Sending money home is never just about moving figures on a screen. For us, the brave ones who support our families from far away, every international transfer is an act of love.
It is to send a hug that crosses borders, it is to turn hours of work into medicine, food and opportunities. And for that very reason, to understand commissions and times is vital: we want our effort to arrive fully, quickly and safely.
In this article we will tell you clearly what costs to consider, how long it can take to international transferwhy to avoid informal remittances, how to identify trustworthy companies and how to Curiara turns this act of love into a simple, transparent and swift experience.
What is an international transfer and why does it matter so much?
A international transfer is the sending of money from one country to another via banks, remittance companies or digital platforms.
For us, it is also a bridge that keeps us close to our loved ones. That's why knowing how the fees are calculated, how the exchange rate works and what factors affect the timing is key to getting the money there on time and without surprises.
Commissions: what nobody tells you
In a international transferThe amount that goes out is not always the same as the amount that comes in. These are the pieces of the puzzle:
Fixed commissions
Some providers charge a fixed tariff per shipment. If you send small amounts, that commission "weighs" more, while if you send large amounts, it tends to be diluted.
Percentage commissions
Other companies charge a percentage of the amount. It may be convenient for modest shipments, but if you send more, the cost escalates.
The hidden cost: the exchange rate
This is the most common trap. There are services that "they do not charge commission"but you are charged a less favourable exchange rate.
That difference is money that your family does not receive. In all international transferAlways compare the actual exchange rate with the one you are offered.
Intermediaries
In networks such as SWIFTThe money may go through intermediary banks that deduct additional charges. The result: less arrives at the destination.
With Curiara the story is different:
- The exchange rate varies daily, y we show it to you in full transparencytogether with the applicable fee, for your approval before sending.
- First consignment free of chargeYour first shipment without commission so you can try it out with confidence.
- Competitive rates and fees market, clear and without small print.
Times: because love should not take long
The times of a international transfer depend on:
- The network: SWIFT usually takes 1-5 working days; SEPA (in the EU) can be faster; the fintech can be almost immediate.
- The countries involved: the banking connectivity y regulatory changes from runner to runner.
- Working days and public holidays: a Friday afternoon is not the same as a Tuesday morning.
- Data verification: a IBAN misspelled, a name other than the holder or a check security measures can put the brakes on everything.
The Curiara Promise: your beneficiary ALWAYS received within 24 working hours from the moment we receive your payment. Please note: does not apply on weekends and holidays in Venezuela.because local banking does not operate then. If you want maximum speed, pay by credit or debit card (and if you are in Spainyou can also use Bizum).
Tips for fast travel
- Choose the right method: online and regulated, with delivery to a bank account.
- Have your documentation ready: identification and, if requested, proof of address.
- Check fares and exchange rates before confirming.
- Plan ahead according to bank holidays and banking hours.
- Choose card or Bizum to speed up payment accreditation.
With Curiarayour money always arrives in less than 24 working hours after receipt of your payment. If you need it to be as fast as possible, pay by card.
Informal remittances: why they seem tempting... and why they are dangerous
When the going gets tough, as it has with recent migration shifts and tense economic contexts, many look for quick exits.
This is where the informal remittancesThe following are just a few examples: WhatsApp groups, "the neighbour's friend", personal accounts and unregulated money changers promising miracles.
The problem is that the "easiest" can be very expensive:
- Lack of security: If something goes wrong, there is no contract and no back-up; you have no one to complain to.
- Loss of money: Cases abound where the money never arrived.
- Hidden fees: they offer you "great rates", but in the end you get less.
- Legal risks: moving money through unauthorised channels exposes you without your knowledge.
Your effort deserves to be complete and smooth. Avoid shortcuts. Choose regulated, transparent and traceable routes.
How to recognise a reliable company
Before making a international transfercheck:
- Licensing and regulationoperating legally in the country of origin and complying with regulations.
- Transparency: to show you rate and commission before confirming.
- Reputation: real reviews on Google/Trustpilot and active community.
- Technological security: web/app with HTTPS, two-step verification and encryption.
- Real customer service: available channels and timely responses.
Curiara and more, it backs up every shipment with valid receipts for formalities (including family reunification), offers close support (including WhatsApp), and allows you to follow the status of your shipment in real time from the web or app (Android y iOS).
Step by step: how to send your Curiara
- Register (≈10 minutes). We comply with international standards, so we verify your identity only once.
- Add your beneficiaryIBAN, SWIFT/BIC or complete and correct bank coordinates.
- Choose amount and review: you will see the daily rate and applicable fee for your approval.
- Pay: card (recommended), bank transfer or Bizum (if you are in the Spain).
- Real-time monitoring.
- Delivery: your family receives in less than 24 working hours (except weekends and public holidays on Venezuela).
Golden tips to squeeze every shipment
- Verify the data: a misspelled digit may delay your international transfer.
- Take advantage of working days: avoid Friday afternoons or holiday eves.
- Bundle shipments if you pay flat rates; if the commission is a percentage, consider splitting.
- Avoid informal remittances: protect your money and your family.
A hug that crosses borders
Each international transfer is much more than money: it is a kiss hidden in a receipt, it is the dinner that brings your family together, it is the new notebook of a child who dreams, it is the medicine that gives relief and hope.
Each mailing is a way of saying "I love you", "I am not forgetting you", "we are together even if an ocean separates us".
At Curiara We understand and celebrate it, because we are also children, parents, siblings and friends who know what it means to miss and yet still be present.
That's why we've set out to row with you so that your remittances always arrive complete, promptly and transparently.
And we are here to make sure that this love always arrives safely, securely, steadily and swiftly.
Curiara: to hold from afar.