Frequently Asked Questions

Western Union services are for anyone who needs to send or receive money quickly. From travellers and people supporting friends or relatives abroad, to business people who need to make faster international transfers.

Western union agents are our representatives in the different countries you need to send or receive money. They may be banks, post offices, supermarkets, grocery stores, check cashers, mailbox centers, drug stores, travel agencies, depots, airports, train and bus stations, currency exchange offices, and other retailers.

You’ll need to present a valid government-issued photo ID such as your passport, as well as a Sri Lanka-issued work permit if you’re an expat worker in Sri Lanka. Acceptable IDs are subject to the banking laws and regulations of Sri Lanka.

Once you get to our agent location, you will be asked to provide some information like your receiver’s first name, last name, the amount you wish to send, and the country you are sending to. You must also provide the agent with your passport and Sri Lanka-issued work visa. Then just give the agent the total amount you wish to send, plus the applicable fees.

You can also check the list of countries where you can transfer money directly to a bank account.

Finding an agent location in Sri Lanka is easy. Go to our agent locator tool.

You can send up to 80,000 LKR per month, as per the regulations.

Money transfers from Sri Lanka are generally paid out in cash, but can also be sent directly to a bank account.

Restrictions may apply. Please contact a Western Union agent to get more information about the restrictions.

You can check your transfer status online. All you need is the sender’s name and the tracking number (MTCN – Money Transfer Control Number) printed on the sender’s receipt.

Each Western Union agent location determines its own hours of operation. Some have extended hours and are open during weekends. Find a nearby Western Union agent location with our agent locator tool .