Key Takeaways:
Malaysia has several international money transfer options, but not all work the same way. Some are personal-only, some need in-person visits, and some cover a limited set of countries.
The cheapest international money transfer isn't always the one with the lowest fee. Compare both the transfer fee and the exchange rate, as hidden FX markups can make a "free" transfer more expensive overall.
For businesses, Airwallex offers free transfers via local payment rails and FX rates at just 0.4% to 0.6% above interbank, saving you up to 80% on FX fees compared to traditional banks.
Finding the best international money transfer service in Malaysia isn't as simple as picking the biggest name.
Some providers are designed for personal remittances, while others help businesses pay overseas suppliers or receive international payments. They also differ in fees, exchange rates, transfer speeds, and the countries they support.
In this guide, we compare nine of the best international money transfer services available in Malaysia in 2026.
If you're running a business and need to make international business transfers, skip to the end of this guide where we share the best option for businesses.
9 best international money transfer services for personal use (2026)
The table below gives you a quick overview of all nine options:
Provider | Transfer fee | FX rate | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
Wise¹ | From 0.77% of amount sent | Mid-market rate, 0% mark-up | Varies |
MoneyMatch2 | Not stated | Not stated | 1–2 business days |
TNG Remit (GOremit)3 | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
Instarem4 | Not stated | Not stated | Up to 1–2 business days |
WorldRemit5 | Not stated | Not stated | Most transfers arrive “within minutes” |
Western Union6 | From RM5 | Not stated | Up to 5 business days |
Maybank (FTT)7 | From RM10 | Not stated | Not stated |
MoneyGram8 | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
BigPay9 | Not stated | Not stated | Up to 2 business days |
The information in this table has been reviewed to be accurate as of 24 April 2026.
1. Wise
Wise is one of the most popular choices for individuals sending money overseas from Malaysia, especially if you value transparent exchange rates and a straightforward online experience.
It's well suited for personal transfers such as supporting family abroad, paying for overseas education, or sending money to your own bank account in another country.
However, Wise's Malaysian account is not intended for business payments. According to Wise's terms, using a personal account to pay suppliers, employees, or make transfers on behalf of a business may result in the account being deactivated.
Key features:1
Uses the mid-market exchange rate with no FX markup
Shows the exchange rate and recipient amount before you confirm the transfer
Supports transfers from Malaysia to 70+ countries
Multiple funding methods, including FPX and bank transfer
Transfers are fully managed online through the website or mobile app
Most transfers arrive the same day or instantly, depending on the destination
Transfer tracking available within the app
Personal transfers only for Malaysian account holders
Information in this section is based on Wise’s official website as of 31 July 2026.
2. MoneyMatch
MoneyMatch is a Malaysia-based international money transfer service that's licensed to operate locally. It's a good option if you prefer using a homegrown provider that's built around Malaysian payment rails and local compliance requirements.
MoneyMatch supports transfers to more than 110 countries and offers multiple payout options, including bank transfers, mobile wallets, and cash pickup.
Key features2
Licensed money transfer provider in Malaysia
Supports transfers to over 110 countries
Multiple payout options, including bank transfer, mobile wallet, and cash pickup
Shows the final exchange rate and recipient amount before you confirm the transfer
Online platform and mobile app for managing transfers
Customer support based in Malaysia
Typically delivers transfers within 1–2 business days, depending on the destination
Available for personal international money transfers from Malaysia
Information in this section is based on MoneyMatch’s official website as of 31 July 2026.
3. TNG Remit (GOremit)
TNG Remit (GOremit) is the international money transfer service built into the Touch 'n Go eWallet. It's a convenient option for existing TNG eWallet users, as you can send money overseas without downloading a separate app or creating a new account.
Depending on the destination, recipients can receive funds via bank transfer, e-wallet, or cash pickup.
Key features:3
Integrated into the Touch 'n Go eWallet app
Supports transfers to over 50 countries
Multiple payout options, including bank transfer, e-wallet, and cash pickup
Available to Pro and Premium TNG eWallet users
Requires eKYC verification before you can send money
Shows the final exchange rate and transfer amount before you confirm
Transfer limits depend on your TNG eWallet account tier
Fully digital transfer process within the app
Information in this section is based on TNG Remit’s official website as of 31 July 2026.
4. Instarem
Instarem is an international money transfer service that's available in Malaysia for personal overseas transfers.
It's a good option for people who send money abroad regularly, thanks to its loyalty programme that rewards eligible transfers with InstaPoints, which can be redeemed for discounts on future transfers.
New customers may also be eligible for promotional offers, such as fee-free first transfers, subject to Instarem's terms and conditions.
Key features:4
Supports personal transfers from Malaysia to over 60 countries
Shows the exchange rate and transfer fees before you confirm
Earn InstaPoints on eligible transfers
Redeem InstaPoints for discounts on future transfers
Multiple funding and payout options, depending on the destination
Online platform and mobile app for managing transfers
Promotional offers available for eligible new customers
Transfer times vary by destination, with many transfers completed within 1–2 business days
Information in this section is based on Instarem’s official website as of 31 July 2026.
5. WorldRemit
WorldRemit is a good choice if your recipient needs flexibility in how they receive their money.
In addition to bank transfers, it supports cash pickup, mobile wallet transfers, and airtime top-ups across a wide range of destinations, making it particularly useful for recipients who don't have access to a bank account or prefer alternative payout methods.
Key features:5
Supports transfers to over 130 countries
Multiple payout options, including bank transfer, cash pickup, mobile wallet, and airtime top-up
Fund transfers using FPX or a Malaysian debit card
Shows the exchange rate and transfer fees before you confirm
Fully digital transfer process through the website or mobile app
Cash pickup available in supported destinations
Mobile wallet transfers available in selected countries
Transfer speed varies depending on the destination and payout method
Information in this section is based on WorldRemit’s official website as of 31 July 2026.
6. Western Union
Western Union is one of the world's largest and longest-established international money transfer providers. It's a strong option if your recipient prefers to collect cash rather than receive money in a bank account, thanks to its extensive global network of agent locations.
In Malaysia, you can send money online or visit one of its local agent locations to arrange a transfer.
Key features:6
Supports transfers to over 200 countries and territories
More than 525,000 agent locations worldwide
Over 2,500 agent locations across Malaysia
Send money online or in person
Cash pickup available in supported destinations
Multiple payout options, including bank transfer and cash pickup
Online transfers available for eligible transactions up to RM30,000
Transfer speed varies by destination and payout method
Information in this section is based on Western Union’s official website as of 31 July 2026.
7. Maybank Foreign Telegraphic Transfer
Maybank's Foreign Telegraphic Transfer (FTT) is the bank's standard service for sending money overseas.
It's a good option if you already bank with Maybank and prefer to make international transfers from a familiar platform rather than signing up for a separate money transfer provider. You can send money directly from the MAE app or Maybank2u to recipients in over 200 countries.
Key features:7
Available to existing Maybank customers
Send money through the MAE app, Maybank2u, or at a Maybank branch
Supports transfers to over 200 countries
Available daily, including weekends and public holidays (subject to service hours)
Suitable for sending funds directly to overseas bank accounts
Uses the SWIFT network for international bank transfers
Transfer times vary depending on the destination and receiving bank
Transfer status can be tracked through your Maybank account
Information in this section is based on Maybank’s official website as of 31 July 2026.
The information in this table has been reviewed to be accurate as of 24 April 2026.
What's the cheapest way to send money internationally from Malaysia?
The cheapest international money transfer isn't always the one with the lowest advertised fee. That's because many providers earn money in two ways:
A transfer fee, which is shown upfront.
An exchange rate markup, where they offer you a worse exchange rate than the mid-market rate (the rate you see on Google).
For example, imagine you're sending RM5,000 overseas.
Provider A | Provider B | |
|---|---|---|
Transfer fee | RM0 | RM20 |
Exchange rate | 2% below the mid-market rate | Mid-market rate |
Total received by your recipient | Lower | Higher |
Even though Provider A advertises a "free" transfer, the poorer exchange rate means your recipient ultimately receives less money. Provider B charges a visible fee, but because it uses the mid-market exchange rate, it may still work out cheaper overall.
When comparing international money transfer services, don't just look at the transfer fee. Check:
the exchange rate being offered,
the total cost of the transfer, and
the final amount your recipient will receive.
The easiest way to compare providers is to look at how much money arrives in your recipient's account, not how much you pay in fees.
Running a business? Don't use a personal money transfer service
The providers in this guide are designed for personal transfers, such as sending money to family overseas, paying for overseas education, or transferring money to your own account abroad. If you're running a business, they're generally not the right tool.
Businesses often need to pay multiple overseas suppliers, contractors, or employees, manage payments in different currencies, and keep a clear record of every transaction for accounting. Most personal money transfer services don't offer these capabilities.
Some providers also prohibit commercial use. For example, Wise states that Malaysian personal accounts can't be used to make payments on behalf of a business, and doing so may result in the account being deactivated.
If your business regularly makes international payments, you'll likely benefit from using a platform that's built for business transfers instead.
Transfer money to 200+ countries with Airwallex
Airwallex is a fintech platform that helps Malaysian businesses send and receive money internationally.
Unlike personal money transfer services, it's built for businesses managing cross-border payments at scale, with support for overseas supplier payments, multi-currency accounts, batch transfers, and accounting integrations.
Here’s what you get with Airwallex:
FX rates at 0.4%–0.6% above the interbank rate, saving you up to 80% on FX fees
94% of transfers are routed through local payment rails, helping reduce SWIFT fees
Hold and manage funds in 20+ currencies with Global Accounts
Batch payments to up to 1,000 recipients in a single transfer
Direct integrations with Xero, QuickBooks, and NetSuite
Licensed in Malaysia as a Class B remittance service for business payments
Malaysian baby care brand Applecrumby estimates it saves around RM100 per international transfer after switching to Airwallex.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is the best international money transfer service in Malaysia?
It depends on how you're sending money and to where. Wise and Instarem work well for straightforward personal transfers with transparent pricing, while TNG Remit is convenient if you already use the eWallet. For businesses sending international payments, a dedicated business platform like Airwallex is built for that use case rather than personal remittances.
What is the cheapest way to send money internationally from Malaysia?
The cheapest option isn't always the one with the lowest advertised fee. Check the FX rate too, since many providers make up for a low fee with a wider exchange rate margin. Providers using the mid-market rate with a small transparent fee are usually cheaper overall than "zero fee" options with a hidden mark-up. Airwallex charges 0.4% to 0.6% above interbank, helping you save up to 80% on FX fees compared to traditional banks.
Is Wise safe to use in Malaysia?
Wise Payments Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. is regulated under Malaysian law as a remittance, money-changing, and e-money issuance business. It's worth checking any provider's licensing status before sending money with them for the first time.
How much money can I send overseas from Malaysia?
Transfer limits vary by provider, destination country, and payment method; some providers cap daily or per-transaction amounts, especially for cash pickup or e-wallet payouts. Check the specific provider's limits before setting up a large transfer, since amounts above certain thresholds may require extra documentation.
What's the best way for a business to send money internationally from Malaysia?
Business international transfers usually need more than a personal remittance app: think multi-currency accounts, batch payments, and integration with accounting software. Airwallex is built specifically for this, letting Malaysian businesses send free transfers via local rails to 120+ countries and hold multiple currencies in one account.
Sources:
wise.com/my/pricing/
moneymatch.co, https://moneymatch.co/transfers
https://www.tngdigital.com.my/gofinance/remittance/
instarem.com/en-my/
worldremit.com/en/my
https://www.westernunion.com/my/en/direct-to-bank.html, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.westernunion.moneytransferr3app.apac
https://www.maybank2u.com.my/maybank2u/malaysia/en/personal/services/funds_transfer/overseas/foreign_telegrapic_transfer.page
https://www.moneygram.com/r/my/en
https://bigpayme.com/, https://bigpaysupport.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/6338835016205--International-Bank-Transfer-How-Long-Does-It-Take-for-My-Transfer-to-Reach-the-Recipient
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This publication does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice from Airwallex nor substitute seeking such advice, and makes no express or implied representations / warranties / guarantees regarding content accuracy, completeness, or currency. This publication is not intended to be relied on for the purpose of making a decision about a financial product and users should verify details independently.
All comparisons and information contained in this publication reflect only Airwallex’s own research using public documentation on the stated dates and have not been independently validated.
Product features, pricing and other details are subject to change. All third-party names, products, and logos are trademarks of their respective owners and are referred to for identification and compatibility purposes only. If you would like to request an update, feel free to contact us at [[email protected]].
Airwallex (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., a company incorporated under the laws of Malaysia with company registration number 201801007747 (1269761-X), is regulated as a licensed remittance business under the Money Services Business Act 2011 (Licence number 00743 with an expiry date of 3 August 2028, an E-Money Issuer and a registered merchant acquirer under the Financial Services Act 2013.)

Cherie Foo
Growth Content Manager
Cherie is a Growth Content Manager at Airwallex, where she develops content for businesses in Singapore and across Southeast Asia. She focuses on turning complex topics like cross-border payments, business accounts, and spend management into clear, practical guides that help founders and finance teams make confident decisions.
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