05 Aug 2023
A West African country, the Gambia is surrounded by Senegal. On the mainland of Africa, the Gambia is the smallest country. It has a population of a little upwards of 2 million, of which, according to a report by the USAID, about a 10th live abroad for work, earn a living and send money to Gambia to extend financial support to their families back home.
A small chunk of these Gambian expatriates resides across Europe for different purposes, including education and better work opportunities.
Gambian expatriates contribute about 20% of the GDP through remittances.
But where technology has made it easier to transfer funds across borders, global expatriates are increasingly looking for ways in which they can send money back home regardless of time constraints.
Even though, as a matter of routine, remittance transfer service providers provide almost round-the-clock services. But still, there are some limitations that you face as a Gambian expatriate intending to transfer money.
This blog will walk you through some of those limitations, their solutions, and the tips to ensure you can send money just any time you want.
Continue reading to ascertain the intriguing details.
Several reasons attract migrants to Europe, including, but not limited to, the following:
Since the European Union is a cluster of countries travelling to, which is easy once you reach Europe, your chances of finding several work opportunities are high. It is unlike going to a single country and trying to find jobs there, which can be a challenge no matter how robust a country’s economy is.
One of the great advantages of going to Europe is that regardless of your education, experience, and expertise, you will surely find a job. It is because several member states of the European Union (EU) can accommodate you in their respective job markets.
For example, in one European country, medical professionals are in high demand, whereas, in another European country, the demand for engineers will be high, and so on.
Learn more about finding work in a foreign land by following the link below:
Job Opportunities For Gambian Expatriates Abroad.
This strong European economy, coupled with several work opportunities, attracts the Gambian migrants to the EU, who earn a living here and support their families back home through a monthly or weekly money transfer to Gambia.
In several European countries, education is either free or available at subsidised rates. In Germany, for example, schooling is free, whereas higher education in Germany is heavily funded by the government.
In developing countries like the Gambia, high-quality education for its people is a guarantee to finding reasonable jobs later on. That quality education in developing countries is in short supply, goes without saying.
Let’s now take a quick look at the Gambian economy.
The unstable and weak Gambian economy prompts the Gambian people to travel to developed countries, find work to earn a living and then support families financially through an online money transfer to Gambia at scheduled intervals.
Now let’s learn together how you can ensure to send money across borders at any time.
The following few tips will help you find ways in which you can move funds without time restrictions.
The first and foremost point is to see how widely the service is available. Since remittance transfers take place between different countries, service availability is important due to different time zones.
A wider service availability means that the company will cater to varying time zones.
Make sure that the company delivers funds from one place to another in the shortest possible time. It will make the company’s services available widely. For example, ACE Money Transfer takes only 7 seconds to deliver funds to Pakistan from over countries the company is present in.
It must be considered that the company is linked with financial institutions in different countries. It will bridge the time zone difference and make services available in your country according to your working schedules.
For example, if the sender sends money at night from one country, the recipient should be able to collect funds during the day simultaneously.
It is possible only if there is a liaison between different financial institutions.
A company’s money transfer app will ensure its services are available round-the-clock, subject to the availability of a secure internet connection and stable electricity – both of which are hard to find at times in developing countries.
Make sure that the company you choose does not operate in a schedule like the banks. And worry not! A preliminary search for one such company will bring forth several.
If you take these tips into consideration, you will easily find a service provider offering services 24/7.
Just a couple of taps on your smartphone’s screen away from you, you will find ACE Money Transfer to be an omnipresent remittance transfer service provider with low fees, live exchange rates, safety, speed, wider service access, and much more from just one-stop if you decide to send money to Gambia online with it.
What are some common methods to send money from Europe to the Gambia?
There are several methods to send money from Europe to the Gambia. These include bank transfers, money transfer services like ACE Money Transfer, or peer-to-peer apps. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, speed, and convenience, so it's essential to choose the one that best suits your needs.
What are the best times to send money to the Gambia?
You can send money to the Gambia at any time, as most online money transfer services operate 24/7. However, it's important to consider the working hours of the receiving bank or pick-up location and the time difference between Europe and the Gambia. Also, try to avoid sending money during public holidays or weekends when banks might be closed, as this could delay the transfer.
Are there any restrictions on how much money I can send from Europe to the Gambia?
Transfer limits depend on the method you choose to send money and the rules set by both the European and Gambian governments. Banks and money transfer services usually have their own individual limits, which can be per transaction, daily, weekly, or monthly. It's important to check these limits before making a transfer.
How can I reduce the costs when sending money to the Gambia?
To reduce costs when sending money to the Gambia, it's crucial to compare the fees and exchange rates offered by different money transfer services. Some services might offer lower fees but have less favourable exchange rates, and vice versa. Also, consider using a service that offers a flat fee regardless of the amount you're sending, especially if you're transferring large amounts.
How do I ensure my money is safe when I send it to the Gambia?
To ensure your money is safe when you send it to the Gambia, use a reputable money transfer service or bank. Look for services that have strong security measures in place, such as encryption and fraud protection. It's also important to never share your personal or financial details with anyone and to double-check all the details of your transaction before confirming it.
Resources
(The Gambia | U.S. Agency for International Development (usaid.gov)
(GDP (current US$) - European Union | Data (worldbank.org)
(GDP per capita (current US$) - European Union | Data (worldbank.org)
(GDP (current US$) - Gambia, The | Data (worldbank.org)
(GDP per capita (current US$) - Gambia, The | Data (worldbank.org)
