How to Send Money with PayPal

PayPal is a very popular digital wallet that people use all over the world. A lot of people like the speed and the convenience that come with it. But, how does PayPal do when you need to use it for money transfers overseas? If you want to help your family, pay for something, or buy from a seller in another country, this guide will talk about how international money transfers work with PayPal. This will help you know what to expect when sending money.

Does PayPal Allow International Transfers?

Yes. PayPal lets you send money to people in more than 200 countries and regions. The person you are sending money to needs to have a PayPal account with a working email address or phone number.

You can use your PayPal balance, bank account, debit card, or credit card to pay for the transfer. It is easy for anyone to send or get money with their PayPal account by just using their email or phone number.

You can send money from the United Kingdom and other countries. The money can be sent in different currencies, like USD, GBP, and more.

How to Send Money Abroad with PayPal

1. Log in to your PayPal account or open the PayPal app on your iOS or Android device.
2. Click ‘Send’ and enter the recipient’s email address or username.
3. Pick the currency and country.
4. Type the amount you want to send.
5. Choose if you want to pay with your PayPal balance, debit card, credit card, or your linked bank account.
6. Check the transaction fees and exchange rate.
7. Click Send Payment.

What Are the Fees for International PayPal Transfers?

PayPal’s international transfer fees can change based on a few things:

These are PayPal fees that depend on payment type and where the money is going. You need to check the user agreement for the most up-to-date pricing and for any applicable fees. The PayPal fees may change over time, so make sure to read the user agreement often if you want to know about any new fees, pricing, or changes, and see what applies to your payment type.

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How Are Exchange Rates Handled?

PayPal uses its own exchange rate when you send money between different countries. They add a markup of about 3–4% on top of the market exchange rate. This means the rate you get with PayPal is not as good as the rate you may find with other money transfer services that just use the market exchange rate.

Pros and Cons of Using PayPal for International Transfers

Pros

• The app is used by many people and a lot trust it.
• You can set it up fast. Transfers to your PayPal account happen right away.
• It is simple to use. You can use it on your phone with the app or on your desktop.
• You can add money using your card or your PayPal balance.

Cons

• There are high fees when you use PayPal cards or pay for things from other countries.
• You may get poor exchange rates with PayPal when you compare it to other companies.
• Some countries do not let their people get money with PayPal.
• PayPal is not always the best option for big payments or business accounts.

Are There Limits to PayPal Transfers?

Yes. The limits depend on your account and the country you live in. For UK accounts that are fully checked, you can usually send up to £5,500 each time. But this can change.

Alternatives to PayPal for International Transfers

• Currencies Direct – A good option for business or when you pay for property.
• OFX – Works well if you send big or regular amounts.
• Xoom (a PayPal service) – This one is great when you need cash pickup or fast delivery. It is also linked with PayPal.

How Secure Are PayPal Transfers?

PayPal works hard to keep your information and money safe. It uses strong encryption, secure servers, and watches every transaction. With PayPal Buyer Protection, you also get systems that watch out for fraud. If you spot a transaction you did not make, you can start a dispute. But, it is very important to check the recipient’s bank account or email address before sending any money by PayPal. Always look closely at the email or bank account to make sure you are sending it to the right person.

Watch out for scams that come from fake PayPal messages, links, or odd actions on your account. Always log in by going straight to the official website or using the PayPal app. Do not click on any links you see in PayPal ads or in emails. This is the best way to keep your PayPal safe.

You should check your PayPal account activity often. Make sure to update your passwords every now and then. It is also important to keep your contact info, like your email and phone number, up to date in your PayPal account.

PayPal helps you send money across the world easily. These international money transfers are fast and feel safe if you often use PayPal. But sometimes, using PayPal can cost more than using the other ways to send money. If you want better rates for your money transfers or you need to send a big amount, try looking at other options first. This can help you make your money go further. Watch out for PayPal messages, PayPal ads, or any updates. These will tell you about changes in fees or new services that PayPal offers.

Correct as of 06 June 2025

FAQs – Sending Money Internationally with PayPal

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