Guide

How to send money to Eritrea

Shorter than the equivalent guide for most countries, because the honest list of options is short.

Start by lowering expectations

If you have sent money to other countries before, the reflex is to open Wise or Remitly and compare rates. That reflex does not transfer here: the large international services either do not serve Eritrea or serve it only in a restricted form. Our channel availability page sets out what is documented for each route.

The exchange rate question

The nakfa is pegged to the dollar at an official rate, and formal transfers convert at that official rate. Where a parallel market exists, the practical value of foreign currency inside the country can differ from the official conversion — which means the headline amount sent is not necessarily a good guide to what it is worth on the ground. We do not publish a parallel rate figure here, because we have not found a source current and reliable enough to stand behind.

If you use an informal arrangement

Many families do, because the formal options are limited. It is worth being clear-eyed about what that means: no regulatory protection, no complaints process, no recourse if funds do not arrive. That is a description of the risk, not a recommendation either way — but if you go this route, the counterparty's trustworthiness is the entire safeguard.

Before sending anything

1. 1.Confirm the channel is currently operating — availability here changes more than in most corridors.
2. 2.Establish what rate will actually be applied, and what your recipient receives in nakfa.
3. 3.Check how your recipient collects, and whether they need documentation to do so.
4. 4.Keep a record of the transaction and any reference number until collection is confirmed.