International money transfers can feel like a bit of a puzzle: open one thing, confirm another, then wait who knows how many days. But it doesn’t have to be that complicated. To transfer money to Ukraine, all you need is your ID, a few minutes, and some simple math. And that’s exactly what we’re going to talk about.
We’ll walk you through the numbers using Meest Canada as an example. The company has been around since 1989 and, besides shipping parcels, also lets you send money to Ukraine. So, let’s do the math together.
How Much Money Should You Send in an International Transfer?
Ostap lives in Calgary, and his parents in Ternopil need about $150 a month for utilities, $100 for medicine, and $200 for groceries. That’s $450 in total. If he sends the money in smaller amounts, each transfer comes with its own fee. But if he sends it all at once, the amount will be larger, and the transfer fee will be higher too.
Wondering how to send money to Ukraine from Canada without spending too much on fees? Sum up what your family needs each month and send it in one transfer. But let’s look at the rates.
Let’s Calculate the Fees Step by Step
Here’s how the fee changes depending on the amount you send:
Up to $100: $6, which is as much as 6% of the amount.
101-200: $10.
201-500: $12. This is the best range: on a $500 transfer, the fee is only 2.4%.
501-600: $16; 601-700: $19; 701-1,000: $22.
Over $1,000: 2% of the amount.
So, for smaller amounts, the cheapest way to transfer money to Ukraine is to combine smaller transfers into one. For example, if you send your mom $150 twice a month, you’ll pay $10 + $10 = $20 in fees. One $300 transfer would cost just $12.
Which Is Cheaper: Sending a Small or Large Amount?
Sometimes, the amount is small, and there’s nothing you can do about it. Say you’re sending $50 to your cousin for her birthday. The fee is $6, which is 12%. In this case, convenience makes up for it: the money goes straight to the right PrivatBank branch in Ukraine, so there’s no need to look for someone who can bring it over in person. So, sending a small amount isn’t the best deal, but the fee isn’t too high either.
A typical money transfer to Ukraine of $200–500 costs the same $12. So whether you send $210 or $490, the fee stays the same.
Larger amounts are just as simple. Say you need $1,500 to repair your roof. One transfer costs 2%, or $30. Two transfers of $750 each would cost $22 each, or $44 in total. So, sending the full amount in one transfer is cheaper, whether it’s a small or large sum.
How to Send Money from Canada to Ukraine
The sender goes to a branch or an agent with their passport, fills out a short form, pays the amount plus the fee, and gets a six-digit reference number. They send it to the recipient in a messenger app, and that’s all they need to do. It’s best to copy the recipient’s name from a photo of their passport to make sure everything matches.
How to Receive Money in Ukraine
It all depends on how the money was sent. For example, Meest Canada works with PrivatBank, so the recipient can collect the money at any PrivatBank branch. You’ll need your ID and the exact amount you’re expecting. The money arrives the next business day, which is pretty fast for an international transfer.
If you’re looking for a way to transfer money to a Ukraine bank account, you may be able to receive it without visiting a bank at all. Just open the Privat24 app, go to “International Transfers,” enter your transfer number, and collect the money from home.
So, don’t let the numbers scare you. The main thing is to find the right service and check their fees. Then just head to a branch with your passport and use the calculator on your phone if anything seems unclear. You already know how to do the math!
