18 September 2025
For many people living and working abroad, the decision to send money home is more than a transaction; it is a lifeline. From Switzerland, one of the world’s leading financial hubs, thousands of migrants send financial support to their families across Africa and Asia every month. Whether the need is urgent medical care, school fees, household expenses, or investments back home, ensuring a safe and affordable international money transfer is essential.
Remittances are often described as the silent engine powering household survival and growth. For families in developing nations, receiving money from relatives abroad is not just helpful, it is vital.
Education: Fees for schools and universities are often paid through money sent from abroad.
Healthcare: Emergency treatments, medicines, and hospital visits rely on timely remittances.
Everyday Living: Food, rent, and utility bills are supported by these funds.
Community Development: Investments in small businesses and housing projects are often made possible through remittances.
For many migrants in Switzerland, finding the most reliable service to send money home has become a matter of trust and responsibility.
Kenya has one of the most advanced mobile banking systems in Africa, with M-Pesa widely used by millions of households. Migrants in Switzerland often choose digital platforms and mobile wallets to send money to Kenya, because:
Transfers are instant and can be received on mobile phones.
Families in rural areas benefit since no bank account is needed.
Charges are generally affordable compared to traditional banks.
Banks in Switzerland also provide remittance services, but many prefer mobile money and digital apps for their speed and accessibility.
For those wishing to send money to Cameroon, challenges exist due to banking penetration being lower than in some neighbouring countries. Nevertheless, reliable channels are available:
International money transfer operators with local collection points in Douala and Yaoundé.
Mobile wallets partnered with Cameroonian telecom providers.
Bank deposits for those with formal accounts.
The goal for senders in Switzerland is usually to ensure funds arrive safely for family use, especially for health and education support.
Nepal has a long history of labour migration, and remittances are among the largest contributors to its GDP. Migrants working in Switzerland frequently send money to Nepal to support families in rural areas.
Bank transfers are popular, with Nepali banks offering partnerships with Swiss financial institutions.
Cash pickup services allow families without accounts to receive funds quickly.
Digital apps are growing in popularity, offering lower costs and faster delivery compared to traditional channels.
For Nepali families, remittances provide stability, especially during times of economic uncertainty.
Nigeria is one of the largest remittance-receiving nations in Africa. For those in Switzerland, the need to send money to Nigeria is constant, as families often rely on external financial support.
Bank transfers are commonly used, though they may involve higher fees.
Money transfer apps with instant delivery to bank accounts
With Nigeria’s economy being highly dependent on remittances, timely and safe international transfers make a significant difference.
When planning to send money home from Switzerland, choosing a safe and trustworthy channel is crucial. Here are the main options:
Bank Transfers:
Secure and regulated.
It can be more expensive, with higher fees and less favourable exchange rates.
Money Transfer Operators (MTOs):
Widely available and trusted worldwide.
Offer cash pickup, mobile wallet, and bank deposit options.
Digital Remittance Apps:
Lower costs and faster transfers.
Easy tracking and user-friendly mobile apps.
Mobile Wallets:
Convenient for regions like Kenya, where mobile banking is strong.
Accessible to people without bank accounts.
Cryptocurrency Transfers:
Emerging option, but requires caution.
Not yet widely accepted by families in receiving countries.
Before making an international money transfer, here are key points to consider:
Exchange Rates: Small differences can affect how much your family actually receives.
Transfer Fees: Some providers charge flat rates, while others take a percentage.
Speed of Delivery: Emergencies require instant transfers.
Accessibility: Families in rural areas may prefer cash pickup or mobile wallets.
Security: Always use licensed and regulated providers.
As a financial centre, Switzerland offers access to numerous secure money transfer options. Migrants benefit from strong regulations that protect consumers, ensuring safe ways to send money home.
At the same time, Switzerland’s diverse migrant population makes it a hub for transfers to multiple regions. Whether it’s to send money to Kenya, Cameroon, Nepal, or Nigeria, the country has become a trusted origin for international remittances.
For migrants in Switzerland, the ability to send money home is not just a responsibility; it is an act of love and support. Choosing safe, affordable, and fast methods ensures families in Kenya, Cameroon, Nepal, and Nigeria receive the help they need.
By considering secure international money transfer channels, migrants can continue playing their vital role in uplifting families and communities across the world.