Ria Blog

our guide to global living. Get practical finance tips, community stories, and simple ways to send money online, on the app or in person.

RemittancesTech

How Mobile Wallets Are Expanding Financial Inclusion in Emerging Markets

In the last decade, there has been a surge of applications and services that enable people to store, send, and receive money without needing a traditional bank account. Digital financial services such as mobile wallets have emerged as an accessible option for millions of unbanked people. These alternatives have become the first point of access […]

A woman in a black shirt smiles while holding a phone. A glowing digital wallet icon with a coin appears near her hand, suggesting online payments or digital transactions. Shelves with products are visible in the background.
A man wearing a white "ria" logo t-shirt smiles and holds up a phone displaying the same logo. Text reads "Transfers That Matter." Below, "Sadio Mané, Ria Brand Ambassador," appears next to a Senegal flag. Sadio Mané inspires global connections.
ImmigrationRemittancesRia News

Sadio Mané and Ria: Empowering the Global Diaspora

Sadio Mané is considered one of the best and most recognizable African footballers of all time. But the Senegalese striker is more than just a global football icon: throughout his career, he’s reinvested his earnings back into his community, bridging the gap between football, migration and financial empowerment. That’s why at Ria we are extremely […]

A group of people wearing colorful, traditional woven hats and carrying baskets walk in a line outdoors, with greenery and columns visible in the background.
Culture

From Dance to Values: Uncovering the Full Iceberg of Culture

Are you familiar with the “Iceberg of Culture”? Developed by anthropologist Edward T. Hall, it shows that culture goes far beyond what we can see, shaped as much by visible expressions as by deeper, often invisible elements. On World Day for Cultural Diversity, we’re exploring both sides of that iceberg. From language and dance to […]

Two smiling women with glasses appear against a watercolor splash background. The text reads, "♥ Globally Human: Stories of Mexican Motherhood" in bold orange and white letters.
HolidaysMother's May

Stories of Mexican Motherhood: Love, Challenges, and Community

Through their love, care, and strength, mothers play a central role in shaping children’s early development from their very first breath. However, mothers are often balancing caregiving alongside paid work and other responsibilities. Thankfully, access to affordable childcare and support networks can help alleviate the heavy load working mothers carry, improving outcomes for both women […]

A woman smiles while circling October 16th on a wall calendar with a red marker, likely marking her money sending routine, in a cozy, plant-filled room with bookshelves and a wooden desk in the background.
Remittances

How to Build a Monthly Money-Sending Routine 

When your loved ones receive the money you send each month, it brings peace of mind on both sides: they can cover everyday needs, and you know your hard-earned money is making a real difference.  But without a plan, it can slip into last-minute stress, surprise costs, or missed transfers altogether. The good news? With a simple routine, […]

Three male athletes wearing medals and sports uniforms smile proudly, standing close together on a podium at an indoor stadium, celebrating their achievements.
ImmigrationLife Abroad

How Migration Is Redefining National Teams in Global Sport

Modern sport no longer knows bounds. Whether it’s on football pitches, athletics tracks or basketball courts, the movement of people across countries and migration in sports has transformed how national teams are built and what they represent. Global competitions increasingly showcase squads made up of players with diverse cultural backgrounds, reflecting a world where migration […]

A smiling woman wearing a gray beanie receives a colorful bouquet from a man in a green cap, capturing the essence of how Mother's Day is celebrated. They stand outdoors on a street with blurred people and buildings in the background, radiating warmth and appreciation.
Holidays

How is Mother’s Day Celebrated Around the World? 

Mother’s Day is a cherished celebration worldwide, honoring the strength, love, and sacrifices of mothers. But how is Mother’s Day celebrated? While each country has its own traditions, the essence of the day remains the same: celebrating the deep bond between mothers and their families. To make this Mother’s Day extra special, send money to […]

Three people in traditional white costumes dance joyfully on a cobblestone street lined with colorful buildings. The two women wear floral hats and red accents, while the man wears a straw hat and red scarf, raising his hands.
CultureLife Abroad

International Dance Day: How Movement Connects Cultures

Dance is a timeless art expressed through movement. It has been used by humanity for millennia to convey meaning and emotions. To this day, dances hold memories and wisdom from ancestral times. They’re a powerful marker of identity that transcends borders and ages, bringing cultures together. That is why many migrants use dance as way […]

Three people, two women and one man, smile in a kitchen setting. Text reads: "RIA Money Transfer presents The World We Share. Cerquera Family.
The World We Share

The World We Share: Meet the Cerqueras

In the 1970s, the song Un verano en Nueva York was released by El Gran Combo and served as an ode to New York City and the migrant communities that thrive within it. Over 10 years after its release, Dora and Joaquín independently arrived in the Big Apple, a place where they would unknowingly find […]

Several colorful origami cranes are arranged in a line on sheets of colored paper, forming a rainbow spectrum, on a white tabletop with black chairs in the background.
Culture

We Folded One Thousand Cranes for Children

Key Takeaways ▪ Senbazuru is a Japanese tradition of folding 1,000 paper cranes to express hope, healing, or peace.▪ The paper crane symbolizes long life and resilience in Japanese folklore.▪ Sadako Sasaki, a Hiroshima bombing survivor, made the tradition globally known while battling leukemia.▪ Her story turned the paper crane into an international symbol of […]