Updated 18 October 2026
M-Pesa Global is the part of M-Pesa that lets you send money from your wallet to people and bank accounts outside Kenya. Before you can use it to send abroad, you need to opt in. You only do this once, and it takes a couple of minutes. This guide shows the three ways to activate M-Pesa Global, explains who can use it and what to do once you are set up.
Why You Need to Opt In
Sending money across borders is covered by rules on anti money laundering and customer identification. Opting in confirms that you accept the terms of the international service and gives Safaricom details it needs, such as your physical location. Receiving money from abroad does not need the same opt in for most partners, but sending does.
Who Can Use M-Pesa Global
- Any registered and active M-Pesa customer.
- Your line must be registered in your own name with a valid ID or passport.
- Individuals use it for personal transfers. Businesses have separate cross border solutions.
Method 1: Activate on *840#
- Dial *840# on your Safaricom line.
- Select Opt in.
- Read the terms and conditions, then accept.
- Enter your M-Pesa PIN.
- Wait for the confirmation SMS.
Method 2: Activate on *334#
- Dial *334#.
- Select Send Money, then M-Pesa Global.
- Enter your physical location, for example your building and street.
- Accept the terms and enter your PIN.
- You receive an SMS once activation is complete.
Method 3: Activate on the M-Pesa App
- Open the M-Pesa app with an internet connection and log in.
- Tap Transact, then Global.
- Follow the prompts to opt in, accepting the terms.
- Enter your PIN to confirm.
What You Can Do After Activation
| Service | Where the money goes |
|---|---|
| Western Union cash pickup | Western Union locations around the world |
| Western Union to bank | Bank accounts in selected countries such as Germany, China and the UAE |
| Alipay | Mobile numbers and bank accounts in China |
| Receiving from abroad | Into your M-Pesa wallet, free, from partners such as WorldRemit, Remitly and PayPal |
Limits to Know Before Sending
| Limit | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minimum per transfer | KSh 101 |
| Maximum per transfer | KSh 150,000 |
| Daily limit | KSh 300,000 |
| Monthly limit (Western Union) | KSh 1.5 million |
| Yearly limit (Western Union) | KSh 18 million |
These limits are lower than the normal M-Pesa per transaction cap, so plan large international payments over several days if needed.
Tips Before Your First Transfer
- Get the recipient’s full legal name exactly as on their ID. Western Union pickups fail when names do not match.
- Check the exchange rate shown before you confirm and compare it with what the recipient expects.
- Know your purpose and source of funds. The menu asks for both, for example family support from salary.
- Send a small test amount the first time to a new recipient.
Staying Safe With International Transfers
International transfers are a favourite target for scammers. Be wary of anyone you have only met online who asks you to send money abroad, including people offering jobs overseas in exchange for processing fees, romance contacts and sellers of goods that seem too cheap. Once a Western Union payment is collected, it is very hard to recover. Only send money to people you know and trust, and never share the MTCN reference with anyone other than the intended recipient. If someone offering an overseas job asks for money, check whether the agency is licensed by the National Employment Authority before paying anything. Genuine openings, both local and abroad, are listed on JobinKenya.
Troubleshooting
Activation failed. Check that your line is fully registered and that you entered your PIN correctly. Try a different method, such as the app instead of USSD.
I do not see the Global option on the app. Update the app to the latest version.
No confirmation SMS. Wait a few minutes, then try again or call Safaricom on 100 or 200.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is activating M-Pesa Global free?
Yes. Opting in costs nothing. You only pay fees when you send money abroad.
Do I need to activate to receive money from abroad?
Generally no. Registered M-Pesa customers can receive from partners such as WorldRemit or Remitly.
How long does activation take?
Usually a couple of minutes, ending with a confirmation SMS.
Can I opt out later?
Contact Safaricom customer care to change your M-Pesa Global status.
Where can I compare local sending fees?
See our guide to sending money on M-Pesa.
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