Send money to Venezuela from Spain
Venezuela is a peculiar corridor: after years of hyperinflation, the US dollar circulates widely alongside the bolívar (VES), and the availability of traditional operators changes frequently. Always verify which services are currently operating before sending.
The Venezuelan community has grown faster than any other in Spain in recent years and is now among the largest from Latin America, with hubs in Madrid, the Canary Islands, Catalonia and Galicia. The country's restrictions and monetary situation mean many families prefer to receive dollars or use digital services.
Options for sending money to Venezuela
In cash, from an agent location
The most used method: you bring cash to an agent (Western Union, Ria, MoneyGram), provide the recipient's details, and within minutes it is available for collection in Venezuela. Spain has thousands of agents, many in call shops and neighbourhood stores:
With an app or online service
Services such as Wise, Remitly, WorldRemit or the Western Union and Ria apps let you send from your phone by card or bank transfer. They tend to offer good exchange rates and first-transfer promotions, and the recipient can receive to an account or collect cash in Venezuela.
International bank transfer
An international transfer from your bank is usually the most expensive and slowest option to Venezuela (issuing fees, correspondent fees and exchange margin). For this corridor an agent or a specialised app is almost always better value.
How the recipient gets the money in Venezuela
Options vary over time: some international operators pay bolívares into Venezuelan bank accounts, while many families use digital services, foreign-currency accounts or cash collection in dollars when available. Ask the recipient which method works reliably in their area.
Tip: Avoid informal channels: always use authorised operators even if the fee looks higher, and confirm the received amount with the recipient. On this corridor, reliability matters more than saving a few euros in fees.
What you need to send
To send money you need a valid ID (passport, DNI or NIE) and the recipient's details. To collect money you will also be asked for the transaction number (MTCN / PIN). The amount is paid out in cash at the agent location.
How much it costs to send money
The real cost has two parts: the transfer fee and the margin on the exchange rate. Combined, the total cost typically sits between 2% and 6% of the amount, although it varies by operator, amount and payment method. Always compare how much the recipient will get in their currency, not just the advertised fee.
Frequently asked questions about sending money to Venezuela
Can you send money to Venezuela with Western Union or Ria?
Availability changes frequently depending on the operator and the moment. Before visiting an agent, check on the operator's website or phone whether service to Venezuela is active and in which form (account, cash, currency).
In which currency does money arrive in Venezuela?
Depending on the service: in bolívares (VES) for local account deposits, or in US dollars for services paying in foreign currency or cash. Confirm before sending.
What does the recipient need in Venezuela?
A valid ID and, depending on the method, the transaction number or an active bank account. For digital services, the relevant account or wallet details.