How to Send Money from M-Pesa to Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania

Send money hassle-free from M-Pesa to MTN subscribers in Uganda, Rwanda, and Vodacom subscribers in Tanzania. Learn the easy steps for cross-border transfers.

Sep 2, 2023 - 11:44
Sep 2, 2023 - 11:46
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How to Send Money from M-Pesa to Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania
How to Send Money from M-Pesa to Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania

Are you looking for a hassle-free way to send money from M-Pesa to your friends, family, or business contacts in Uganda, Rwanda, or Tanzania? Safaricom's M-Pesa service has made cross-border money transfers more accessible. Whether you're sending funds to your supplier in Kampala, paying for accommodations in the Serengeti, or booking a bus to Kigali, M-Pesa lets you transfer money seamlessly to MTN Uganda, MTN Rwanda, and Vodacom Tanzania mobile users in an instant.

Key Takeaways

  • Sending money from M-Pesa to MTN subscribers in Uganda, Rwanda, and Vodacom subscribers in Tanzania is now easier than ever.
  • Funds are received in the local currency of the recipient's country, with conversion rates managed by Safaricom.
  • Confirming receipt with the recipient and checking transaction status texts from Safaricom is recommended.
  • Detailed steps for sending money to each country and alternative methods for checking charges are provided.
  • Charges for sending money vary based on the transaction amount and destination country.

When you initiate a money transfer through M-Pesa, your funds are received in the local currency of the recipient's country. Safaricom takes care of the conversion rates, which are updated every midnight. Of course, keeping an eye on current exchange rates is always wise to ensure you're getting the best value for your money.

To ensure a smooth transaction, it's recommended to reach out to the recipient after sending the money to confirm its receipt. This way, you can avoid any confusion or errors, ensuring the funds reach the intended recipient. Additionally, Safaricom will send you a text message confirming the transaction's status, providing peace of mind.

Sending Money to MTN Uganda Subscriber

When you need to send money to an MTN Uganda subscriber, follow these steps:

  1. Dial *840#: Access the M-Pesa menu by dialing *840# on your phone.
  2. Enter Your PIN: Enter your preferred PIN to authenticate your transaction.
  3. Select Send Money: Choose the "Send Money" option from the menu.
  4. Enter Recipient's Number: Input the recipient's phone number in international format (e.g., 256xxxxxxxxxx).
  5. Enter Amount and Confirm: Specify the amount you wish to send and confirm the transaction.

Sending Money to MTN Rwanda Subscriber

To send money to an MTN Rwanda subscriber, use the following steps:

  1. Dial *840#: Dialing *840# to access the M-Pesa menu.
  2. Enter Your PIN: Input your preferred PIN to proceed.
  3. Select Send Money: Choose "Send Money" from the menu options.
  4. Enter Recipient's Number: Enter the recipient's phone number in international format (e.g., 250xxxxxxxxxx).
  5. Enter Amount and Confirm: Specify the amount you want to send and confirm the transaction.

Sending Money to Vodacom Tanzania Subscriber

When sending money to a Vodacom Tanzania subscriber, follow these steps:

  1. Access M-Pesa Menu: Go to the M-Pesa menu and select "Lipa na M-PESA."
  2. Select Paybill: Choose the "paybill" option and enter the business number 255255.
  3. Recipient's Mobile Number: Input the recipient's mobile number as the account number in the format 2557XXXXXXXX.
  4. Enter Amount and PIN: Specify the amount you wish to send, enter your M-Pesa PIN, and confirm the transaction.

Currency and Amount Information

When your funds reach the recipient, they'll be converted to the local currency of the respective country:

  • In Uganda, the funds will be delivered as Ugandan shillings.
  • In Rwanda, the funds will be delivered as Rwandan Francs.
  • In Tanzania, the funds will be delivered in Tanzanian Shillings.

If you're curious about the specific amount that will be delivered, follow these steps:

For Ugandan Shillings:

  1. Dial *840#.
  2. Enter your service PIN.
  3. Enter the amount in Kenyan Shillings that you want to send.
  4. Enter the destination phone number in international format (e.g., 256xxxxxxxxx).

For Rwandan Francs:

  1. Dial *840#.
  2. Enter your service PIN.
  3. Enter the amount in Kenyan Shillings that you want to send.
  4. Enter the destination phone number in international format (e.g., 250xxxxxxxxx).

For Tanzanian Shillings:

  1. Dial *840#.
  2. Enter your service PIN.
  3. Enter the amount in Kenyan Shillings that you want to send.
  4. Enter the destination phone number in international format (e.g., 255xxxxxxxxx).

Upon completing these steps, you'll receive a pop-up message with the total amount to be sent, the associated charges, and the total M-PESA used.

Transaction Charges

The charges for sending money vary based on the amount you're sending. Here's a breakdown of the charges for different transaction bands:

  • For Tanzania, charges range from Kshs. 3 to Kshs. 220, depending on the amount.
  • For Uganda and Rwanda, charges follow a similar pattern based on the transaction amount.

Tanzania
The charges range from Kshs. 3 to Kshs. 220 depending on amount to be sent.

Uganda


Transaction Bands

Total (Ksh)

Min (Ksh)

Max (Ksh)

Sender charges

100

999

22

1,000

2,499

33

2,500

4,999

55

5,000

9,999

83

10,000

34,999

110

35,000

49,999

198

50,000

70,000

220

Rwanda


Transaction Bands

Total (Ksh)

Min (Ksh)

Max (Ksh)

Sender charges

100

999

22

1,000

2,499

33

2,500

4,999

55

5,000

9,999

83

10,000

34,999

110

35,000

49,999

198

50,000

70,000

220

     

READ ALSO: M-PESA PayPal: How To Withdraw To Mpesa, Charges, Benefits, Link to Mpesa, Paybill Number and More

Conclusion

With M-Pesa, sending money to friends, family, and businesses in Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania has never been simpler. Follow the user-friendly steps outlined in this guide to make quick and hassle-free cross-border transactions. Safaricom's commitment to reliable service ensures that your funds reach their intended recipients promptly.

FAQs

Can I send money from M-Pesa to other countries besides Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania? 

Currently, M-Pesa allows you to send money specifically to Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania subscribers.

What should I do if I accidentally send money to the wrong number? 

It's recommended to contact the recipient directly to confirm the receipt of funds. If necessary, you can also contact Safaricom's customer support for assistance.

Are there any limitations on the amount of money I can send?

 Yes, there are transaction limits for M-Pesa transfers. These limits are subject to M-Pesa's terms and conditions and may vary based on the recipient's country.

How often are the currency conversion rates updated? 

Safaricom updates the currency conversion rates every midnight to ensure accurate and up-to-date transaction exchange rates.

Can I check the status of my transaction after sending money? 

Yes, you will receive a notification from M-Pesa confirming the status of your transaction. Additionally, you may receive further messages from M-Pesa regarding the transaction.

Is it possible to send money to multiple recipients in different countries in one transaction? 

Currently, M-Pesa transactions are designed for one recipient per transaction. If you need to send money to multiple recipients, you must initiate separate transactions for each recipient.

Joseph Richard Joseph Richard, a leading contributor to sledge.co.ke, uses his decade-long expertise in finance, business, and technology to offer clear, reliable guides and analyses. His work aids Kenyans in making informed financial and business decisions, earning him a reputation as a trusted industry authority.