How to send money to your family in Venezuela
Legitimate options for sending remittances to Venezuela: formal services, typical costs, timing, and precautions against scams.
Before you send
- Confirm with your relative what they can actually collect: not every service pays out in every city, and some pay only in bolívares while others pay in foreign currency.
- Always compare the amount your relative receives, not just the fee: the exchange-rate spread usually matters more than the visible commission.
- Use only formal, regulated services. Informal "money changers" on social media are the main source of scams.
International remittance services
- Western Union and MoneyGram: operate through payout partners in Venezuela; availability and payout method vary by city — check their official site before sending.
- Remittance apps (depending on your country): compare fees and verify that the app explicitly lists Venezuela as a destination and which currency it pays in.
- Transfers to foreign-currency accounts: many Venezuelan banks maintain custodial dollar accounts; ask your relative whether their bank offers one.
Typical costs and timing
As a general reference: formal services charge between 3% and 10% of the amount depending on the corridor and payout method. Cash pickups usually take minutes to 1 day; account deposits, 1 to 3 business days. Sending small amounts very frequently multiplies fees: if you can, batch your transfers.
How to avoid scams
- Never send money to an intermediary you met on social media, no matter how good the rate looks.
- Distrust any exchange rate far above the market: it is the classic hook.
- Do not share card details or passwords with "agents". No legitimate service asks for them over WhatsApp.
- Keep the receipt and operation number of every transfer until your relative confirms collection.
Currency regulations in Venezuela and international sanctions change frequently. Verify the service’s current conditions before each transfer.
If the money is for emergency relief
If you want to help affected people who are not your family, consider donating to humanitarian organizations with local operations (Cáritas Venezuela, Venezuelan Red Cross, UNHCR, WFP). They turn donations into direct aid without the costs and risks of individual transfers.
This guide is informational and does not replace professional care or instructions from the authorities.