Payments with Lydia in France: how to make them and how much do they cost?
Payments with Lydia are made by card or via bank transfer. Here are the prices and procedures for the different transactions.
Western Union withdrawal timeframe in France: how long does it take to get your money?
Western Union can be a convenient option when you need to receive money quickly abroad. With over 500,000 agent locations worldwide, transfers are generally easy to send and collect.
But once the money has been sent, how long does it take before you can withdraw it? What documents will you need? And are there any fees involved? Here’s everything you should know.
However, since Western Union’s fees are often considered high, you might want to explore a cheaper alternative such as Wise, which offers lower-cost transfers and uses the mid-market exchange rate for better value.
Comparing fees between Wise and Western Union
Let’s compare transfer fees and the amount received when sending $1,000 from the United States to a recipient in France.
| Provider | Wise | Western Union |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit to account | €854.40 | €848.30 |
| Cash pickup | €854.40 (with the Wise card, within limits) | €772.10 |
Rates were taken from the providers’ official websites on October 24, 2025. Fees vary depending on the currency and the rate used by each provider for conversions.
As shown, bank deposits tend to be more cost-effective than cash pickups. With Wise, the recipient gets €854.40 compared to €848.30 with Western Union — a noticeable difference.
That’s because Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate (€0.86 for $1 in this example), while Western Union applies a marked-up rate.¹ The mid-market rate fluctuates with the global market, ensuring transparency.
Receiving money via Western Union at a post office: timing and costs
How long does it take?
If the sender uses a credit or debit card online, funds are typically available almost instantly.
Transfers to a mobile wallet or bank account can take up to 5 business days.²
Once the transfer is confirmed, cash pickups are usually available within minutes, in local currency, at one of Western Union’s 510,000 global locations.
How much does it cost?
For the recipient, cash pickups at post offices or Western Union agents are free.
All fees are paid by the sender.¹
However, note that choosing a cash pickup often increases overall transaction costs. If the sender transfers directly to a bank account instead, the recipient typically receives more.
Learn more about how Western Union works →
How to receive your money at a Western Union branch
Finding a branch
To collect your cash, visit your nearest Western Union location.
If you’re unsure where to go, search your country and postal code on the provider’s website, check “Cash Pickup,” and confirm the address.
Filling out the form
To collect your funds, you’ll need to complete a form with the following details:
- MTCN tracking number
- Your full name and address
- Amount sent
- Sender’s name, city, and country
Required documents
The ID required for collection depends on the country. A valid passport is generally accepted.
In some locations, national ID cards or driver’s licenses may not be considered valid.
You might also be asked to show proof of address, such as a utility or phone bill, so it’s best to check beforehand.
In which currency will you receive the funds?
Funds are always paid out in the local currency of the country where the withdrawal occurs.
You cannot choose another currency — for example, you can’t receive British pounds if you’re collecting money in the United States.
Other ways to receive money with Western Union
Sending to a card
In some regions, Western Union allows transfers directly to a debit or credit card.
Log into your Western Union account, enter the tracking number (MTCN), the sender’s details, and your card information.
Provide your phone number for verification, then confirm the transaction.
Mobile wallet deposit
In certain countries, you can receive money via Western Union directly to a mobile wallet.
To use this service, the recipient must have activated the “mobile wallet” option with their provider.
Receiving money from abroad directly to your account
Western Union also offers bank transfers to recipients’ accounts in about 40 countries, including the UK, the US, and Australia.
To receive funds, the sender must provide:
- Your bank name
- Account number and bank code (BIC, SWIFT, etc.)
- Currency
- Amount
Transfers usually take up to 5 business days, depending on the destination and currencies involved.¹
A cheaper alternative using the mid-market rate: Wise
Wise offers international transfers at low cost, using the mid-market rate — the same rate you’ll see on currency markets.
By avoiding exchange rate markups, Wise ensures the recipient gets more of what’s sent.
You’ll also benefit from a guaranteed rate during the transfer, protecting you from market fluctuations.
You can receive USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, NZD, and other major currencies directly into your Wise account.
More information about
the Wise account
Sources:
Last verified on October 24, 2025
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.
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