Sending money across borders is now faster and easier than ever. If you’re in Kenya and need to send money to family, friends, or business partners in Rwanda, M-PESA Global allows you to transfer funds instantly to MTN Rwanda. Whether you’re supporting family, paying for services, or conducting business, M-PESA makes it convenient to send money internationally. This guide will take you through the step-by-step process for sending money from M-PESA to MTN Rwanda, using both the USSD method and the MySafaricom App.
Requirements Before You Begin
Before you initiate the transaction, ensure the following:
- The recipient in Rwanda must have an active MTN Mobile Money account.
- You in Kenya must have an active Safaricom M-PESA account.
- You must be registered for M-PESA Global to send money internationally.
Once these prerequisites are met, you can choose between two methods: using USSD or the MySafaricom App.
Option 1: Send Money Using *840# (USSD Method)
For those who prefer a more direct approach without the need for an internet connection, the USSD method is an easy way to send money to MTN Rwanda.
Step 1: Register for M-PESA Global
- Dial *840# on your Safaricom phone to start the registration for M-PESA Global.
- Follow the prompts, enter your location, and confirm with your M-PESA PIN.
- Once completed, Safaricom will send you a welcome SMS confirming you are ready to send money abroad.
Step 2: Send Money from M-PESA to MTN Rwanda
- Dial *840# again.
- Select “Send Money Abroad” from the menu.
- Choose Option 1 to send money to a mobile number.
- Select Rwanda as the destination country.
- Enter the recipient’s MTN Rwanda mobile number in this format: 250xxxxxxxxx.
- Enter the amount you wish to send in Kenyan Shillings (KES).
- Confirm by entering your M-PESA PIN.
Once completed, you will receive two SMS messages:
- One with the transaction details.
- Another containing an MTCN code (Money Transfer Control Number), which the recipient will need to collect the funds.
Option 2: Use the MySafaricom App
For a more modern experience, the MySafaricom App offers a seamless way to send money from M-PESA to MTN Rwanda. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Register for M-PESA Global
- Open the MySafaricom App on your phone (ensure you are connected to the internet).
- Go to the M-PESA section and select M-PESA Global.
- Tap “Opt in” to register for international money transfers.
- Read and accept the Terms & Conditions.
- Enter your M-PESA PIN to complete the registration process.
- Wait for the confirmation SMS from Safaricom.
Step 2: Send Money from M-PESA to MTN Rwanda
- Open the MySafaricom App and log in to your account.
- Go to M-PESA > M-PESA Global > Send to Mobile.
- Select Rwanda as the destination country.
- Enter the MTN Rwanda phone number of the recipient.
- Provide the recipient’s full name and address (required for international transfers).
- Enter the amount to send and the purpose of the transfer (e.g., family support or business).
- Select your source of funds and tap Send.
Once the transfer is initiated, you will receive an SMS confirmation, and the recipient will usually receive the money in Rwandan Francs (RWF) within minutes.
Why Use M-PESA Global to Send Money to MTN Rwanda?
Using M-PESA Global has many benefits for cross-border transactions:
- Speed: Transfers are processed quickly, typically within minutes.
- Convenience: You can complete the transaction from anywhere in Kenya, whether you’re at home, work, or on the go.
- Security: M-PESA Global ensures your transactions are safe and secure.
- Affordability: The fees for international transfers are relatively low compared to traditional bank transfers.
Tips for a Smooth Transaction
- Double-check the Recipient’s Number: Always verify the recipient’s MTN Rwanda mobile number to avoid sending money to the wrong person.
- Use Correct Number Format: Make sure the phone number is entered in the correct format (250xxxxxxxxx) to avoid delays in processing.
- Verify All Details: Before confirming the transaction, check that all the details—recipient’s name, number, and amount—are correct to avoid errors.
