Personal Finance Money transfer

The Best Ways to Send Money Abroad Online from France

Soufiane Baba

08.09.25

Read time 2 minutes

In the age of the internet and digitalization, sending money abroad has never been more complex. This paradoxical situation is largely due to the multiple anti-money laundering directives issued by the European Parliament.

To transfer funds abroad from France, you currently have different options: a traditional bank, money transfer operators like Western Union or MoneyGram, or online platforms that use the mid-market exchange rate like Wise.

Discover the Wise account

Different methods for sending money abroad online from France

Money transfer via a bank

You can make your transfer at your branch counter or through your online account. If you choose to make the transfer online, you’ll need to add the recipient’s banking information in advance. In some cases, you may need to wait up to 48 hours before the transfer can be completed.

This method may lack flexibility if you’re short on time.

Advantages:

Secure transaction
Your bank already has your details
Convenient if you make frequent transfers

Disadvantages:

Opaque pricing
Exchange rate markups
Limited to bank-to-bank transfers

International Money Transfer Operators

The best known are MoneyGram and Western Union. You can send money to an e-wallet, a bank account, or for cash pickup at a point of sale.

Advantages:

Convenient for sending cash
Flexible delivery methods (bank account, card, mobile phone, cash pickup)
Option for in-person delivery

Disadvantages:

High fees
Low sending limits
Exchange rate markups

New online platforms using the mid-market exchange rate

These online platforms operate like financial institutions but with simpler and clearer pricing.

They do not add a margin to the exchange rate but charge a small percentage of the amount you wish to send, covering currency conversion costs. Some transfers may also incur a fixed fee, clearly shown before you confirm the payment. Costs are transparent.

Platforms like Wise provide a calculator showing upfront how much your transfer will cost and how much the recipient will receive.

Advantages:

Transparent pricing, often cheaper than banks
Mid-market exchange rate (no hidden markup)
Fast transfers

Disadvantages:

Some providers require a subscription for certain services
Extra fees if paying by credit card or via SWIFT
Coverage may not include all countries

💰 Did you know? The Wise account lets you use the mid-market exchange rate without hidden markups—helping you save on international transfers.

How to choose the best option for an online international transfer if you live in France?

Key questions to ask yourself

When it comes to money transfers, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Before deciding, consider:

What payment method will I use? Fees differ if you use a bank card, cash, or bank transfer.
Where should the money arrive? At a branch? Into the recipient’s account?
What is the transfer amount? Different providers have limits. Also, the amount sent is not always the amount received after fees and conversion.
Is the transfer urgent? If so, choose a faster option.
What is the total cost? Consider not just transfer fees but also exchange rates and hidden charges.
To which country will the money be sent? Some routes involve intermediary banks, adding unpredictable fees.
How will the recipient collect the funds? At a branch, via their account, or at an ATM? Consider convenience.

The exchange rate and its importance

The mid-market exchange rate is the midpoint between the buying and selling rates of a currency. It’s considered the fairest rate. Unfortunately, it’s rarely the one you receive.

Most banks and operators apply a markup that’s often hidden. In short, you pay more without realizing it.

Exchange rates also fluctuate constantly. Some providers, like Wise, allow you to lock in a fixed rate for a limited time to protect against volatility.

Wise: An alternative that uses the mid-market exchange rate

Banks and traditional operators often use their position to charge high fees. However, alternatives exist that can be more transparent and affordable.

With the Wise account, you can hold 40+ currencies and convert them whenever the exchange rate is favorable.

Wise offers:

Transparent, competitive pricing compared to most traditional banks
An account to send and receive in different currencies
An international debit card for spending abroad

More information
on the Wise account

This article is a translation of the original article published in French and was translated within 365 days of publication. While the content has been translated for accessibility, the data and sources referenced have not been updated since the original publication date.

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.