Remitly Review 2026: Fast Transfers to Ethiopia
Updated: September 2026
4.5/5
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Remitly has become one of the most popular money transfer apps for the Ethiopian diaspora, primarily due to its reliable integration with Telebirr and aggressive promotional rates for new users.
Fees & Exchange Rates
Remitly generally charges a low flat fee depending on the delivery speed you choose. They offer an "Economy" tier (which is often fee-free but takes a few days) and an "Express" tier (small fee, but arrives in minutes).
Payout Methods in Ethiopia
- Mobile Wallet (Telebirr)
- Bank Deposit (CBE, Dashen, Awash, etc.)
- Cash Pickup (Major bank branches)
Transfer Speed
- Express (Debit/Credit Card): Usually arrives in minutes.
- Economy (Bank Transfer): Usually takes 3-5 business days.
Pros of Remitly
- Direct Telebirr support
- Excellent promotional rates for first-time users
- Highly rated mobile app
- Reliable tracking updates
Cons to Consider
- Exchange rate markup can increase after the first transfer
- Strict initial transfer limits before verification
- Credit card transfers incur extra fees
The Bottom Line
Remitly is highly recommended for anyone looking to send money directly to a Telebirr account in Ethiopia. Their first-time user rates are usually unbeatable, though you should keep an eye on their exchange rate for subsequent transfers.