M-PESA is a mobile money service launched in Kenya in 2007 by Safaricom, the largest telecommunications company in the country. It allows users to send and receive money, pay bills, purchase airtime, and access other financial services through their mobile phones.
The service is available to anyone with a mobile phone, regardless of whether they have a bank account or not.
M-PESA is based on a system of agents who act as intermediaries between users and the financial system. Users can deposit and withdraw cash from agents, who then use the M-PESA platform to transfer money between users or to pay bills on their behalf.
The system is highly secure and uses multiple layers of encryption and authentication to protect user data.
M-PESA Global, on the other hand, is an extension of the M-PESA service that allows users to send and receive money internationally. This service was launched in 2019 in partnership with Western Union, a global money transfer company.
With M-PESA Global, users in Kenya can send money to recipients in more than 200 countries and territories around the world, and receive money from these locations as well.
The service is designed to be fast, convenient, and affordable, with low fees and competitive exchange rates.
In this article, we’ll explore how M-PESA Global works, its benefits, and how it compares to traditional international money transfer methods.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler, an expat, or someone who needs to send money abroad, M-PESA Global may be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Sending money internationally via M-PESA Global
There’s a lot of things the mySafaricom App and the M-Pesa App allows you to do if you’re a Safaricom customer. One of those things is sending money from your M-PESA to people across the world.
This can be done in three ways, under M-PESA Global section;
- Sending to Mobile Number
- Sending via Western Union
- Sending to Bank
Sending to Mobile Number
The feature supports Bangladesh, Botswana, Burundi, Malawi, Pakistan, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
- Go to M-PESA Global on mySafaricom App
- Or go to Transact tab on M-PESA App, and click Global, the click send to Mobile.
- Select the country you want to send money to
- Enter the receiver’s phone number (The M-PESA app will even show receivers name).
- Enter their full name and address.
- Enter Amount in KES, Source and Purpose of funds.
- Click next to see transaction details which will show you amount to be received in their currency and transaction fees.
- Click send.
Sending via Western Union
- Go to mySafaricom App Global Section
- Or go to M-Pesa App Global section and select send to Western Union
- Select countries to send to
- Enter details of recipient and purpose of funds
- See transaction details and charges
- Then click send. You will receive the necessary information to send help your recipient take their cash.
Sending to Bank
- Go to M-Pesa App Global Section
- Select send to bank
- Select country you want to send to
- Enter the details of the recipient
- Enter bank name and IBAN Number
- Enter Amount to send in KES, source, and purpose of funds
- See the transaction details including the fees, and amount user will receive
- Click Send Money
M-PESA Global FAQs
What is M-PESA Global?
M-PESA Global is a service that allows M-PESA customers to send and receive money globally, as well as make international payments.
How do I activate M-PESA Global?
To activate M-PESA Global, dial *840# on your mobile phone, select “Activate” and follow the prompts. You will need to provide some additional information and accept the terms and conditions.
How do I send money internationally with M-PESA Global?
To send money internationally with M-PESA Global, dial *840#, select “Send Money Abroad,” enter the recipient’s details and follow the prompts.
How long does it take for money to be received through M-PESA Global?
The time it takes for money to be received through M-PESA Global can vary depending on the country and receiving network. In general, it can take up to 48 hours for the recipient to receive the money.
How much does it cost to use M-PESA Global?
The cost of using M-PESA Global depends on the amount of money being sent, the destination country and the receiving network. You can check the cost of sending money to a specific country by dialing *840# and selecting “Fees” from the menu.
What currencies can I send and receive with M-PESA Global?
M-PESA Global allows you to send and receive money in multiple currencies, including USD, EUR, GBP and KES, among others.
Can I use M-PESA Global to make international purchases?
Yes, M-PESA Global allows you to make international purchases from select merchants. To do so, dial *840#, select “Pay Bill” and follow the prompts.
What is the maximum amount of money I can send with M-PESA Global?
The maximum amount of money you can send with M-PESA Global depends on your M-PESA account limit. To check your limit, dial *840#, select “My Account” and then “Check my limit.”
Can I use M-PESA Global to receive money from abroad?
Yes, M-PESA Global allows you to receive money from abroad. To do so, you will need to provide the sender with your M-PESA Global account details, including your mobile number and the name of your mobile network operator.
