• Estimate
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Frequently asked questions

Find answers to many of your questions below. If you still need more information you can contact the Western Union Customer Care center toll free on 0800 44 55 from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm on weekdays and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays and holidays or email westernunion@uft.al. Support is available in Albanian and English.

Send money online

Once your profile has been created and verified, you will be able to send online from Albania up to 330.000 ALL per transfer, 830.000 ALL per day or 1.650.000 ALL per month.

If you wish to send more, you can visit an agent location.

To complete your first money transfer online in Albania you will first need to register with Western Union by creating an online profile. Once you’ve created your online profile, you will need to go to one of our verification locations with a valid government-issued ID for a one-time in person verification. After your profile has been registered and verified, follow the below steps to complete your first online transfer:
Log in to your profile.

  1. Select the “Send money” option
  2. Enter transfer details, including the money pick-up method.
  3. Select payment option, currently only bank transfer is available
  4. Follow steps for bank transfer.
  5. Review and confirm.

Please also check the sending limits.

If you have any questions during registration, please call the Western Union Customer Care center toll free on 0800 44 55 from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm on weekdays and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays and holidays or email westernunion@uft.al. Support is available in Albanian and English.

To fund your transaction via a bank transfer, you will need to initiate the transaction on wu.com and complete the transaction from your bank account.

To start, follow the below steps.

  1. Select “Bank Transfer” as payment option.
  2. Fill in transfer details, including destination country, amount to be sent etc.
  3. Click “Submit” to see the information needed to complete the transfer from your bank account.
  4. After pressing submit, you will be shown a reference number and directed to a list of banks from the network of our partner agent, Unioni Financiar Tirana (UFT) Bank. Note down the reference number and the account details of the bank you wish to send to
  5. Log on to your online banking or go to your bank.
  6. Start a transaction to send money from your bank account to the UFT bank you selected from the list.
  7. ADD THE REFERENCE NUMBER from step 4 to your bank transfer.
  8. Complete transfer.

Once you have completed the transfer, you will be sent a tracking number (MTCN) via SMS. Use this number to track your transfer and ensure you provide the tracking number (MTCN) to your receiver.

Please see our country list to see all countries you can send money online from wu.com in Albania. If you are sending to a bank account, see this country list.

Domestic transfers within Albania are also available.

You can pay online via Bank transfer from an account issued in Albania. After you've chosen your destination country, you'll be able to see the types of services available to you. Money transfers will generally be paid in cash or directly deposited to your receiver’s bank account if available for selected outbound corridors from Albania.
For more details, please call Western Union Customer Care center toll free on 0800 44 55 from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm on weekdays and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays and holidays or email westernunion@uft.al. Support is available in Albanian and English

Yes, you can send money online from wu.com/al. Once you choose your destination country, you'll be able to see the types of services available to you. Money transfers will generally be paid out in cash or direct to your receiver’s bank account

Your online receipt will show if your transfer has been approved. When the transfer is completed, you'll get an SMS or an email (if applicable) with your Money Tracking Control Number (MTCN).

You can cancel your money transfer by calling the Western Inion Customer Care center if you have changed your mind, if you have received information that the Money Tracking Control Number (MTCN) cannot be paid out to the receiver or if you suspect fraud. On some occasions a transfer can only be cancelled if the money hasn’t been deposited to your receiver’s bank account or paid out in the destination country.
If you wish to cancel your money transfer, contact Western Union Customer Care center toll free on 0800 44 55 from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm on weekdays and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays and holidays or email westernunion@uft.al. Support is available in Albanian and English

Once you have completed your online money transfer, your receipt will be presented to you. You can also see details of all your previous transfers in your profile section on albania.wu.com.

The Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) is a unique tracking number assigned to your transfer. Your receiver will need this number to pick up the money and can also be used to track your transfer . Do not share this number with anyone else.

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Send money to a bank account from Albania

Yes, the Western Union direct to bank account service is an easy and convenient way to send funds directly to your receiver’s bank account in selected countries. .

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You can use our country list to find out in which countries this service is available. You’ll also find all the necessary information to complete a transfer directly to a bank account.

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Simply select the direct to bank account service when sending money online or at an agent location. What you need to provide when selecting this service changes from country to country, but usually includes:

  • The receiver’s bank name and code.
  • The receiver’s bank account name and number.

To find out which countries are available for the direct to bank service, please check our country list.

A bank code is a series of numbers used to identify banks around the world. They can have between 3 and 23 digits depending on the bank and the country.

A bank code could be called:

  • BSB
  • SWIFT Code
  • BIC (Bank Identification Code)
  • CHIPS (Clearing House Inter-bank Payment System) – US and Canada only
  • NCC (National Clearing Code)
  • BSC (Bank Sort Code)
  • IFSC (Indian Financial System Code)

For some countries you may need an International Bank Account Number (IBAN) in addition to the bank code.

Ask your receiver for the bank code and IBAN (if applicable). You can refer to our direct to bank account country list to find out more.

A Bank Identification Code (BIC) is used to identify banks worldwide. BIC is the same as a SWIFT code, and it can be between 8 and 11 digits long.

Ask your receiver if a BIC is required in their country, you can also check our country list for more details.

An International Bank Account Number (IBAN) is a code used in some countries to identify a customer’s bank account. The IBAN has a letter to identify the country followed by 2 digits, and then up to 35 characters for the bank account number.

You can check our country list to see what details are needed for each country. Ask your receiver for the IBAN if its required.

Direct to bank account money transfers can change from country to country and can take up to five days*. For more details, please refer to our direct to bank country list

*Funds may be delayed or services unavailable based on certain transfer conditions, including amount sent, destination country, currency availability, regulatory and foreign exchange issues, required receiver action(s), identification requirements, Agent location hours, differences in time zones, or selection of delayed options. Additional restrictions may apply. See Terms and Conditions for details.

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Send money in person

Western Union services are for anyone who needs to quickly send or receive money. From travelers and people supporting friends or relatives abroad, to business people who need to make fast international money transfers.

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Western Union agents are our representatives in the different countries you send or receive money, they may be banks, post offices, supermarkets, grocery stores, check cashers, mailbox centers, drug stores, travel agencies, depots, airports, train and bus stations, currency exchange offices and other retailers.

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You can easily find a nearby Western Union agent by using our agent locator tool.

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Sending money in person is easy, simply follow these steps:

  • Locate a nearby agent using our agent locator tool.
  • Provide the agent with your government-issued ID or passport.
  • Provide the agent your receiver’s information.
  • Confirm the country you are sending to.

After presenting this information you can give the agent the total amount you want to send, including the applicable transfer fees. Remember to get the Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) from your receipt and share it only with your receiver, they will need it to pick up the cash.

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To send money at a Western Union agent location you will need to present a valid version of one of the following: a passport, national identification card, international passport for non-residents, identification cards issued in European Union countries and Macedonia, Montenegro and Kosovo. Please note acceptable IDs are subject to the banking laws and regulations of Albania.

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Money transfers will generally be paid out in cash. After you've chosen your destination country, you may ask the agent for the types of services available to you. Other restrictions may apply. For more information, please contact a Western Union agent location.

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You can check your transfer status online. All you need is the sender's or the receiver’s name and the tracking number (MTCN – Money Transfer Control Number) on the receipt.

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Each Western Union agent location determines its own hours of operation. Some have extended hours and even open during weekends. Find a nearby Western Union agent location with our agent locator.

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Receive money

You can collect the money at any Western Union agent location in Albania.
You'll need to provide the following information:

  • Your full name.
  • The tracking number ( MTCN – Money Transfer Control Number).
  • The exact amount expected.
  • Your sender's full name.
  • The country the money came from.
  • A valid government-issued ID

For more information, please visit your nearest Western Union agent location.

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You’ll need to present a valid version of one of the following: a passport, national identification card, international passport for non-residents, identification cards issued in European Union countries and Macedonia, Montenegro and Kosovo., to pick up money at a Western Union agent location. Please note acceptable IDs are subject to the Banking laws and regulations of Albania.

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You can go to Track a transfer at wu.com. There you can type in the sender's name and the Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) and you’ll get an update on the latest status of your money transfer.
You can also call Western Union Customer Care center toll free on 0800 44 55 from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm on weekdays and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays and holidays or email westernunion@uft.al. Support is available in Albanian and English

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Money transfers will generally be paid in cash. Other restrictions may apply.
For more information, please visit a nearby Western Union agent location.

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All applicable transfer fees are paid by the sender. The receiver pays no transfer fees.

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Registration

Registration is required for most of our services. When you visit wu.com/al for the first time you’ll need to complete the profile registration form and follow these steps:

  1. Enter your authentication credentials – your mobile number and a password which you will create for yourself.
  2. You will receive a confirmation SMS.
  3. Fill in the online registration form with the following information: full name, date and country of birth and address. Then select ID type and enter your ID number, issuer country and expiration date. For Albanian citizens it is mandatory to enter your personal identification number. If an expired ID is detected, you will be required to provide a new one.
  4. Once you have successfully registered online, you will be asked to accept the Terms and Conditions of Online Profile Registration and Online Privacy Statement for our online services.
  5. After your profile is created, you will need to verify your profile in person at one of the Unioni Financiar Tirana (UFT) locations
  6. After your profile is verified, you will be able to send money online.
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No, it’s free to register for online on wu.com in Albania.

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Anyone who meets the following criteria can use our online money transfer service.

  • Must have a valid government issued ID, including a passport, national identification card, international passport for non-residents, identification cards issued in European Union countries and Macedonia, Montenegro and Kosovo.
  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Must accept the Terms and Conditions of Online Profile Registration and Online Privacy Statement for using our online services.
  • Albania citizens should have a personal identification number.
  • Must have a bank account issued in Albania.
  • Must have a valid mobile phone number issued in Albania.
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Registration with a valid ID and a phone number is possible only once.

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You can change or update your Western Union profile information from the “Profile” tab after you log in. If you want to change your personal information, go to your online profile and select "Edit profile" from the right-hand menu. If you have any questions about your profile, please contact Western Union Customer Care center toll free on 0800 44 55 from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm on weekdays and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays and holidays or email westernunion@uft.al. Support is available in Albanian and English

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Your user ID is your phone number, your password and one-time password will be sent to your phone number.
If you forgot your password, you can select the “Forgot password” option and a new password will be sent to your phone number.
If you repeatedly entered incorrect details or your profile is locked, please try to log in to your profile after 30 minutes or contact Western Union Customer Care center toll free on 0800 44 55 from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm on weekdays and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays and holidays or email westernunion@uft.al. Support is available in Albanian and English

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Once you’re logged in you can easily change or update your Western Union profile by selecting the “Profile” tab, then select "Edit profile" from the menu on the right-hand side and change your password. For online registration, you can use only one phone number. If your phone number has changed, then the only way to get access to your profile is by calling the Western Union Customer Care center.
If you have any questions, please contact Western Union Customer Care center toll free on 0800 44 55 from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm on weekdays and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays and holidays or email westernunion@uft.al. Support is available in Albanian and English

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You can delete your online profile by contacting Western Union Customer Care center toll free on 0800 44 55 from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm on weekdays and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays and holidays or email westernunion@uft.al. Support is available in Albanian and English

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Identification process

Yes, before making your first online transfer, you will need to verify your profile in person. Once you have successfully registered online, please visit one of the Unioni Financiar Tirana (UFT) locations for a one time in-person verification. Once your profile is verified, you will be able to send money online.

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After you present a valid government-issued ID at one of the Unioni Financiar Tirana (UFT) locations you will receive a confirmation via SMS.

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If you are a resident in Albania, then the following identification is accepted:
- Identity card issued by the Republic of Albania;
- Passport issued for Albanian citizens. If you are a European Union resident, or a resident of Macedonia, Montenegro or Kosovo the following identification is accepted:
- Identity card issued in European Union, or respectively in Macedonia, Montenegro and Kosovo. If you are a non-resident, then the following identification documents are accepted:
- International passport of the foreign citizen. Identification documents should have your full name, ID details, citizenship and date of birth.
Please make sure to bring the same identification document to the verification location that you have used for your online profile.

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Search for a Union Financial Tiran (UTF) location near to you. All locations on the list will verify your online profile.

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Consumer protection

Western Union values its business and takes pride in delivering your funds in the quickest and most reliable way possible. However, it is important that you protect yourself from fraudsters who are out to get your money. Below are some frequently asked questions about fraud. For more information, please visit the Fraud Awareness section here.

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Yes. Only use Western Union to send money to friends and family. Never send money to someone you have not met in person. Scammers sometimes encourage people to transfer money. Do not transfer money to anyone who asks you to send them money:

  • For an emergency situation you haven’t confirmed
  • For an online purchase
  • For anti‐virus protection
  • For a deposit or payment on a rental property
  • To claim lottery or prize winnings
  • To pay taxes
  • For a donation to charity
  • For a mystery shopping assignment
  • For a job opportunity
  • For a credit card or loan fee
  • To resolve an immigration matter

After the money is paid, Western Union may not be able to give you a refund, even if you are the victim of fraud, except under limited circumstances.

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If you receive an email from anyone claiming to be from Western Union and you are unsure about it, do not click on any links in the email. This may be a "phishing" attempt to acquire sensitive information from you. Instead, immediately contact Western Union Customer Care center toll free on 0800 44 55 from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm on weekdays and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays and holidays or email westernunion@uft.al. Support is available in Albanian and English or visit any Western union agent location near you.

Please note Western Union WILL NEVER send you e-mails to ask for your user ID, password, or credit card details.

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In some countries, senders are asked to provide a Test Question and its answer when they initiate the transfer. In cases where a Test Question was provided by the sender, the receiver may be required to give the answer when picking up the funds. The Test Question feature is designed for emergency situations where the receiver still needs to provide proper identification. It should never be used as additional security or to delay payment. In many places, we'll pay the receiver whenever the receiver shows proper identification, even if he/she does not know the answer to the question. Test question is not available for payout in Albania.

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The Test Question feature is designed for emergency situations where the receiver still needs to provide proper identification. It should never be used as additional security or to delay payment. In many places, we'll pay the receiver whenever the receiver shows proper identification, even if he/she does not know the answer to the question. Test question is not available for payout in Albania.

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You should immediately visit our agent location for assistance with a transaction that you believe was sent for fraud. You should also file a report with your local law enforcement. You should also contact your government's Office of Consumer Affairs and police station if you are uncertain or suspicious of a telephone, mail, or e-mail solicitation.

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  • Always make sure you know who you are sending money to.
  • Discontinue a call if a caller coaches you to respond to questions asked by Western Union.
  • Security is everyone's responsibility. Stay informed. Keep abreast of new fraud trends.
  • Remember, if it seems too-good-to-be-true, it probably is.
  • Get more information about how to protect yourself from fraud.
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