Canadians: sending money home

VW
By VW

Hi fellow canucks,

What have you found to be the most reliable and economical way to convert QAR to CAD and send to a Canadian bank account back home, here in Doha?

Thanks!

By VW• 4 Jan 2007 12:12
Rating: 3/5
VW

Thanks guys. As it turns out, IBQ (my bank here) deals with BMO (my bank in Canada) so the fees will be minimized. My account with IBQ includes a free transfer once per month so the fees will be waived. The exchange turned out to be better than Doha bank, and while I didn't check Al Fardan exchange (1 km from my office, coicidentally), the rate was OK.

I'll check Al Fardan next time and see if it's better.

By blnoor• 3 Jan 2007 17:13
Rating: 5/5
blnoor

Go to the Alfardan Exchange branch in Najma. It is easy to park there and they directly transfer the money to Royal Bank of Canada. Conversion rate is good (I would say the best) plus the transfer fees are cheap compared to (Western Union et al).

By BHappy• 3 Jan 2007 13:04
Rating: 5/5
BHappy

I have used both Banks (HSBC and Standard Chartered) and exchange companies i.e Alfardan and Gulf Exchange. I have found the minimum charges and best coversion rates from exchange companies. Try to find to which back in Canada they deal with. The Gulf exchange company deals directly with Royal Bank of Canada and therefore since no other bank in involved in the transfer, you will pay minimum fee. If there is a third bank involved, they will also chare their service fee and you will end up paying more service changes in Canada.

By dweller• 3 Jan 2007 11:35
Rating: 5/5
dweller

You will get a much better rate for all except the US$ at the money changers.

For years I used the Al-Saad exchange. The money (£ Sterling) arrived quicker and and the rate was much better.

By Canadian-in-Doha• 3 Jan 2007 08:06
Rating: 5/5
Canadian-in-Doha

Since QR is tied to US$ with fixed rate, it is better if you open a US$ account in your Canadian bank and send in US$ via telegraphic transfer through your bank (I have used HSBC and Doha Bank - found Doha bank better and cheaper).

You can convert the US$ to CAD - I found this way it worked best for me.

Remember, Western Union always gives you the worst conversion rates.

By anonymous• 2 Jan 2007 17:31
Rating: 5/5
anonymous

The fastest and most reliable way is through Western Union, plus it only takes a couple of days and also the charges for what you want are quite small I use the Western Union near to Pearl Tower they are friendly and very reliable and once you get a pink slip the first time you send the money home once you have that you do not even need to do it is person your driver anyone can do it on your behalf as long as they have the slip.

The only downside is the "Qatari Gentlemen" and i use the name with not much respect they try to get in front of you, they just barge right in there - remember do not react just let them do it,

trust me do not go there.

To change the subject ever so slightly can anyone please explain this whether situation to me please - when will it be nice and hot and dry again?

Awnsers on a postcard please.

Happy New Year everyone -

Swiss

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