If you need to send money to Tanzania, using M-PESA is easy and affordable.
M-PESA is Tanzania’s popular mobile money transfer service, with over 25 million users in Tanzania.
It makes sending money as simple as sending a text. With just a few taps on your phone, your money can go directly into the pocket of someone on the other side of the world.
No bank accounts are needed, no exorbitant transfer fees. Just a mobile phone number is all it takes.
If you’ve never used M-PESA before, don’t worry – it’s incredibly straightforward to set up and even easier to send money.
In this article, I’ll walk you through exactly how to send money to Tanzania in minutes using M-PESA so you can support those who need it most.
M-PESA Overview
M-PESA is a mobile money transfer system launched by Vodafone and developed by Safaricom and Vodacom. It is a widely trusted service in Tanzania, with over 5 million Tanzanians using M-PESA.
Through M-PESA, you can effortlessly send or receive money from over 160 countries directly to and from your M-PESA wallet, thanks to its extensive network of global partners.
An M-PESA wallet enables you to send or receive money without needing to visit a bank counter or a bus station, as is the norm for traditional users in Tanzania.
The funds are directly sent to the recipient’s mobile money wallet, eliminating the risks of handling physical cash.
Sending money to Tanzania via M-PESA is more cost-effective than other available channels, and for the recipients, it incurs no charges.
They receive the funds instantly in their local currency without additional fees.
Upon receiving the money, the recipient is not required to visit a currency exchange office, as the funds are automatically converted to their local currency within the M-PESA platform, ensuring a smooth and seamless transaction process.
How to Send Money to Tanzania Using M-PESA
M-PESA is a convenient service allowing registered customers to send and receive money internationally.
To access this service, dial *840# and agree to the terms and conditions to opt in. Once registered, M-PESA customers can:
1. Send funds to countries like Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda in East Africa.
2. Send money globally to millions of bank accounts and over 500,000 Western Union locations worldwide.
3. Use PayPal’s mobile money service with M-PESA to access funds quickly and shop internationally.
Customers receiving funds from abroad will be credited to their M-PESA account.
You can also access it through the Safaricom App
How to Send Money to Tanzania using M-PESA with USSD
To initiate a USSD transaction for M-PESAl, follow these steps:
1. Dial *840# on your phone.
2. Select the Western Union location.
3. Choose “New Recipient.”
4. Enter the recipient’s First, Last, and Middle names (if applicable).
5. Input the amount you want to send.
6. Select the destination.
7. If the destination is ‘Other,’ enter the 2-letter Country ISO code.
8. Provide the purpose of the funds and the source of funds.
9. Confirm the transaction details and charges.
10. Enter your M-PESA PIN to authorize the transaction.
11. After completing the transaction, you will receive an M-PESA SMS and another SMS containing the MTCN (Money Transfer Control Number) from M-PESA Global. Share this MTCN with the recipient.
How to Send Money to Tanzania using M-PESA with MySafaricom App
For M-PESA Global transactions using the MySafaricom App:
1. Launch the MySafaricom App (requires an internet connection).
2. Navigate to M-PESA > M-PESA Global > Opt in.
3. Accept the Terms and Conditions.
4. Enter your M-PESA PIN and wait for the confirmation SMS.
FAQ
What Is the Range for Sending Money Through M-PESA?
The minimum amount that can be sent is KSHS 101, while the maximum is KSHS 70,000.
In Which Currency Will the Recipient Receive the Funds?
The recipient will receive the money in their respective country’s currency.
What are the charges for using the service?
There are no charges for using the service; however, the prevailing Forex Rates apply.
How Can M-PESA Customers Receive Funds From Abroad?
M-PESA customers can receive funds from the US, UK, Europe, and UAE without any charges through the partnership with various money transfer services such as:
- mHits,
- Post Finance,
- Skrill,
- SkyForex,
- Western Union,
- WorldRemit,
- XendPay,
- Xpress Money,
- MoneyGram,
- Azimo, Transfer
- Galaxy, Vodacom
- Tanzania,
- MTN Rwanda,
- MTN Uganda, and
- Dahabshiil.
Can I Send Money to All Western Union Agents Worldwide Using M-PESA?
The service is available in all countries except sanctioned countries like North Korea and Syria.
Can I Send Money to All Banks Globally Using M-PESA?
Currently, this is available in Germany, China, and UAE, with plans to include other countries.
What is a Country ISO?
A Country ISO is a 2-letter abbreviation used to, represent country names, such as TD for Chad, ZA for South Africa, KE for Kenya, UG for Uganda, TZ for Tanzania, etc.
Note that ISO may not always correspond to the first two letters of the country name.
Is It Secure to Send Money to Tanzania Using M-PESA?
Yes, transferring money to family or friends in Tanzania via M-Pesa is safe. The funds are stored securely in a ring-fenced account, also known as a trust account, linked to each customer’s mobile phone.
Additionally, a central platform securely tracks each individual’s account’s value.
This ensures that the money will remain in their M-Pesa account even in case of a lost phone or SIM card.
Conclusion
Using M-Pesa to send money to Tanzania is an easy, inexpensive, and secure way to transfer funds.
No need to go through traditional banks or wire services—with M-Pesa, your money is instantly available when your loved ones need it most.
M-Pesa provides a secure and convenient way for families and businesses separated by borders to support each other financially.
Give it a try next time you need to send money to Tanzania!