Learn how to send large sums overseas swiftly, securely, and at a great exchange rate.
Always here when you need us
Experts in currency
R$60bn transferred each year
Transfers to 120+ countries
There are many reasons you might need to transfer a large amount of money overseas. Perhaps you’re looking to buy a property abroad. Maybe you’re purchasing a luxury item, or paying overseas tuition fees.
Whatever the reason, it’s vital that your transfer is safe and secure, and that you get an excellent exchange rate.
So, having an expert on your side to offer specialist support can make all the difference.
We can help you take control over how and when you send or receive your funds, achieve a better exchange rate, and enjoy peace of mind.
What’s more, with four branches scattered across Portugal, on-the-ground experts, and thousands of partners in the property and professional services sectors, we can provide a level of support and insight you just can’t get anywhere else.
We help our customers make large transfers for all kinds of reasons, from buying and selling property to purchasing luxury goods.
Buying property
Buying a dream property abroad can seem complicated, but making your money go further is simple with tailored services, guidance and support.
Selling property
If you’re selling an overseas property and need to transfer the proceeds, we can help you secure a strong exchange rate and get more from your money.
Luxury goods
Treating yourself to something special, like an imported car or artwork from overseas? Even if you’re splashing out, you can still save on your currency transfers.
Foreign investments
Protect your investments from currency volatility with our specialist services, such as targeting an exchange rate, paired with expert support and personal account management.
The better the exchange rate you receive, the more money you’ll get from your transfer. Some banks and providers charge additional fees, so be sure to review all the costs before settling on a rate.
It’s vital you use an established, trusted company and take steps to protect yourself from fraud. Whoever you choose to work with, make sure they’re authorised to operate in the EU.
To make sure your transfer is on time, ask how long it’s likely to take. It’s best to plan ahead and find out if there’s anything you need to do, such as submit documentation, to make sure things go smoothly.
The currency market is always moving, so finding the right time to transfer can have a big impact on your money. Ask us about the different products and services available to help you time your transfers.
A transfer to a higher-risk country could mean the transaction takes longer due to more robust safeguarding measures. Additionally, banks in some countries charge receiving fees for large sums so it’s best to check before you transfer.
You’ll have to provide a photo ID when opening a new account with a bank or currency provider. With large transfers you’ll also need to provide evidence of the source of funds, such as a bank statement or investment certificate.
The reason for your transfer could impact how and when you choose to send your money. It’s worth getting in touch with us to talk through your needs and the options available so we can find the right solution for you.
Unlike some FX providers, we don’t limit how much money you can send or receive. However, your bank may have its own daily transfer limit. If so, talk to your bank and see if they can increase the limit.
When you’re picking a transfer provider, there are two main options. You can opt for a high-street bank or go with a specialist money transfer company.
While many people choose to make large transfers through their banks, this isn’t always the best option.
Banks often work on higher margins than currency specialists, meaning you could get a better deal elsewhere. And they tend to offer a limited range of services, making it harder to time your transfer for when the market is in your favour.
It’s often better to use a money transfer provider for sending large sums, as they may get you a much better deal.
Currency providers tend to offer more competitive exchange rates than banks so you get more from your money. They’re also better placed to guide you through the process, offering a wider range of services and personal support.
At Currencies Direct, sending money overseas is our specialty.
Established in 1996, we were one of the first money transfer providers in Europe, and we’ve been helping people and businesses save money on their overseas transfers ever since.
We offer highly competitive exchange rates and we don’t charge transfer fees. There are no hidden costs or charges; once you’ve agreed a rate, that’s what you’ll get.
Transactions with us are swift and secure. We are authorised by the Bank of Spain in the EU, where we have passported our services into Portugal, and registered as a non-resident bank account holder in Brazil in collaboration with Banco BS2. And you can easily track transactions through your online account.
The thing that really sets us apart is our personalised approach, which is particularly important for larger transfers.
As a Currencies Direct customer, you’ll have your own account manager. Their role is to understand your needs and use their currency exchange expertise to help you get the best deal.
They’re also on hand to provide guidance and support if you ever have any questions or concerns, and they’re always happy to help.
Sending money to and from Portugal should be simple. With us it is.
Online or over the phone – it only takes a few minutes.
We'll help you pick the right time to move your money so you secure a great rate.
Send the money to us by bank transfer.
We'll get the currency where it needs to be swiftly and securely.
When sending large sums overseas, timing the market right can make all the difference. That’s why we work hard to help you find the best time to transfer.
If you set a rate alert, you’ll receive an instant notification when the market moves to your target rate.
Exchange currencies while the rate is strong and hold it in our digital wallets until you need it.
Sign up for daily insights from our currency analysts, keeping you up to date with the latest market movements.
View live exchange rates anytime, anywhere, with your Currencies Direct online account.
Customer stories
"I needed to send the proceeds of a property sale in Portugal to my bank account. Their website was very easy to use, their representatives patiently described the options I had, and they kept me informed every step of the way. Excellent!"
Your security is our priority. We have measures in place to keep your funds safe, and we’re here to help you protect yourself from fraud. There are important steps you must take to protect yourself from fraudsters, including checking that your payee is genuine and that their account details are correct.
Send money to 120 countries in 40+ currencies.
Speak to an expert about your large transfer requirements today.
We’re authorised by the FCA in the UK, by the Bank of Spain in the EU, and regulated by the relevant bodies around the world. We also operate segregated client accounts and hold the highest credit rating with Dun & Bradstreet, so you can rest easy in the knowledge that your funds will be in safe hands.
The rate you'll typically see when you do a general search is the ‘interbank rate' – the wholesale rate at which banks, and major financial institutions, buy and sell currency. This isn't available to companies or individuals.
At Currencies Direct we buy currency in bulk at wholesale rates and pass the savings to our customers.
The exchange rate changes every few seconds, but once we agree a rate with you that's the rate you'll get.
We buy currency in bulk at wholesale rates not available to companies or individuals. We add a small margin before selling the currency on at rates that are typically more competitive than the banks.
For most transfers there are no fees, however there may be fees applied in some circumstances.
In addition, transfers from Brazil are subject to a transfer tax at the rate of 0.38% on transfers to a third party and 1.1% on transfers to an account of the same name (please note that tax rates are subject to change).
All fees and taxes will be clearly outlined in your exchange rate quote.
Whatever works for you – online by or talking to one of our experts over the phone. You'll need to pay for your transfer by bank transfer, as we currently don't support PIX, cards or Boleto.
How long a currency transfer takes depends on the currency, destination and receiving bank. Funds are typically transferred within 24 hours or within no more than two working days.
Our competitive exchange rates and lack of transfer fees mean more of your money reaches its intended destination without unnecessary deductions. Additionally, our expert currency specialists can provide guidance on timing your transactions to take advantage of favourable exchange rate movements, potentially saving you even more.
The minimum and maximum transfer limits vary depending on whether you're conducting your transfer online or over the phone. If arranging a payment through our online platform, you can transfer a minimum of R$100 and a maximum of R$100,000 (or your currency equivalent).
If you need to transfer more than that, our team can provide personalised assistance to meet your specific needs. There's no upper limit on how much you can transfer.
We strive to offer you the most competitive exchange rates possible, which is why we continuously monitor the market to ensure that our rates remain favourable for our clients.
Currency transfer times vary between currencies and countries and can take anything from a few seconds to three working days.