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Send money from Saudi Arabia to India(SAR → INR)
SAR
INR|Updated recentlyMid-market 25.7843Cheapest todayof 3 providers
Wise
Rate 25.7611 · Fee free
You send
﷼3,000
Recipient gets
₹77,283
₹550 more than the most expensive provider · 0.09% markup vs mid-market
Affiliate link · No extra cost to you
Quick answer: The cheapest way to send money from Saudi Arabia to India in May 2026 is Wise, which delivers 77,283.35 INR on a 3,000 SAR transfer with a fee of zero. According to SendMoneyCompare's comparison of 3 providers updated every 6 hours, the difference between the cheapest and most expensive provider on this corridor is 549 INR.
Last reviewed: by Awais Imran, Reviews Editor
↓
Rates are low right now
1th percentile
Based on 54 days of data (2026-03-28 to 2026-05-20)
Today's best
₹2,576.18
Wise
54-day avg
1 SAR = 83.61 INR
Best rate
95.45
2026-05-14 · Xoom (PayPal)
Worst rate
25.23
2026-03-28 · Wise
What is the cheapest way to send SAR to INR?
Sending ﷼3,000 from Saudi Arabia to India. Sorted by best value — most money received.
Source: SendMoneyCompare · Data updated every 6 hours from live provider APIs
#ProviderRateFeeRecipient gets
Rate 25.7611·Fee Free·0.09% markup
Rate up 2.1%
↑ 2.1% over 54dAvg: 25.08 INR (+2.7% vs avg)Range: 24.65–25.76
1
WiseBest value
Instant to 2 days0.09% markup
Rate up 2.1%
↑ 2.1% over 54dAvg: 25.08 INR (+2.7% vs avg)Range: 24.65–25.76
25.7611
Free
₹77,283.35
Rate 24.1083·Fee Free·6.50% markup
Rate 25.5780·Fee Free·0.80% markup
Potential savings: Choosing the best provider over the most expensive saves your recipient ₹549.20 on a ﷼3,000 transfer.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not affect our rankings, which are based on real transfer data. Editorial policy
Saudi Arabia is home to over 2.5 million Indian workers, making it the second-largest source of Gulf remittances to India. The SAR to INR corridor processes billions of riyals annually and is served by a wide range of global and regional providers.
The SAR to INR corridor benefits from strong competition among providers. The Saudi riyal is pegged to the US dollar, which keeps exchange rate fluctuations with the Indian rupee relatively predictable. On a SAR 3,000 transfer, the difference between the best and worst providers can mean ₹2,000–₹4,000 less reaching your recipient. Providers like Wise, Remitly, TapTap Send, and STCPay compete alongside traditional exchange houses such as Al Rajhi Bank and Western Union.
Which provider offers the best SAR to INR rate?
Wise
4.3Exchange rate
25.7611
Fee
Free
Recipient gets
₹77,283.35
Speed
Instant to 2 days
What matters on the Saudi Arabia to India corridor
Saudi Arabia is one of the top two sources of India's $125 billion annual remittance inflow. The SAR to INR corridor is intensely competitive, with exchange houses, banks, and digital providers all vying for the 2.5 million Indian expats sending money home.
- Al Rajhi Bank, Saudi National Bank (SNB), and Arab National Bank (ANB) all offer remittance services with India delivery. However, digital providers and exchange houses like Lulu Exchange typically offer better SAR/INR rates.
- IMPS delivery to Indian bank accounts (HDFC, SBI, ICICI, Axis, Kotak) arrives within minutes and is available from multiple Saudi providers. This is the fastest and most convenient delivery method.
- Saudi Aramco workers and other high-income expats sending large amounts (SAR 10,000+) should compare OFX and Wise, which offer better rates on larger transfers than retail exchange services.
- The SAR is pegged to the USD at 3.75, meaning SAR/INR rates track USD/INR closely. Rate differences between providers are mainly a function of their exchange rate markup, not currency market movements.
Watch for rate differences between exchange houses and digital providers
Saudi exchange houses are convenient and widely trusted, but digital providers now match their rates while delivering faster to Indian bank accounts. A quick comparison between Al Rajhi rates and Wise or Remitly rates often reveals SAR 10–30 in savings per SAR 1,000 transfer.
For recurring transfers, it is worth checking live quotes each time rather than relying on one provider by habit. Competition on this corridor is strong enough that rankings can shift meaningfully with market moves.
Which provider is best for each transfer type?
Different providers excel at different things. Here's who's best for each use case on the Saudi Arabia to India route.
Cheapest transfer
Wise
Delivers the most INR for your money
Fastest transfer
Wise
Delivers in Instant to 2 days
Bank transfer
Wise
Best rate for bank deposit to India
How to send money to India
Sending money to India is straightforward with the right provider. Here's how it works in 3 simple steps.
Step 1
Enter your transfer details
Choose how much SAR you want to send, compare providers above, and pick the one offering the best INR amount for your transfer to India.
Step 2
Add your recipient
Enter your recipient's details in India — you'll need their bank account number. Most providers verify details instantly.
Step 3
Send & track your transfer
Pay using bank transfer, debit card, or credit card. Track your money in real-time until it arrives — bank deposit (imps) typically takes minutes.
What you need to send money to India
Make sure you have these details from your recipient before starting your transfer.
Full name
Recipient's name exactly as it appears on their bank account
Bank account number
Indian bank account number (9–18 digits depending on the bank)
Example: 50100002345678
IFSC code
11-character Indian Financial System Code identifying the specific bank branch
Example: HDFC0001234
Bank name & branch
Name of the bank and branch (e.g. HDFC Bank, Andheri West Branch)
Note: India does not use the IBAN system. Instead, you need the recipient's bank account number and IFSC code. The IFSC code uniquely identifies each bank branch and is printed on cheque books or available on the bank's website.
Transfer examples: SAR to INR
See how much your recipient would get for common transfer amounts.
Send ﷼500
ProviderFeeReceives
Wise
25.76 · Instant to 2 days
OFX
24.11 · 2 days
Regency FX
25.58 · Same day to 2 business days
ProviderFeeRateReceivesSpeed
WiseFree25.76₹12,881Instant to 2 days
OFXFree24.11₹12,0542 days
Regency FXFree25.58₹12,789Same day to 2 business days
Send ﷼1,000
ProviderFeeReceives
Wise
25.76 · Instant to 2 days
OFX
24.11 · 2 days
Regency FX
25.58 · Same day to 2 business days
ProviderFeeRateReceivesSpeed
WiseFree25.76₹25,761Instant to 2 days
OFXFree24.11₹24,1082 days
Regency FXFree25.58₹25,578Same day to 2 business days
Send ﷼5,000
ProviderFeeReceives
Wise
25.76 · Instant to 2 days
OFX
24.11 · 2 days
Regency FX
25.58 · Same day to 2 business days
ProviderFeeRateReceivesSpeed
WiseFree25.76₹128,806Instant to 2 days
OFXFree24.11₹120,5422 days
Regency FXFree25.58₹127,890Same day to 2 business days
How much does it cost to send money from Saudi Arabia to India?
Fees range from SAR 0 (Wise, TapTap Send) to SAR 15–25 for bank wire transfers. Exchange houses like Al Rajhi may charge SAR 10–15 per transfer. The real cost difference between providers lies in the exchange rate — a 1% difference on SAR 3,000 translates to roughly ₹2,200 less for your recipient.
Understanding the total cost
The true cost of a money transfer has two components:
Transfer fee
The upfront charge — typically ﷼0–﷼10 with specialist providers.
Exchange rate markup
The hidden cost — the difference between the provider's rate and the mid-market rate (25.7843).
Ways to send money to India
Choose how you want to pay for your transfer. Each payment method has different costs and speeds.
IMPS is the preferred delivery method for speed and convenience — it works 24/7 and reaches virtually every bank account in India. For recipients in rural areas, cash pickup through Western Union or MoneyGram agent networks remains important.
Bank Transfer
Low costSpeed: 1–3 business days
Usually the cheapest option — lowest fees and no card processing charges
Debit Card
Medium costSpeed: Minutes to hours
Fast and convenient — small card processing fee applies
Credit Card
Higher costSpeed: Minutes to hours
Fastest option but highest fees — card issuer may charge cash advance fee
Apple Pay
Medium costSpeed: Minutes to hours
Convenient mobile payment — linked card fees apply
How can my recipient receive money in India?
Your recipient in India can receive money through these delivery methods. The best option depends on their location and preferences.
Bank Deposit (IMPS)
Minutes
Instant transfer via India's IMPS system to any bank account. Available 24/7 including weekends and holidays.
WiseRemitlyWorldRemitInstaReM+1 more
Bank Deposit (NEFT)
2–4 hours
Transfer via NEFT during banking hours. Settles in batches throughout the day.
WiseRemitlyOFX
UPI Transfer
Minutes
Direct transfer to UPI-linked bank accounts. Growing in popularity for remittances.
RemitlyGoogle Pay
Cash Pickup
Minutes
Recipient collects cash from agent locations across India — available through banking correspondents and retail partners.
Western UnionMoneyGramRia Money TransferXoom (PayPal)
Mobile Wallet
Minutes
Transfer to Paytm or other digital wallets. Useful when the recipient prefers digital payment over bank deposit.
WorldRemit
What are the transfer limits and regulations for India?
Important rules and requirements to know before sending money to India.
Regulatory body
Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Inbound transfer limits
No cap on inbound remittances under RBI's Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) — LRS limits only apply to outbound transfers from India
Documentation you may need
- Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID)
- Social Security Number or equivalent tax ID (for US/UK/Canadian senders)
- Proof of address for first-time transfers with most providers
Important things to know
- India's Tax Collected at Source (TCS) applies only to outbound remittances from India, not to money received from abroad.
- Amounts over $10,000 (or equivalent) must be reported under sending country regulations (e.g. US Bank Secrecy Act).
- Recipient must have a PAN card (Permanent Account Number) for amounts exceeding INR 50,000 credited to their bank account in some cases.
- NRI (Non-Resident Indian) accounts like NRE and NRO have different rules — check with the recipient's bank if they hold an NRI account.
How long does it take to send money to India?
IMPS and UPI-enabled transfers to India arrive within minutes. Standard bank deposits take 1–2 business days. Cash pickup through Western Union and MoneyGram is available same-day at partner locations across India.
FastExpress delivery
- WiseInstant to 2 days
Standard delivery
- OFX2 days
- Regency FXSame day to 2 business days
Popular banks in India
These are the most commonly used banks for receiving international transfers in India.
BankSWIFT/BICNotes
State Bank of India (SBI)
SBININBBXXX
HDFC Bank
HABORINBXXX
ICICI Bank
ABORINBBXXX
Axis Bank
AXISINBBXXX
Punjab National Bank (PNB)
PUNBINBBXXX
Kotak Mahindra Bank
ABORINBKXXX
Bank of Baroda
BARBINBBXXX
Canara Bank
ABORINBBXXX
SAR to INR Exchange Rate History
Daily best exchange rates from top providers over the last 54 days. Rates shown are for sending $100.
| Date | Wise | __mid Market__ | Xoom (PayPal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trend | |||
| May 20 | 25.7618✓ | 25.7618✓ | — |
| May 19 | 25.6959✓ | 25.6959✓ | — |
| May 18 | 25.5763✓ | 25.5763✓ | — |
| May 17 | 25.5820✓ | 25.5820✓ | — |
| May 16 | 25.5820✓ | 25.5820✓ | — |
| May 15 | 25.5203✓ | 25.5203✓ | — |
| May 14 | 25.5203 | 25.5203 | 95.4547✓ |
| May 13 | 25.4877 | 25.4877 | 95.4416✓ |
| May 12 | 25.4078 | 25.4078 | 95.2932✓ |
| May 11 | 25.1746 | 25.1746 | 94.8961✓ |
| May 10 | 25.1743 | 25.1743 | 94.1799✓ |
| May 9 | 25.1743 | 25.1743 | 94.1799✓ |
| May 8 | 25.1300 | 25.1300 | 94.2759✓ |
| May 7 | 25.2213 | 25.2213 | 94.6206✓ |
| May 6 | 25.3271 | 25.3271 | 94.8385✓ |
| May 5 | 25.3822 | 25.3822 | 95.1021✓ |
| May 4 | 25.2680 | 25.2680 | 94.6465✓ |
| May 3 | 25.2720 | 25.2720 | 94.6397✓ |
| May 2 | 25.2720 | 25.2720 | 94.6397✓ |
| May 1 | 25.3060 | 25.3060 | 94.6447✓ |
| Apr 30 | 25.3222 | 25.3222 | 95.0367✓ |
| Apr 29 | 25.2250 | 25.2250 | 94.5181✓ |
| Apr 28 | 25.1192 | 25.1192 | 94.2078✓ |
| Apr 27 | 25.1083 | 25.1083 | 93.9622✓ |
| Apr 26 | 25.0843 | 25.0843 | 93.9865✓ |
| Apr 25 | 25.0843 | 25.0843 | 93.9921✓ |
| Apr 24 | 25.1257 | 25.1257 | 94.0326✓ |
| Apr 23 | 25.0354 | 25.0354 | 93.8095✓ |
| Apr 22 | 24.9584 | 24.9584 | 93.5764✓ |
| Apr 21 | 24.8122 | 24.8122 | 93.0710✓ |
| Apr 20 | 24.7133 | 24.7133 | 92.5732✓ |
| Apr 19 | 24.6869 | 24.6869 | 92.5049✓ |
| Apr 18 | 24.6869 | 24.6869 | 92.5390✓ |
| Apr 17 | 24.7885 | 24.7885 | 92.9092✓ |
| Apr 16 | 24.8712 | 24.8712 | 93.1214✓ |
| Apr 15 | 24.8152 | 24.8152 | 93.0882✓ |
| Apr 14 | 24.8429 | 24.8429 | 93.1080✓ |
| Apr 13 | 24.8214 | 24.8214 | 92.6796✓ |
| Apr 12 | 24.8063 | 24.8063 | 92.6796✓ |
| Apr 11 | 24.8063 | 24.8063 | 92.5125✓ |
| Apr 10 | 24.6736 | 24.6736 | 92.4198✓ |
| Apr 9 | 24.6720 | 24.6720 | 92.3560✓ |
| Apr 8 | 24.6515 | 24.6515 | 92.6877✓ |
| Apr 7 | 24.7416 | 24.7416 | 92.7575✓ |
| Apr 6 | 24.7859 | 24.7859 | 92.6721✓ |
| Apr 5 | 24.6911 | 24.6911 | 92.4788✓ |
| Apr 4 | 24.6911 | 24.6911 | 92.6700✓ |
| Apr 3 | 24.6911 | 24.6911 | 92.6116✓ |
| Apr 2 | 24.7715 | 24.7715 | 93.0993✓ |
| Apr 1 | 24.7337 | 24.7337 | 93.2514✓ |
| Mar 31 | 24.9448 | 24.9448 | 94.3579✓ |
| Mar 30 | 25.1483 | 25.1483 | 94.5609✓ |
| Mar 29 | 25.2461✓ | 25.2461✓ | — |
| Mar 28 | 25.2339✓ | 25.2339✓ | — |
Common questions about sending money from Saudi Arabia to India
What is the cheapest way to send money from Saudi Arabia to India?
Wise, TapTap Send, and Remitly consistently offer the best value for SAR to INR transfers. Wise provides the mid-market rate with transparent fees. TapTap Send charges zero fees. Compare all providers on the day you send for the best rate.
How long does it take to transfer money from Saudi Arabia to India?
IMPS and UPI transfers arrive within minutes. Bank deposits typically take 1–2 business days. Cash pickup is available within minutes through Western Union and MoneyGram locations across India.
Is Al Rajhi Bank good for sending money to India?
Al Rajhi Bank is convenient with widespread branches in Saudi Arabia, but their exchange rate markup is typically higher than specialist online providers. Compare Al Rajhi's total INR delivered against Wise and Remitly before sending.
Can I send money to India using STCPay?
STCPay, the mobile wallet linked to STC, supports international transfers to India. Rates are competitive for smaller amounts. Compare STCPay against other providers to find the best deal for your transfer size.
Are there limits on remittances from Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia requires Iqama (residence permit) holders to verify their identity for transfers. Most providers allow up to SAR 20,000–50,000 per transaction. Annual limits may apply based on your employment contract and salary certificate.
Everything about sending money to India
Recipient requirements, delivery methods, regulations, popular banks, and more.
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