Updated 20 October 2026
Before sending money abroad with M-Pesa Global, check two things: how much you are allowed to send and what the transfer will really cost. The real cost is not just the fee. It also includes the exchange rate applied when your shillings are converted. This guide sets out Safaricom’s published limits, explains how fees and exchange rates work together and gives practical tips to get more money to the person receiving it.
M-Pesa Global Limits
| 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 are Safaricom’s published limits for M-Pesa Global transfers through Western Union and Alipay. They are lower than the standard M-Pesa transaction cap of KSh 250,000 that applies to local transfers. If you need to send more than KSh 300,000 in one go, you have to split it over more than one day, or use a bank transfer instead.
What Receiving Costs
Receiving money from abroad into M-Pesa is free for you. The sender pays their own provider’s fee, and the provider sets the exchange rate on their side. When the money lands, you get the shillings shown in your confirmation message.
What Sending Costs
Sending abroad has two parts:
- A transfer fee that depends on the amount. For Western Union, the fee rises in bands and reaches KSh 500 at the top band.
- The exchange rate used to convert shillings into the recipient’s currency on the day.
Both appear on the confirmation screen before you enter your PIN. Always read both figures, along with the amount the recipient will receive in their own currency.
Understanding the Exchange Rate
Money transfer services usually convert at a rate that is slightly less favourable than the mid market rate you see in the news. The difference is part of what the transfer costs you, even though it is not labelled as a fee. To judge the true cost, compare the amount the recipient will get with what the same shillings would buy at the mid market rate. A transfer with a low fee but a poor rate can cost more than one with a higher fee and a better rate.
Worked Example
Suppose you want a relative abroad to receive a certain amount in their currency. On the confirmation screen you will see the shillings being sent, the fee and the converted amount. If you add the fee to the shillings sent and divide by the converted amount, you get the effective rate you are paying per unit of foreign currency. Do this for two or three options, such as M-Pesa Global and your bank, and pick the one with the lowest effective rate.
Tips to Reduce Costs
- Send larger amounts less often. The fee does not rise in step with the amount, so one bigger transfer usually costs less per shilling than several small ones.
- Check the rate at different times. Rates move during the day and between days.
- Match the recipient’s name exactly. A failed Western Union pickup wastes time and can mean repeating the process.
- Compare with alternatives for large sums, such as bank transfers.
Keeping Records
Save the M-Pesa confirmation and any reference numbers, such as the Western Union MTCN, for every international transfer. If a payment is delayed or the recipient cannot collect it, these references are what customer care will ask for. Records also help if you ever need to show the purpose and source of funds for larger transfers.
Why a Transfer Might Be Declined
- The amount is below KSh 101 or above KSh 150,000.
- You have reached the daily, monthly or yearly limit.
- You have not opted in to M-Pesa Global.
- The recipient details are incomplete or do not meet the partner’s checks.
If you have not activated the service yet, read our guide to sending money on M-Pesa for local transfers, and the M-Pesa Global activation guide on Business Radar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum I can send abroad on M-Pesa?
KSh 150,000 per transfer and KSh 300,000 a day.
What is the minimum?
KSh 101 per transfer.
Is receiving money from abroad free?
Yes, for the M-Pesa customer receiving it.
What is the highest Western Union fee on M-Pesa?
The top fee band reaches KSh 500, plus the exchange rate.
Where do I see the exact fee?
On the confirmation screen before you enter your PIN. Local fees are covered in our M-Pesa charges guide.
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