Whether you’re an expat working in Brussels, a student in Leuven, or a Belgian-Filipino family juggling two time zones, one task keeps coming back every month: sending money from Belgium to the Philippines.
And let’s be honest between fees, exchange rates, and “special offers,” it can feel like studying for a surprise math exam.
The good news? You have plenty of ways to transfer euros to pesos safely and (relatively) cheaply. The trick is knowing which option works best for your situation: how fast you need the money to arrive, how your family wants to receive it, and how much you’re willing to pay in fees and exchange rate markups.
Key Things to Know Before You Send Money
Before diving into specific providers, it helps to understand what actually determines the “best” way to send money from Belgium to the Philippines:
- Exchange rate: The EUR to PHP rate can make a big difference. Some services use the real mid-market rate (the one you see on Google) plus a small fee, while others offer a weaker rate and hide their profit there.
- Fees: You might pay a fixed fee, a percentage of the amount, or both. Some companies advertise “no fee” but quietly make money on a poor exchange rate.
- Speed: Transfers can arrive within minutes, a few hours, or in 1–3 business days, depending on the method you choose and how you pay.
- Delivery method: Your recipient in the Philippines might prefer bank deposit, cash pickup, or mobile wallet (like GCash). Different services specialize in different payout options.
- Limits and verification: You may need to provide ID or extra documents when sending larger amounts due to EU and Belgian regulations against money laundering.
- Convenience: Apps and online platforms make repeating transfers easy. If you’re sending every month, the user experience really matters.
Main Ways to Send Money From Belgium to the Philippines
1. Online Money Transfer Services (Usually the Best Balance)
Online money transfer services are often the sweet spot between cost and convenience. They’re built specifically for international remittances and usually beat traditional banks on both fees and exchange rates.
Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Wise is known for using the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup and charging a clearly listed upfront fee. You see exactly how many pesos your recipient will receive before you confirm the transfer. Wise supports sending from Belgium to the Philippines via bank deposit and other methods, with transparent pricing and an easy web/app experience.
If you’re sending larger amounts (for example, helping pay for a condo, tuition, or medical expenses), the transparent mid-market rate can save you a lot compared with providers that hide a markup in the exchange rate.
Remitly
Remitly focuses heavily on remittances to the Philippines and offers different “speed tiers.” You often get an “Express” option that delivers money quickly (sometimes within minutes) and an “Economy” option that’s cheaper but a bit slower. Remitly frequently runs promotions like no-fee first transfers and special introductory rates from EUR to PHP.
You can usually send money from Belgium to:
- Philippine bank accounts (BDO, BPI, Metrobank, Landbank, etc.)
- Mobile wallets like GCash
- Cash pickup at partner locations
Fees for EUR–PHP transfers depend on the delivery method. For example, Remitly lists small fixed fees (often under a few euros) for bank deposits and cash pickup, while frequently offering promotional zero-fee transfers for new customers.
WorldRemit
WorldRemit is another popular remittance service from Belgium to the Philippines. It lets you send funds via bank deposit, cash pickup, mobile money, and mobile airtime top-ups. The company highlights that many transfers to Philippine partners arrive within minutes once paid by card, which is handy if you’re dealing with emergencies at home.
You can pay for your transfer using a Belgian bank transfer or a debit/credit card. WorldRemit clearly shows:
- The exchange rate
- The transfer fee
- The exact amount the recipient will receive in PHP
Paysend
Paysend allows transfers from Belgium straight to Philippine bank accounts, cards, and digital wallets. It often advertises low flat fees (for example, around €1.50 to cards, and sometimes no fees for bank accounts) and near real-time delivery to the Philippines.
If you like predictable costs, a flat fee per transfer can be nice especially for smaller, frequent remittances where percentage-based fees can eat into your budget.
Ria Money Transfer
Ria has both digital and physical networks. From Belgium, you can typically send money via the Ria app or website to the Philippines for bank deposit or cash pickup. Ria frequently promotes special rates and no-fee first transfers for new senders.
Sendwave
Sendwave is popular among Filipinos abroad because of its simple phone app and very competitive pricing. From Belgium, Sendwave has promoted transfers to the Philippines with a 0 EUR fee and competitive EUR–PHP rates, sending money directly to bank accounts or wallets in seconds.
If you’re the type who lives on your smartphone and sends smaller amounts frequently (for bills, load, or groceries), this kind of app-based service can be very convenient.
2. Traditional Money Transfer Companies (Cash Pickup and Hybrid Options)
Western Union
Western Union has been around for more than a century and has a massive physical network in both Belgium and the Philippines. From Belgium, you can send money:
- Online via the Western Union website or app
- From an agent location
- To cash pickup in the Philippines
- To bank accounts and sometimes mobile wallets
Western Union lets you see estimated fees and exchange rates upfront and track transfers in real time. The convenience comes from its global presence: your family can often pick up cash in many parts of the Philippines, even outside big cities.
The trade-off? Western Union can be more expensive than online-only services, especially if you’re sending from an agent location and opting for instant cash pickup. You’re paying extra for their massive retail network and brand recognition.
3. Bank-to-Bank Transfers From Belgium to the Philippines
You can also use a direct international bank transfer (SWIFT) from your Belgian bank to your recipient’s bank in the Philippines. This is straightforward but not always cheap.
Typical pros of a traditional bank-to-bank transfer:
- You might feel more comfortable dealing with your own bank.
- Direct deposit into your recipient’s bank account, no extra app needed.
- Sometimes better for very large transfers (e.g., property purchases), because banks may have higher limits.
Downsides:
- Higher flat fees on the Belgian side (often €10–€40 per transfer).
- Exchange rates that include a hidden markup against the real EUR–PHP rate.
- Potential receiving bank fees in the Philippines.
- Slower speed, typically 2–5 business days.
For day-to-day remittances, specialized money transfer services usually beat banks in overall cost and speed. For occasional large transfers where you want to keep everything inside the traditional banking system, SWIFT can still be a reasonable option but always compare the total cost against services like Wise, Remitly, WorldRemit, and others first.
4. Digital Wallets and Mobile Money (GCash, Maya, Etc.)
In the Philippines, services like GCash and Maya have become everyday tools for paying bills, shopping online, and sending money domestically. You can’t usually send directly from a Belgian bank into GCash by yourself, but many transfer providers now support mobile wallet payouts.
For example:
- Remitly supports transfers from Belgium to GCash, with fast delivery and clear fees.
- WorldRemit and other apps also support mobile wallet payouts for convenient access.
These options are perfect if your family prefers to receive money in a digital wallet they can use immediately for bills, online orders, or cash out at local partners.
5. PayPal and Other Online Payment Platforms
You may also consider PayPal or similar online payment systems if your recipient is tech-savvy and uses PayPal for freelancing or online work. However:
- PayPal’s fees and exchange rates for cross-border personal transfers are often higher than dedicated remittance services.
- Withdrawal fees in the Philippines (from PayPal to a local bank) can eat into the amount.
PayPal can be handy for occasional transfers, especially tied to online work, but it’s rarely the cheapest way for regular family remittances.
How to Choose the Best Way to Send Money From Belgium to the Philippines
1. Compare Total Cost (Fee + Exchange Rate)
Don’t look at just the “fee.” The real cost is:
Fee + Exchange rate markup
A service that says “no fee” might simply give you a weaker EUR–PHP rate and keep the difference. Use comparison tools like Monito, which list multiple providers for Belgium–Philippines transfers and show you who’s cheapest, fastest, or most popular at any given moment.
2. Decide How Fast the Money Needs to Arrive
- Emergency or same day: Services like Remitly (Express), WorldRemit, Western Union, and Sendwave can often deliver within minutes once you pay by card.
- Non-urgent remittances: Economy options or bank-funded transfers with Wise, Remitly, or Paysend may be slower but cheaper.
3. Pick the Right Delivery Method for Your Family
Before you send, ask your family in the Philippines:
- Do they prefer bank deposit so they can pay loans or tuition directly?
- Do they want cash pickup because their area has limited banking infrastructure?
- Are they comfortable with GCash or Maya for bills and online shopping?
Your answer to that question alone may narrow your choices to just a couple of providers.
4. Consider Frequency and Automation
If you send money every month:
- Look for apps that allow saving recipient details and easy repeat transfers.
- Some services let you set up recurring transfers or at least resend with one tap.
- Consistency matters: once you find a reliable, low-cost provider, sticking with them simplifies your financial life.
5. Think About Safety and Regulation
Reputable providers are licensed, regulated, and use strong security measures like encryption and identity verification. Check that:
- The provider is regulated in the EU or your send country.
- You can see clear terms and conditions and transparent pricing.
- They have customer support in languages you’re comfortable with.
Major players like Wise, Remitly, WorldRemit, Western Union, Ria, and Paysend all operate under regulatory frameworks and publish their security and compliance information.
Example Scenarios: Which Method Fits You?
Scenario 1: Monthly Salary Support
You’re working in Antwerp and sending €300–€600 every month to your parents in Cebu. They have bank accounts and sometimes use GCash.
Good fit: Wise, Remitly (Economy), Paysend, or Sendwave.
Why? These services typically:
- Offer better exchange rates than banks.
- Have lower fees for regular-sized transfers.
- Allow quick repeat transfers via app.
Scenario 2: Emergency Hospital Bill
Your sibling in Manila calls: there’s a hospital bill that must be paid today.
Good fit: Remitly (Express), WorldRemit, Sendwave, or Western Union.
These can often deliver funds within minutes to bank accounts, cash pickup locations, or mobile wallets. Expect to pay slightly higher fees for the speed, but when it’s an emergency, speed comes first.
Scenario 3: Large One-Time Transfer
You’re sending €5,000–€15,000 for a property purchase or big family expense.
Good fit: Wise, your Belgian bank, or a combination of both.
Compare:
- Wise’s mid-market rate and percentage-based fee for large amounts.
- Your bank’s SWIFT transfer fee and exchange rate.
Even a small difference in the EUR–PHP rate can mean thousands of pesos more (or less) on the receiving side, so always use a comparison tool before deciding.
Real-World Experiences and Tips When Sending Money From Belgium to the Philippines
Theory is great, but what really helps is what people learn after a few transfers (and a few mistakes). Here are experience-based insights that can save you money, time, and stress.
1. Always Do a “Test Transfer” First
If you’re trying a new provider, start with a small amount think €20 or €50. This lets you:
- Check how long it really takes to arrive.
- Make sure your recipient’s details (bank account, GCash number, name spelling) are correct.
- Build trust in the app before you send your full rent or tuition payment.
Many people skip this step and only discover a typo in the account number when a much larger transfer gets delayed.
2. Screenshot Everything
It sounds boring, but screenshotting:
- The transfer confirmation screen
- The reference number or MTCN (for Western Union)
- The exact EUR–PHP rate and fees at the time of sending
…can be a lifesaver. If your family says, “The money isn’t there yet,” you can quickly send them the screenshot or share it with customer support without digging through emails.
3. Coordinate With Your Family’s Schedule
In the Philippines, banks, pawnshops, and cash pickup outlets may have shorter hours, long queues, or lunch breaks. Talk to your recipient about:
- Which branch they prefer for cash pickup
- What time of day is quieter
- Whether they’d rather use GCash, where cash-in and cash-out can be more flexible
There’s nothing worse than sending money “instant” only to have your family standing in line for an hour in the midday heat.
4. Watch Out for “Too Good to Be True” Rates
A provider promising an incredibly high EUR–PHP rate might be running a genuine promo… or there could be conditions buried in the fine print (max amount, short validity, higher fees, or a different rate after your first transfer).
A healthy habit: compare at least two providers every time you send especially if it’s been a while since your last transfer. Exchange rates and promotions change all the time.
5. Build a Shortlist of Go-To Methods
Over time, you’ll find that different situations call for different tools:
- Everyday funding: Maybe you use Wise or Remitly Economy for monthly support.
- Emergencies: You keep Western Union or a fast service like Remitly Express or Sendwave ready to go.
- Side gigs or online work: PayPal or a specific wallet might be more convenient.
Think of it like a toolbox: you don’t use a hammer for every job, but it’s nice to have one when you need it.
6. Mind the Timing and Weekends
Some transfers can be delayed if:
- You send late on a Friday in Belgium.
- There’s a holiday either in Belgium or the Philippines.
- The receiving bank is doing maintenance or system upgrades.
If the money absolutely must arrive by Monday morning in Manila, try to send by Thursday or early Friday and choose a method known for fast processing. Card-funded transfers are often quicker than bank-funded ones.
7. Learn From One or Two “Bad” Transfers
Most of us have at least one horror story: a transfer stuck “in progress” for days, a typo in someone’s name, or a bank that bounced money back with mysterious fees.
Instead of swearing off international transfers forever, treat those moments as tuition fees for Adulting School:
- Write down what went wrong (wrong account format, missing middle name, etc.).
- Adjust your process: double-check details, send earlier, switch providers if needed.
- Share the lessons with your family so they also know what to watch out for.
Over time, you’ll get faster and more confident. Sending money from Belgium to the Philippines becomes less of a headache and more of a routine financial habit just like paying your rent or topping up your phone.
8. Think Long-Term: Your Budget and Goals
Finally, remember that remittances are part of your bigger financial picture. If fees or poor exchange rates are eating into your budget, that’s money you could have put toward savings, investments, or your own goals in Europe.
A difference of just 1 PHP per euro might not sound like much, but over a year of monthly transfers, it can add up to several thousand pesos enough for school supplies, a medical check-up, or a short family getaway. Choosing a smart transfer method is one of the easiest ways to stretch your hard-earned euros without working extra hours.
Conclusion
There’s no single “perfect” way to send money from Belgium to the Philippines that fits every person, every budget, and every situation. But there is a perfect way for you in each moment whether you prioritize speed, low cost, or convenience.
By comparing total costs (fees plus exchange rate), choosing the right delivery method (bank, cash pickup, or wallet), and building a small toolbox of trusted providers (like Wise, Remitly, WorldRemit, Western Union, Paysend, Ria, or Sendwave), you can make sure more of your hard-earned money arrives safely in the Philippines where it really matters.
