Exchange rates directly affect how much money your friend or family member receives. When you send money internationally from the US, your transfer is converted from US dollars into another currency using an exchange rate. Even small differences in the rate can impact the final amount delivered.
Understanding how exchange rates work can help you make informed decisions before confirming your MoneyGram transfer.
What is an exchange rate?
Put simply, an exchange rate is the value of one currency compared to another. When you send USD to another country with MoneyGram, our user-friendly calculator will show you many units of foreign currency equal one US dollar.
When you send an international money transfer, MoneyGram applies an exchange rate to convert your USD into the recipient’s local currency. That converted amount is what your recipient receives.
Exchange rates can fluctuate based on:
Global financial markets
Supply and demand for currencies
Economic conditions
Political events
Because rates change regularly, the amount your recipient gets may vary depending on when and where you send the transfer.
How exchange rates impact your total transfer cost
When sending money internationally, the total cost includes:
The transfer fee
The exchange rate
Even if the transfer fee stays the same, a different exchange rate can increase or decrease the payout amount for your friend or family member.
To understand the full breakdown of transfer costs, review How much does it cost to send money internationally? before completing your MoneyGram transfer.
Why exchange rates matter
For US customers sending money abroad, exchange rates can significantly affect:
The final payout amount
The overall cost of your international remittance
For example, if you send $500 USD, a small difference in the exchange rate may change how much local currency your recipient gets.
Before confirming an international transfer, you can typically see:
The current exchange rate
The total fees
The final payout amount
If you're new to the international transfer process, review How to send money internationally from the US to learn more about how it works. When you send with MoneyGram, you’ll always see your transfer details before you confirm and pay.
Exchange rates and transfer speed
Exchange rates primarily impact the amount delivered, not necessarily how fast the transfer arrives. However, payout method and verification requirements can affect delivery timing.
If speed is a priority, see How long do international money transfers take? to understand how delivery options and processing time work together.
How to compare exchange rates
When evaluating international money transfer options, consider:
The total payout amount (not just the fee)
The exchange rate applied
The delivery method selected
Looking at the full picture helps ensure your friend or family member receives the amount they expect.
Tips for managing exchange rate impact
While exchange rates fluctuate and cannot be controlled, you can:
Review the current rate before confirming your transfer
Compare payout amounts across delivery methods
Ensure recipient details are accurate to avoid delays
Being informed helps you make confident decisions when sending money abroad.
Common questions
What is the exchange rate in an international money transfer?
The exchange rate is the value used to convert US dollars into your recipient’s local currency. It determines how much local currency your friend or family member receives.
Do exchange rates change daily?
Yes. Exchange rates fluctuate regularly due to global market conditions, economic factors, and currency demand. Always check the FX rate before you confirm and pay.
How can I see the exchange rate before sending money?
MoneyGram will always show you the exchange rate, transfer fee, and final payout amount before you confirm your transfer, allowing you to review the total cost before you send. Whether you send online or with our mobile app, our cost breakdown is transparent.
Exchange rates change
MoneyGram keeps you informed
Understanding how exchange rates work helps you make informed choices when sending money internationally from the US. With MoneyGram, you can review the total cost breakdown before completing your transfer.
This publication is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or other professional advice from MoneyGram or its affiliates. Services may vary by location and are subject to applicable laws and regulations.