The cheapest way to send money from Saudi Arabia to the Philippines in 2026 is stc bank — the World Bank measured its total cost at 1.86% of the amount sent, roughly half of Western Union's 3.49% — and it delivers straight to GCash. Bank remittance apps (Tahweel Al Rajhi, Enjaz, SNB Quickpay) are close behind and better for larger amounts.
Services that work from Saudi Arabia
| Service | Total cost (World Bank Q1 2025)* | Delivery in PH | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| stc bank | 1.86% | GCash, bank account | Near-instant (GCash) |
| TeleMoney (Arab National Bank) | 3.28% | Bank, cash pickup | Minutes–same day |
| Western Union | 3.49% | Cash pickup, bank, GCash | Minutes (pickup) |
| Fawri (Bank AlJazira, with MoneyGram) | 3.69% | Cash pickup, bank | Minutes (pickup) |
| Tahweel Al Rajhi | Low flat fee + margin | Bank, GCash, cash pickup | Near-instant–same day |
| Enjaz | App promos from SAR 0 | Bank, cash pickup | "Instant" advertised |
| urpay | In-app; WU-powered | Bank, wallet, cash pickup | Minutes–same day |
*Total cost = fee + exchange-rate margin, World Bank Remittance Prices Worldwide. Current fees always show in-app before you confirm.
Not available from Saudi Arabia: Wise (SAR not supported), Remitly (no KSA send corridor yet), Lulu Money (GCC ex-Saudi only).
Sending to GCash
- stc bank and Tahweel Al Rajhi send directly to a GCash number; Western Union and MoneyGram partners can also pay out to GCash.
- Receiving on GCash is free, but the account must be fully verified and wallet limits apply — for large amounts use a bank deposit instead.
- The recipient's registered GCash name must match their ID exactly, or the credit can fail.
Bank deposit and cash pickup
- Bank deposit to BDO, BPI, Metrobank, Landbank and others: minutes to one business day.
- Cash pickup: Palawan Express (3,500+ branches), Cebuana Lhuillier (2,500+), M Lhuillier (2,500+) and BDO Remit, served through Western Union/MoneyGram tie-ups — the recipient brings a valid ID and the reference number.
Compare pesos, not fees
The riyal is dollar-pegged, so providers differ on the SAR→PHP rate — around 16.2–16.3 PHP per SAR at mid-market in August 2026. Enter the same amount in two apps and send with whichever shows more pesos received; that number already includes the hidden margin.
Taxes and paperwork on the Philippine side
- Your overseas earnings as an OFW are exempt from Philippine income tax, and money sent home to family is treated as support — not taxable income for them.
- Documentary stamp tax exemptions apply to OFW remittances with OEC/OWWA proof.
- Only unusually large transfers to non-family could raise donor's-tax questions (6% above ₱250,000/year per donor).
FAQ
What do I need to start sending? A valid iqama and an account or wallet in your own name — SAMA rules require expat transfers to go through your own account. Registration takes minutes with Nafath. Full walkthrough: How to send money from Saudi Arabia.
How fast does GCash receive? Usually within minutes once the transfer is approved on the Saudi side.
Is there a limit on GCash? Yes — GCash wallet and monthly limits depend on the account's verification tier. For amounts beyond them, send to a bank account.
Which is best for cash pickup in the province? Western Union and MoneyGram networks (via Enjaz, urpay, Fawri) reach Palawan/Cebuana/M Lhuillier branches nationwide — pick whichever agent is nearest your family.