How does it currently work?
This service will allow consumers in over 65 countries and
territories to visit a participating Western Union Agent location
and send money to a mobile phone in Tanzania using the Vodacom
network. The transaction is similar to a traditional cash-to-cash
money transfer, except the sender specifies the recipient's mobile
phone number (with country code) at the time the funds are sent.
Recipients in Tanzania must subscribe to the M-PESA service through
Vodacom to access the service.
From which countries Western Union enables this
service?
We start with over 65 countries and will add other ones
frequently.
Does the sender have to have a mobile
phone?
The sender does not have to have a mobile phone. However, they
should provide a valid mobile phone number if they would like to
receive an SMS confirmation notification once the funds are
sent.
Who can use the M-PESA International Money Transfer
service?
Any person registered for M-PESA in Tanzania can receive money
via M-PESA IMT.
If the receiver does not have an M-PESA account, they should
visit any M-PESA Agent outlet countrywide and will be advised on
how to register and activate an M-PESA account.
Does the recipient need to be a Vodacom M-PESA
customer?
Yes - the recipient must be a Vodacom M-PESA customer to receive
IMT. This is because the money being sent to them shall be credited
to their M-PESA account.
What is required in order to use the M-PESA
international Money Transfer Service?
One needs to have a registered M-Pesa account.
Where in Tanzania can they receive money sent to an
M-PESA account via IMT?
The receiver can go to any M-PESA agent countrywide to withdraw
funds.
How much time does it take for money sent to reach the
mobile in Tanzania?
The funds should reach the receiver in minutes once the money
has been sent. The receiver will also get an SMS confirmation of
the transaction and new balance amount of the M-PESA account.
For IMT transactions using Western Union, what happens
if the receiver isn't registered for M-PESA?
A non-registered customer will have to first be registered and
activate his M-PESA account for him to cash out the received
money.
What are the benefits of mobile money
transfer?
It is a fast, reliable and convenient way for receivers to
receive money directly onto their mobile phone. They can withdraw
the money at any of M-PESA agent location. They can also use the
funds to pay bills from their phone, send money to others from
their phones or top up airtime.
What does the sender pay to transfer money via M-PESA
International Money Transfer?
Charges for sending money to a mobile vary depending on the
amount sent, the country from which it is being sent and the agent
at which the money is being sent from. The Western Union Agent will
advise the sender of all fees before the funds are sent. Check
concrete charges at www.westernunion.com
Will the receiver be charged for receiving
money?
There is no charge to the recipient for receiving mobile money
transfer via M-PESA, but all normal M-PESA charges will
subsequently apply if the receiver chooses to send money to another
M-PESA subscriber, pay bills, withdraw cash etc.
What exchange rate will be used at the time the money is
being sent?
Conversion will be done when the funds are sent. The sender will
be advised by the Western Union Agent of the prevailing exchange
rate, and the equivalent amount in Tanzanian shillings that the
customer in Tanzania will receive on his or her M-PESA account.
Is there a limit to the amount that can be sent per
transaction?
The limit is US$ 500 per transaction. Existing M-Pesa limits
apply.
Are there any limits on the amount an individual can
send in day/month?
The limits are US$ 1,500 per day and US$ 5,000 per month.
Existing M-Pesa limits apply.