How to Send Money to M-Pesa from Abroad: Step-by-Step Guide

M-Pesa is Kenya's most popular way to receive money. This tutorial shows you exactly how to send money directly to an M-Pesa account from anywhere in the world.

What You'll Need

Before starting:

• Recipient's M-Pesa phone number (format: 07XX XXX XXX or +254 7XX XXX XXX)
• Recipient's full name (as registered with M-Pesa)
• Your valid ID (passport, driver's license)
• Debit card or bank account for payment

Best Apps for M-Pesa Transfers

Method 1: Sendwave (Recommended)

Step 1: Download the App

• iPhone: App Store → Search "Sendwave"
• Android: Play Store → Search "Sendwave"

Step 2: Create Account

1. Open Sendwave
2. Enter your phone number
3. Verify with SMS code
4. Enter your email
5. Select your country

Step 3: Add Recipient

1. Tap "Send Money"
2. Select "Kenya"
3. Choose "Mobile Money (M-Pesa)"
4. Enter recipient's phone number: `07XX XXX XXX`
5. Enter recipient's full name

Step 4: Enter Amount

1. Type amount in your currency (USD, GBP, etc.)
2. See how much they'll receive in KES
3. Review exchange rate shown

Step 5: Add Payment Method

1. Select "Add debit card"
2. Enter card details:

- Card number

- Expiry date

- CVV

1. Enter billing address

Step 6: Verify Identity (First Time)

1. Take photo of your ID
2. Take a selfie
3. Wait for verification (usually instant)

Step 7: Send Money

1. Review all details
2. Confirm recipient name and number
3. Tap "Send"
4. Done! Recipient gets SMS within minutes

Method 2: Remitly

Step 1: Download and Sign Up

1. Download Remitly app
2. Create account with email
3. Verify phone number

Step 2: Start Transfer

1. Tap "Send Money"
2. Select Kenya
3. Choose delivery speed:

- Express: Minutes (slightly higher cost)

- Economy: Hours (lowest cost)

Step 3: Add Recipient

1. Select "Mobile Money"
2. Enter M-Pesa number
3. Enter full name

Step 4: Choose Amount and Pay

1. Enter send amount
2. Select payment method:

- Bank account (cheapest)

- Debit card (faster)

1. Review total cost
2. Confirm and send

Method 3: WorldRemit

Step 1: Create Account

1. Download WorldRemit app
2. Sign up with email
3. Verify identity

Step 2: Send to M-Pesa

1. Select "Send Money"
2. Choose Kenya
3. Select "Mobile Money"
4. Enter M-Pesa details
5. Choose amount
6. Pay and confirm

Common M-Pesa Number Formats

When entering the recipient's number:

Safaricom numbers start with: 0722, 0723, 0724, 0725, 0726, 0727, 0728, 0729, 0110, 0111, 0112

What Happens After Sending

For Your Recipient

1. They receive SMS from M-Pesa
2. Message shows amount in KES
3. Money is instantly in their M-Pesa
4. They can:

- Use for purchases (M-Pesa Pay)

- Transfer to bank

- Withdraw at agent (small fee)

For You

1. Confirmation screen in app
2. Email receipt
3. Transaction appears in history
4. Can track delivery status

Troubleshooting Common Issues

"Phone number not registered with M-Pesa"

Cause: Number isn't on Safaricom or M-Pesa not activated

Solution:

• Verify number with recipient
• They may need to register M-Pesa first
• Check for typos in number

"Name doesn't match"

Cause: Name entered doesn't match M-Pesa registration

Solution:

• Ask recipient for exact name on their M-Pesa
• Use full legal name, not nickname

Transfer stuck on "Processing"

Cause: Various (verification, limits, technical)

Solution:

• Wait 30 minutes
• Check email for verification requests
• Contact app support

Card declined

Cause: Bank blocking international transfer

Solution:

• Call bank to authorize
• Try different card
• Use bank account instead

Tips for First-Time Senders

1. Start small: Send $20-50 first to test
2. Verify the number: Double-check with recipient
3. Use debit, not credit: Lower fees, no cash advance charges
4. Keep receipts: Screenshot confirmations
5. Save recipient: For faster future transfers

M-Pesa Receiving Limits

Your recipient should know:

For larger amounts, send multiple transfers or use bank deposit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does M-Pesa transfer take?

Usually 1-5 minutes with Sendwave. Occasionally up to 30 minutes during high-traffic periods.

Can I send to any Kenyan phone number?

Only Safaricom numbers with M-Pesa activated. Airtel Money and T-Kash use different services.

What if I send to wrong number?

Contact app support immediately. Reversal is difficult after delivery. Always verify before sending.

Is there a minimum amount?

• Sendwave: $1
• Remitly: $1
• WorldRemit: $10

Can I send to M-Pesa from a computer?

Yes, through:

• Remitly.com
• WorldRemit.com
• (Sendwave is app-only)

Conclusion

Sending to M-Pesa is straightforward:

1. Download Sendwave (fastest, cheapest)
2. Enter M-Pesa number carefully
3. Verify name matches M-Pesa registration
4. Pay with debit card for speed
5. Recipient gets SMS within minutes

Your family receives money instantly, directly to their phone, usable anywhere in Kenya.

Compare all M-Pesa transfer options on our calculator page.