How to send euros as a gift: UK guide

Sending euros as a gift can be a thoughtful and practical gesture whether you’re funding a friend’s honeymoon, helping out a sibling studying abroad, or giving your kid pocket money for their holiday.

But what’s the easiest, cheapest and safest way to do it?

This guide explains and compares several options for sending euros as a gift, from physical banknotes to international transfers.

Ready to send a gift now? With a Wise account you can transfer euros in seconds, always at a fair exchange rate and with no hidden fees.

Note: Transaction speed claimed depends on individual circumstances and may not be available for all transactions.

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Sending euros as a gift: What to know about fees and exchange rates

You’re probably used to sending pounds to people, like paying back your mate for takeaway via online transfer or stuffing a few tenners in a birthday card. But there’s a bit more to think about when you send euros as a gift including exchange rates and fees.

Fees for sending euros as a gift

Whether your gift is for someone's birthday or another celebration, you’ll often pay fees to convert your pounds and/or transfer the money. Fees may be fixed or percentage-based. Check whether they’re taken from the amount you’re sending or added on top, so you know exactly how much of your gift will arrive.

Exchange rates when you send euros as a gift

An exchange rate is the value of one currency compared to another, like how many euros you get for a pound. Exchange rates change over time, but they also vary between providers. Some providers advertise low fees but inflate their exchange rates (called ‘markup’) as a hidden way of charging you more.

Wise always gives you the mid-market rate, fair fees* and because all fees are transparent upfront, there are zero surprises when you send money abroad.

Different ways to send euros as a gift

Looking for the best way to send euros as a gift? It depends what’s most important to you, as there are several options each with their own pros and cons.

Giving physical euro banknotes

Tucking cash into a handwritten card is a classic gift. Providers like the Post Office, Travelex and M&S Travel Money allow you to order euro banknotes online or pick them up in store. It’s also common to find currency exchange desks at airports, although they usually charge high rates.

Pros:

• Physical cash can feel more ‘real’, especially if you want to give the gift in person
• The recipient doesn’t need a bank account or card to use it
• Cash is handy in places where cards might not be accepted, like rural towns or market stalls.

Cons:

• Cash can be easily lost or stolen and doesn’t come with the protections you’d get from a card or account
• Ordering or picking up cash may take longer than an online transfer
• Exchange rates can be poor, especially at airports
• Some purchases require a card, like hotel bookings and online orders.

Using your high street bank

High street banks such as Lloyds, HSBC and Barclays let their customers convert pounds and send euros abroad to someone's bank account via a SWIFT transfer. SWIFT stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. It’s a secure network that allows financial institutions in different countries to organise international money transfers.

Pros:

• Using your usual bank can feel nice and familiar
• High street banks are highly regulated, so your money should be well protected if something goes wrong with the transfer¹

Cons:

• It’s usually expensive. Banks typically charge high fees for international transfers, often disguising them as markups in the exchange rate
• Some banks are charging extra fees to transfer euros between the UK and SEPA countries as Brexit has made the process more complicated for them
• Transfers can be slow, often taking around 4 or 5 working days
• The person you’re sending euros to may have to pay fees on their end, which typically comes out of the money you gifted.^{2, 3}

Prepaid euro travel cards

A prepaid currency card can be loaded with euros and used to spend abroad. It usually has low or zero fees for international transactions and withdrawals. Unlike a debit card, it isn’t linked to your bank account. Instead, providers like Caxton and FairFX safeguard your money, meaning it’s kept separate from their own funds.

Prepaid currency cards don’t make ideal gifts as they’re not like a voucher for someone’s favourite store. You generally can’t apply for one on someone else’s behalf, unless it’s a secondary card linked to your own account. So it’s more of a practical way to share funds or budget your travel expenses than a present.

Pros:

• Lets you lock in an exchange rate when you top up
• Usually safer than carrying lots of cash
• Secondary cards can be a practical way to share funds.

Cons:

• Can still be lost or stolen and protections vary
• Hidden fees may apply, like loading fees
• Not suitable as a gift.

Online money transfer services

Online money transfer services are often the best value and most convenient way to send euros abroad. It usually involves sending money from your GBP account to their EUR account. Popular providers include Wise, Revolut and Remitly.

Pros:

• Better exchange rates and fees compared to banks
• Fast — often instant or same-day delivery
• Simple and convenient to use online or via an app.

Cons:

• Some providers may hide fees in exchange rate markups.
• Recipients must have an account that can hold euros (if they don’t, why not invite them to Wise and earn rewards?).

Open a Wise account for fair exchange rates, low transparent fees*, and lightning-fast transfers. Send money in up to 40+ currencies and even earn interest on some balances. Capital at risk. Growth not guaranteed.

Capital at risk. Growth not guaranteed. Wise Assets UK Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with registration number 839689. When facilitating access to Wise investment products, Wise Payments Ltd acts as an Introducer Appointed Representative of Wise Assets UK Ltd. Please be aware that we do not offer investment advice, and you may be liable for taxes on any earnings. If you’re uncertain, we urge you to seek professional advice. To find out more about the Funds, visit our website.

Note: Transaction speed claimed depends on individual circumstances and may not be available for all transactions.

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Fees and exchange rates when sending euros as a gift

Comparing international money transfer costs isn’t always straightforward. So here’s a comparison table with Wise to make it easier to spot high fees hidden in exchange rate markups.

Disclaimer: Comparison data is gathered from provider websites at specific intervals and may not reflect live rates. For providers who do not publish data, we simulate real transactions to gather information. We strongly advise confirming all transfer details on the provider's official site before you commit to a payment. Learn more about how we gather data here.

Provider	Exchange rate (1 GBP → EUR)	Transfer fee	1,000 GBP converts to
Wise	1.15500 Mid-market rate	3.88 GBP Transparent fee	1,150.52 EUR
Instarem	1.14903	0.00 GBP	1,149.03 EUR -1.49 EUR
Starling	1.15473 Mid-market rate	9.50 GBP	1,143.76 EUR -6.76 EUR
Remitly	1.14340	1.49 GBP	1,141.70 EUR -8.82 EUR
Skrill	1.13934	0.00 GBP	1,139.34 EUR -11.18 EUR
Xoom	1.13971	1.49 GBP	1,138.02 EUR -12.50 EUR
Moneygram	1.14013	4.99 GBP	1,134.44 EUR -16.08 EUR
Monese	1.15503 Mid-market rate	20.00 GBP	1,131.93 EUR -18.59 EUR
Western Union	1.13527	2.99 GBP	1,131.87 EUR -18.65 EUR
Natwest	1.12822	0.00 GBP	1,128.22 EUR -22.30 EUR
RBS	1.12796	0.00 GBP	1,127.96 EUR -22.56 EUR
OFX	1.13391	7.00 GBP	1,125.97 EUR -24.55 EUR
Barclays	1.12330	0.00 GBP	1,123.30 EUR -27.22 EUR
Halifax	1.11327	0.00 GBP	1,113.27 EUR -37.25 EUR
Lloyds	1.11325	0.00 GBP	1,113.25 EUR -37.27 EUR
Nationwide	1.12737	15.00 GBP	1,110.46 EUR -40.06 EUR
Paypal	1.10753	2.99 GBP	1,104.22 EUR -46.30 EUR

Note: All compaison data for the above table was correct as of 15th September 2025. Learn more about how we gather data here.

How to find the best EUR to GBP exchange rate

Timing matters. Rates go up and down, and getting a better rate could mean more euros in your recipient’s account.

Use the currency converter tool below to check the current GBP to EUR exchange rate, see what you could get for your money, and view past rate trends. You can even set an exchange rate alert to be notified when the rate improves.

Get exchange rate alerts 📈

UK rules, limits and tax when gifting euros

When you’re sending euros as a gift, it helps to know the rules and limits upfront. That way you can avoid delays, hidden costs or tax surprises down the line.

Are there limits on how much euro currency I can send?

There’s no government-set cap on how many euros you can send abroad. But banks and providers have their own operational limits, usually to comply with anti-money laundering rules. And in some cases you may need to provide ID for larger transfers.

If you’re sending euros with Wise, the limits are up to:

• 10,000 EUR per transfer paying by card
• 50,000 EUR if paying by iDEAL
• 1.2 million EUR if paying by Trustly
• 20 million EUR per transfer from your Wise account

Do you need to worry about tax? (The UK Gift Allowance)

There’s no income tax to pay on gifts. It’s worth being aware of Inheritance Tax, which applies to some gifts if the giver dies within 7 years.

There’s no Inheritance Tax on:

• Gifts between spouses or civil partners
• Gifts to charities or political parties
• Regular payments to support someone, like helping with rent or paying into your under-18-year-old’s savings account
• Birthday or Christmas gifts from your regular income.

Also, there are tax-free allowances for gifts under a certain amount:

• You can give up to £3,000 each tax year without Inheritance Tax
• You can give up to £250 per person to as many people as you like
• Wedding or civil partnership gifts are tax-free up to £1,000 for anyone, £5,000 for your child or £2,500 for your grandchild.⁴

When you die, your estate will be managed by a personal representative called an executor if you’ve left a will. They’ll work out what your estate is worth and whether Inheritance Tax applies to your gifts. If it does, the people who received the gifts must pay the tax.⁵

Sending large amounts of euros as a gift

Sometimes a gift goes beyond the everyday. You might want to help a loved one with university tuition, contribute to a house deposit, or cover the costs of a big wedding abroad.

When you’re transferring big amounts, security and value matter even more. Exchange rates and percentage-based fees can add up quickly, so choosing the right provider can make all the difference.

Wise makes sending large amounts safer and cheaper. Get discounts on transfers over £20,000 (or equivalent). Transactions are secured with two-factor authentication, and backed by dedicated support from experts.

Plus, it’s easy to track your money in real time through the Wise app.

Remember, it’s always smart to check the tax implications with a professional before sending.

Also, for very large transfers Wise offers discounted fees but you may need to provide ID though. Contact Wise’s dedicated large transfer team for a call back to be guided through the process.

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Best way to send euros as a gift

Still not sure which option suits you? Here’s a quick breakdown depending on what you're looking for.

…For the best value and lowest cost

Choose an online money transfer service like Wise to avoid paying high fees at banks and currency counters.

Wise is a great way to send money as a gift for friends or family abroad, like a graduation present or a destination wedding gift. With low transparent fees* and fair exchange rates, more of your gift goes to the person it’s for. And if you’re the one living abroad, you can also use Wise to send money as a gift from the EU to the UK.

…For a physical gift to put in a card

Pick up euro banknotes from a provider like the Post Office, either in store or online. Shop around for the best deal, and be wary of hidden fees and markup exchange rates.

…For security or for a younger recipient

A prepaid euro card works well for students and first-time travellers, it’s safer than cash and convenient for budgeting. Get the Wise Young Explorer card to let your 6-17 year old spend money you’ve set aside for them in your account.

Get a Wise card for under 18’s. The Young Explorer card is currently in beta and available for Wise account holders that live in the UK. For a one-off £7 card fee, your child can spend at home or abroad with their own card at the mid-market rate.

The card is completely managed by you through your Wise account, so you can control limits, get real-time alerts, and get push notifications asking you to approve some online purchases for total peace of mind.

Learn more about the Young Explorer card

…For speed and convenience

Online transfer services win again. Funds often arrive within hours or even seconds, whereas banks often take days to make an international transfer. 70% of Wise transfers arrive in under 20 seconds. And thanks to share links, it’s easy to send euros to someone who doesn’t have a Wise account.

Note: Transaction speed claimed depends on individual circumstances and may not be available for all transactions. See latest speed update for more details.

…For sending euros to a country outside Europe

Sending euros to a non-SEPA country is a bit more complicated for providers to do, which means you have to pay extra fees. But you can still use online transfer services like Wise to lock in a fair exchange rate and transparent fees* and it’s almost always cheaper than doing it with your bank.

Ready to send? Get started with Wise

Whether you’re celebrating a wedding abroad, topping up your child’s study-abroad fund, or sending a graduation present, there are plenty of ways to send euros as a gift.

For most people, online money transfers offer the best mix of speed, cost and convenience. And with Wise, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying and what your recipient will get. Open a Wise account now in less than 5 minutes.

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Sources used in this article:

1. Money Saving Expert - high street bank regulation
2. Halifax - corresponding banks fees with Halifax
3. Lloyds Bank - corresponding bank fees with Lloyds
4. Gov.uk - UK inheritance tax and gifts

Last checked on 15 Sep 2025

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