Key takeaways
  • The cheapest service right now charges SAR 15 for transfers under SAR 5,000.
  • The real difference is the exchange rate, not the fee: a 1% margin costs SAR 10 per thousand.
  • Direct bank transfers are slower and pricier but the right tool above SAR 50,000.

Millions of transfers leave Saudi for Egypt every month, and most people overpay because they compare the advertised fee only. The full cost is fee plus exchange-rate margin, so we ran this experiment with real money.

How we ran the test

On 20 October 2026 we sent SAR 1,000 through each service within the same hour and recorded: the fee charged, the exchange rate applied against the market rate at that moment, and when the money reached the recipient in Egypt.

Results, ranked

ServiceFeeFX marginArrivalReceiving in Egypt
STC PayOur pickSAR 150.4%2 minutesWallet or bank account
urpaySAR 170.5%5 minutesBank account
Enjaz (Bank Albilad)SAR 190.8%10 minutesCash or account
Al Rajhi TahweelSAR 200.7%15 minutesCash or account
Western UnionSAR 221.1%Instant (cash)Branches, cash
SWIFT bank transferSAR 75 + correspondent fees0.3%1-3 daysBank account only

Real SAR 1,000 test transfers on 20 October 2026 - sample data for design preview.

STC Pay won on its exchange-rate margin, not its fee. Enjaz charged two riyals more and its rate margin cost another SAR 4. Western Union remains the priciest for small transfers but the fastest for cash pickup in villages.

Money-saving tips

Send larger amounts less often: the fee is flat per transfer. Compare "amount received in EGP", not the fee, because that is what actually reaches your family. For large sums, ask your bank about a flat-fee SWIFT transfer regardless of amount.

STC Pay strengths for Egypt transfers
  • Lowest total cost in the test (fee + FX)
  • Money arrives in minutes
  • Live transfer tracking
  • Fast Arabic chat support
Weaknesses
  • Monthly wallet cap (SAR 20,000 for basic accounts)
  • Fewer cash-pickup points than Western Union
  • Noticeable delays at month-end peak times
The ElSahh Price Tracker Sample data
Fee for a SAR 1,000 transfer to Egypt
Saudi Arabia - avg of 8 services
SAR 18.5
▲ +1.2% this week
Average advertised fee for a SAR 1,000 transfer Last update: today 09:00 Riyadh time

FAQ

What is the maximum I can send?
Wallets: SAR 20,000 monthly on a basic account, more when fully verified. Banks: much higher limits, sometimes with proof of income above SAR 100,000.
How does the money arrive in Egypt?
Three ways: mobile wallet (Vodafone Cash, InstaPay), direct bank deposit, or cash pickup at branches. Wallets are fastest and cheapest with most services.
Is there a tax on remittances?
No tax on personal remittances from Saudi Arabia today. You only pay the service fee and the FX margin.
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AS
Ahmed ElSherif
Money & banking editor at ElSahh, covering cards and remittances in the Saudi market.