, including their name and location.

4. Send Money: Review and confirm the details before sending the payment.

Advantages:

• Widely available in many countries.

• Multiple payment methods available.

Disadvantages:

• High fees.

• Exchange rates may not be as competitive.

Conclusion

Sending money to someone in a country where PayPal isn’t available doesn’t have to be complicated. By using alternatives such as Payoneer, Western Union, Wise, Skrill, cryptocurrency, or traditional methods like bank wire transfers, you can ensure that your international payments reach your recipient quickly and securely.

Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for you will depend on factors such as transaction fees, speed, recipient location, and payment preferences. By carefully evaluating your options and understanding the steps involved, you can make cross-border payments that are cost-effective and efficient. Whether you’re sending money to family, paying for international business services, or compensating remote workers, these alternatives to PayPal can help you manage your financial transactions across borders.