Comparison8 min readUpdated 9 January 2026

Cheapest Way to Send Money to Zimbabwe in 2026

Every dollar counts when supporting family back home. This guide shows you exactly how to find the lowest-cost option for your transfers.

Key Takeaway

For a $500.00 transfer, Wise currently offers the best value, saving you up to USD 6.76 compared to the most expensive option.

Why Fees Matter More Than You Think

When sending money to Zimbabwe, the "fee" advertised is only part of the story. The true cost of a transfer includes:

Transfer fee - The upfront charge (usually $2-5 AUD)
Exchange rate markup - The hidden cost built into the rate (0-3%)
Receiving fees - Sometimes charged by the recipient's bank

A provider with a "low fee" of $1.99 might actually cost more than one with a $4.99 fee if they markup the exchange rate by 2%.

Comparison: Best Value for $500.00 AUD

Provider	Fee	Rate Markup	They Receive	Rank
Wise	$4.50	None	USD 322.08	Best
Remitly	$3.99	0.7%	USD 320.15	#2
WorldRemit	$3.99	1.5%	USD 317.57	#3
Mukuru	$4.99	2.0%	USD 315.32	#4

How to Calculate the True Cost

Use this simple formula to compare any two providers:

True Cost = Transfer Fee + (Amount × Exchange Rate Markup)

For example, if you send $500 with a provider charging $3.99 fee and 1.5% markup:

True Cost = $3.99 + ($500 × 0.015) = $3.99 + $7.50 = $11.49

Best Option for Small Amounts (Under $200)

For smaller transfers, the fixed fee matters more than the exchange rate. Look for providers with:

Low or zero transfer fees
First-time fee waivers (Remitly often offers this)
No minimum transfer amount

Recommendation: Remitly typically offers the best value for small amounts due to their competitive fees and frequent promotions.

Best Option for Large Amounts (Over $1,000)

For larger transfers, the exchange rate markup becomes the dominant factor. Prioritize:

Mid-market exchange rates (Wise offers this)
Low percentage-based markups
High transfer limits

Recommendation: Wise offers the true mid-market rate with transparent fees, making it excellent for large transfers if you can wait 1-2 days for delivery.

Tips to Save Even More

Send larger amounts less frequently (fees are often fixed, so one $1000 transfer beats two $500 transfers)

Use bank transfer instead of card payment (usually lower fees)

Check for first-time user promotions (many providers waive fees for new customers)

Compare rates before each transfer (the best provider can change week to week)

Consider the recipient's convenience (saving $5 isn't worth it if they have to travel hours for pickup)

A Word of Warning

Beware of "Too Good to Be True" Rates

Unlicensed money transfer operators sometimes offer better rates, but using them puts your money at risk and may be illegal. Always use regulated providers like those we compare.

Conclusion

The cheapest way to send money to Zimbabwe from Australia depends on your transfer amount and how quickly you need the money delivered. Use our comparison tool to find the best rate for your specific needs.

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