How to receive money from overseas in Australia

 
Receiving money from overseas is quick and reliable with Western Union in Australia. Receive money from hundreds of global locations both online and in person. Explore options to receive money in Australia in the way that works for you and your sender.

Receive money in your bank account in 3 simple steps

Give your bank details to your sender

To receive money into your bank account in Australia, make sure your friend or relative knows your:

  • Full name (as on bank records)
  • Bank name
  • Bank account number
  • Bank code
Track your transfer

After the money has been sent from overseas, ask your sender for the tracking number (MTCN). You can use this online or with our Western Union® App to check your transfer status and progress.

Check your bank statement

Your funds should be deposited directly into your Australian bank account in as little as the same or next working day1 when receiving money from overseas. Check your bank statement to confirm the money has arrived.

Money transfers made easy with the Western Union® app

Track your money transfer in real time, wherever you are.
Sending money? Start on our app and pay in person.
Save details and repeat transfers quickly to friends and family.

You can also receive money at an agent location

Fast money transfers

You can pick up your funds in minutes1 at a nearby agent location. Even when receiving large amounts of money from overseas, it can take as little as the1.

Know when your money arrives

Use the MTCN to track your transfer online or with our app. Get an estimated arrival time, wherever you’re receiving money from overseas in Australia.

Ask us in person if you have any concerns

Speak to one of our agents at the counter if you have any questions or issues about receiving money from overseas and your transfer. They’ll be more than happy to help.

Still have questions about how to receive money?

Relied on by customers around the world

Western Union is a global leader in cross-border, cross-currency money movement. Whether sending or receiving money from overseas, our services are used and trusted by millions around the world. We work to help economies grow for a better world.

Enjoy the ability to send and receive money online, with our app, or in person at one of our 3,5002 agent locations across Australia. It’s simple and reliable to send money to and from billions of accounts around the world, and there are many more benefits.

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How to receive money with Western Union

From documents to tracking numbers and places to pick-up, find out more about receiving money from overseas in Australia with our guide.

Frequently Asked Questions about receiving money

How do I receive money in person?

To receive money from overseas in person across Australia, just follow these steps:

    1. Visit a Western Union agent location
      Find your nearest Western Union agent location to receive your money.
    2. Provide your sender’s details
      Simply give us your sender’s details – their name, country, the transfer amount, and the tracking number (MTCN).
    3. Present your ID
      Show us either your government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport, an Australian-issued drivers license, Australian-issued 18+ proof of age cards), or Photo Card.
    4. Receive your money
      Once your details have been verified, you’ll receive your money.
What is an acceptable ID to use when picking up cash at an agent location in Australia?

For your protection and to meet regulatory requirements, you need an accepted form of government-issued photo ID to pick up money from an agent location in Australia.

Acceptable identification includes:

  • All passports
  • Australian-issued driver’s license
What time is the service available in Australia?

Availability depends on the agent’s opening hours. Check the hours of operation to see what time you can receive money sent from overseas using our agent locator.

How much money can I receive from overseas in Australia?

There are limits on how much money you can receive in Australia that comes from overseas. These can vary due to the country where the money originates, but generally any amount above $10,000 may be taxed depending on your circumstances.

It also depends on how you receive money from overseas. Limits can vary if you pick up cash in person at one of our agent locations, or receive money sent from overseas direct to your bank account. The sender also has an impact, as their daily transfer limit is based on their country and transfer history.

How can I receive money without a bank account?

You can receive money from overseas in person at your nearest agent location. If you don’t have a bank account in Australia, this offers a convenient alternative. Make sure the sender chooses cash pickup and selects your nearest agent location when arranging the money transfer.

Do you need a Western Union profile to receive money?

No, you don’t need a Western Union profile to receive money sent from overseas to Australia. However, the sender will need to register for a free Western Union profile before they can make a money transfer to Australia.

To collect your money, you’ll need:

  • The tracking number (MTCN)
  • Sender’s name, country, and transfer amount.
  • An accepted form of government-issued photo ID (passport or an Australian drivers license).
Can you receive money from Western Union online?

Yes, you can receive money sent from overseas with Western Union direct to your bank account in Australia. You can receive money using your digital or online bank account. It’s also possible to check its status through online banking, westernunion.com and with the Western Union® app.

Money transfers made easy with the Western Union® app

Send money on the go, or start on our app and pay in-store.

Track your money transfer in real time.

Repeat transfers quickly to friends and family.

4.5
4.2
Rating as of July 2023.

1 Funds may be delayed or services unavailable based on certain transaction conditions, including amount sent, destination country, currency availability, regulatory issues, identification requirements, agent location hours, differences in time zones, or selection of delayed options. For mobile transactions funds will be paid to receiver’s account provider for credit to account tied to receiver’s mobile number. Additional third-party charges may apply, including SMS and account over-limit and cash-out fees. See the transfer form for restrictions.