This guide covers everything you need to know about using Ria Money Transfer for the first time. You’ll learn how the service works, what fees to expect, which countries you can send to, and how to make your first transfer smooth and secure.
What Is Ria Money Transfer?
Ria Money Transfer is a global money transfer service that operates in over 190 countries and territories worldwide.
We offer multiple ways to send and receive money, from digital transfers through our Ria app and website to cash pickups at physical locations. Ria serves both individuals sending money to family members and businesses managing international payments.
We have an extensive network of agent locations—over 500,000 worldwide. This means recipients can pick up cash in remote areas where traditional banks might not reach.
How Ria Works
Using Ria Money Transfer is straightforward. You have three main ways to initiate a transfer:
Online and Mobile App
Create an account on Ria’s website or download our mobile app. Enter your recipient’s information, choose how much you want to send, and select pickup or delivery options. Pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank transfer.
Physical Agent Locations
Visit any Ria agent location with cash and your recipient’s details. The agent will process your transfer and provide you with a receipt containing the tracking number.
Phone
Call Ria’s customer service to set up a transfer over the phone. You’ll need to provide payment information and recipient details.
The process follows these steps:
- 1. Provide your identification and recipient’s information
- 2. Choose your payment method and delivery option
- 3. Pay the transfer amount plus fees
- 4. Receive a confirmation number for tracking
- 5. Share pickup details with your recipient
Your recipient will need valid identification to collect the money, and they’ll need the tracking number you provide.

Payment and Delivery Methods
Ria offers flexible payment options to suit different preferences and situations.
Payment Methods:
- Debit cards: Direct payment from your bank account
- Credit cards: Quick but may incur additional fees from your card issuer
- Bank transfers: Direct from your bank account, often with lower fees
- Cash: At physical agent locations
Delivery Options:
- Cash pickup: Recipients collect money at agent locations
- Bank deposits: Money goes directly to recipient’s bank account
- Mobile wallets: Transfer to digital wallet services where available
- Home delivery: Available in select countries
Cash pickup remains the most popular option because it’s fast and accessible. Bank deposits take longer but offer convenience for recipients who prefer not to visit agent locations.
Fees, Exchange Rates, and Limits
Understanding Ria’s fee structure helps you make informed decisions about your transfers.
Transfer Fees:
Ria’s fees vary based on:
- Amount being sent
- Payment method used
- Delivery method chosen
- Destination country
Online transfers typically cost less than transfers made at agent locations. Paying with a bank transfer or debit card usually results in lower fees than using a credit card.

Exchange Rates:
Ria applies exchange rate margins to international transfers. The rate you receive will be less favorable than the interbank rate, and this difference represents part of Ria’s revenue. Rates fluctuate throughout the day based on market conditions.
Want to know how much your loved one will receive? Use Ria’s online calculator to check rates, fees, and delivery options.
Countries and Currencies You Can Send To
Ria operates in over 190 countries and territories, making it one of the most comprehensive international money transfer networks available.
Major Destinations Include:
- Latin America: Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador
- Asia: Philippines, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Thailand
- Africa: Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, Morocco
- Europe: United Kingdom, Spain, France, Germany, Italy
Safety and Security
Security is paramount when transferring money internationally. Ria implements multiple layers of protection for your transfers.
Regulatory Compliance:
Ria is licensed and regulated in the countries where it operates. In the United States, it’s licensed as a money transmitter in all 50 states. The company must comply with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations and know-your-customer (KYC) requirements.
Identity Verification:
You’ll need to verify your identity when creating an account or making transfers. This typically involves providing:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of address
- Social Security number or tax ID (where applicable)
Transaction Security:
- Encrypted data transmission
- Secure payment processing
- Fraud monitoring systems
- Two-factor authentication options

Tracking Your Transfer
Ria provides multiple ways to track your money transfer from start to finish.
Tracking Methods:
- Online account: Log into your Ria account to see transfer status
- Mobile app: Track transfers on the go
- SMS updates: Receive text notifications about transfer progress
- Phone: Call customer service with your tracking number
Transfer Status Updates:
- Processing: Your transfer is being prepared
- Ready for pickup: Money is available at the pickup location
- Delivered: Transfer has been completed successfully
- Refunded: Transfer was cancelled and money returned
Keep your tracking number safe and share it only with your intended recipient. They’ll need this number along with valid identification to collect the money.
Customer Support and Help
Ria provides customer support through multiple channels to assist with questions and issues.
Support Options:
- Phone support: Available during business hours
- Email support: For non-urgent inquiries
- Live chat: Available on website and mobile app
- FAQ section: Comprehensive self-help resources
- Agent locations: In-person assistance at physical locations
Common Issues Support Can Help With:
- Transfer delays or problems
- Account verification questions
- Fee calculations and explanations
- Recipient pickup requirements
- Refund requests
Response times vary by contact method, with phone support typically providing the fastest resolution for urgent issues.

Tips for First-Time Ria Users
These practical tips will help ensure your first Ria transfer goes smoothly:
Before You Send:
- Verify your recipient’s full name matches their ID exactly
- Confirm the pickup location is convenient for your recipient
- Have all required documents ready for identity verification
- Compare fees and exchange rates for different payment methods
During the Transfer:
- Double-check all recipient information before confirming
- Save your tracking number immediately
- Take a photo of your receipt if transferring at an agent location
- Note the expected delivery time
After Sending:
- Share the tracking number and pickup details with your recipient
- Monitor the transfer status online or through the app
- Keep your receipt until the transfer is complete
- Follow up if the transfer takes longer than expected
Security Best Practices:
- Never share your account login details
- Only provide tracking numbers to intended recipients
- Use secure internet connections for online transfers
- Report suspicious activity immediately
Making Your First Transfer Count
Your first international money transfer doesn’t have to be stressful. With Ria’s comprehensive network and multiple service options, you can send money with confidence, knowing it will reach your intended recipient safely and efficiently.

The information on or through this site is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied on as a substitute for specific advice about laws, regulations, taxes, finances, immigration or travel. For specific advice, contact a licensed attorney, financial advisor or other professional. We disclaim all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on this site. We do not warrant the accuracy or usefulness of this information. This site may contain links to other sites and information provided by third parties for your convenience. We do not endorse nor make any guarantees with respect to these sites, their accessibility, the information they contain or the way they treat any information you provide to them.
About the author
Gabriela Solis
Gabriela Solis is Ria's Senior Content Writer. Located in Querétaro, México, she focuses on telling stories that show the myriad human faces of remittances.
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