Can you Send Money From a Ship?

Whether you're working aboard a cruise ship or navigating the seas as part of a merchant crew, you might find yourself needing to send money back home. But can you actually send funds while you're offshore?

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Cassidy Rush is a writer with a background in careers, business, and education. She covers international finance news and stories for Remitly.

Life on the open sea can be an adventure, but it also comes with unique challenges. One of those is figuring out how to send money to loved ones back home while you’re miles away from the nearest shore. For seafarers, this task isn’t always straightforward. Time constraints and complicated transfer processes can make something as simple as sending money feel overwhelming.

But the good news? It’s possible! With the right tools and a little preparation. This guide will walk you through the different ways to transfer money while at sea, exploring the challenges, and how services like Remitly can make the process easier.

Need to Send Money from a Ship? Remitly can help.
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Exploring Your Money Transfer Options

First, let’s look at the options available for transferring money when you’re on a ship. Traditional methods like wire transfers and bank drafts remain popular options for seafarers, but they may present challenges. These methods may require access to a bank or post office, which is difficult when you’re on the water for long stretches of time. Additionally, they can potentially take days to process, leaving some uncertainty about when the money will arrive.

Digital platforms, on the other hand, bring the promise of convenience. With the right app, you can initiate a transfer in minutes directly from your mobile device.

How Satellite Internet Affects Sending Money

One of the biggest hurdles for transferring money onboard is internet reliability. Like everything else on a ship, your connection depends on satellite internet. Before you make a decision, be aware of:

  • Bandwidth Availability
  • Weather Conditions
  • Data Limitations
  • Latency Issues

Remitly for Seafarers: A Tailored Solution

Looking for a way to send money from a ship? That’s where Remitly can step in. Designed to help meet the needs of seafarers, Remitly offers a simple way to send money from ship to shore.

  • User-Friendly Interface: Onboarding is easy and made for seafarers. You only need a cruise ship ID and a passport to prove who you are.
  • Good Rates and Low Fees: You get more for every sent amount
  • Fast and Secure Transfers: You can feel safe as the transactions work well.
  • 24/7 Customer Support: You get help any time, for all questions and issues you may have.

This program can be used by seafarers all over the world including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Singapore.