Sending money from Saudi Arabia

Working in Saudi Arabia is a challenge, as all expatriates would agree. Being away from your home country is itself a big emotional pain But, as mentioned in this blog earlier, all that would be worth it when you get your pay check every month It would be no exaggeration to say that the happiest day for an expatriate working in Saudi Arabia is the day he sends money home
Sending money home is quite easy. There are several banks and exchange centers to choose from. But since money doesn't grow on the palm trees of Saudi Arabia, you have to choose carefully where from you send your hard-earned wage
Most expatriates working in Saudi Arabia prefer to use tele-transfer, which is known by various names depending on your bank. The commission charged by banks is slightly more (usually in the range of SR 25 for each transaction). A few others also prefer to purchase a Demand Draft, to be sent home via normal post. Of course, the bank charges in this case are far lesser. In any case, the bottom line is that you must have a bank account first to send your back home. But it is not necessary that you must send your money from the same bank where your account is
There is almost no restriction on the amount of money you send home. However, when it crosses SR10000, you will usually be asked to produce your salary certificate to the bank. This is usually a one-time verification process, i.e., you need not produce this every time you send money home. Also, if it is the first time you are sending money home from a particular bank or exchange center, you will be asked to submit a photocopy of your passport, with the official seal of your sponsor. This is a precaution to prevent money laundering.

A useful tip for you. Remember that the exchange rate varies every day and also between one exchange center / bank to the other within the same city It may only be a marginal difference, but when the amount you send is more, the difference cannot be ignored. In fact, it is usual for expatriates working in Saudi Arabia to find out from 2 or 3 banks or exchange centers the current exchange rate before choosing from the most attractive one