How to Send Money Abroad via Western Union on M-Pesa

Updated 18 October 2026

M-Pesa Global’s Western Union option lets you send money straight from your phone for cash pickup at Western Union locations around the world, or into bank accounts in selected countries such as Germany, China and the UAE. The recipient gets the money in their own currency. You do not need to visit a Western Union agent or a bank. This guide covers the steps on the M-Pesa app and on *334#, what the MTCN is, the limits and fees, and how to avoid failed pickups.

Before You Start

• Opt in to M-Pesa Global. You only do this once, on *840#, *334# or the app.
• Get the recipient’s full name exactly as it appears on their ID or passport.
• Know the destination country and, for bank transfers, the bank details.
• Have enough M-Pesa balance for the amount plus the fee.

Sending on the M-Pesa App

1. Log in and tap Transact, then Global.
2. Select Send to Western Union.
3. Pick the recipient’s country.
4. Enter their first and last name exactly as on their ID.
5. Enter the amount.
6. Select the source of funds and the purpose of the transfer.
7. Review the fee, exchange rate and amount the recipient will receive.
8. Confirm and enter your M-Pesa PIN.

Sending on *334#

1. Dial *334# and select Send Money, then M-Pesa Global, then Send Money Abroad.
2. Choose Western Union Location.
3. Pick a frequent recipient, or add a new one with their first, middle and last names.
4. Enter the amount, destination country, purpose and source of funds.
5. Check the details and charges, then enter your PIN.

The MTCN

After a successful transfer you receive two messages: the normal M-Pesa confirmation and a second SMS with the MTCN, the Money Transfer Control Number. The recipient needs the MTCN, along with their ID, to collect cash at a Western Union location. Share it only with the recipient, by a private message or call. Anyone with the MTCN and a matching name could try to collect the money.

Limits

Fees and Exchange Rate

The Western Union fee depends on the amount and reaches KSh 500 at the top band. On top of the fee, the exchange rate converts your shillings into the recipient’s currency. Both appear before you confirm. Look at the final amount the recipient will receive, not just the fee. Details are in our M-Pesa Global limits and charges guide on Business Radar.

How to Avoid a Failed Pickup

• Names must match the ID. Small spelling differences or missing names can stop the payout.
• Confirm the country. The payout country must be the one you selected.
• Tell the recipient what to bring: their ID and the MTCN.
• Check payout location hours in the recipient’s city.

Sending to a Bank Account

For supported countries, you can choose a bank deposit instead of cash pickup. You will need the recipient’s bank name and account details as requested on screen. Double check every digit, because bank transfers to the wrong account are difficult to recover.

Protecting Yourself From Scams

Western Union transfers are popular with scammers because cash can be collected quickly. Never send money to someone you have not met in person who asks for help, a fee for an overseas job, customs charges on a parcel or an investment opportunity. Recruitment agencies that ask for fees before you travel should be checked with the National Employment Authority. Look for genuine jobs on JobinKenya.

Saving Frequent Recipients

If you send to the same person regularly, for example a child studying abroad or a parent working overseas, save them as a frequent recipient on *334# or the app. This avoids retyping names each time, which is where most spelling errors that cause failed pickups happen. Review saved recipients now and then, especially if someone renews their passport and their name appears differently on the new document.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Western Union transfer from M-Pesa take?

Cash pickup is usually available soon after the transfer, subject to Western Union checks and location hours.

What does the recipient need to collect the money?

Their valid ID and the MTCN you share with them.

Can I cancel a Western Union transfer?

Contact Safaricom customer care quickly. Once collected, it cannot be reversed.

What is the maximum I can send?

KSh 150,000 per transfer and KSh 300,000 a day.

Can I send to any country?

Cash pickup covers Western Union’s global network. Bank deposits cover selected countries shown in the menu.