Growth in the money transfer business is more than just a numbers game—it’s about building stronger connections and empowering communities.
Much like Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) enhances user experience and business results, in our industry we focus on refining every interaction to ensure that sending money worldwide is both easy and secure for customers. So, how do we maximize our CRO efforts to turn users into loyal customers? How can a marketing technology stack boost our CRO and why should it be an integral part of a business strategy?
In this post, we will cover CRO, its importance to businesses and how a robust marketing technology stack can amplify CRO efforts. We’ll also discuss the integration of payback period with CRO and the marketing technology to maximize return on investment (ROI), enhancing user experiences and driving business growth.
Conversion Rate Optimization: What it is and why it is essential for users and businesses
Conversion Rate Optimization focuses on optimizing each touchpoint of the user journey, which is the interaction a customer has with a business. These touchpoints happen at different stages as the customer moves from discovering the brand to making a purchase or completing another action.
For example, in a money transfer service, touchpoints might include seeing an ad, visiting the website to check rates, completing the payment or receiving follow-up emails or messages.
Each time the customer interacts with the business, that’s atouchpoint. By improving these moments, we make it more likely that the customer will complete the desired action.
Understanding users’ behaviors and removing potential obstacles is key if we want to boost what we call conversion rate. This is the percentage of users that complete a desired action, such as logging in or making a transfer. A higher conversion rate means users are being guided more efficiently toward the business goal, making it crucial for both businesses and customers.
Enhancing the customer’s journey and experience
Ensuring that every money transfer is smooth and hassle-free is paramount for us at Ria. By refining the touchpoints, we can increase user satisfaction and reduce friction, making transactions more efficient and enjoyable.
In essence, we use CRO to help identify pain points and quickly resolve issues that might cause users to abandon their transfers. .
By continuously testing and optimizing, any inconsistencies or issues can be addressed, which helps us provide a more reliable experience and boost confidence among users. There are many moving parts when it comes to improving the customer journey, from analyzing performance and identifying low-conversion assets to optimizing resource allocation by improving conversion rates. At the same time, you can’t lose sight of user experience, which involves researching customers, learning what they want and how they interact with your business, and optimizing content for conversions to make sure the business is communicating effectively with its audience.
Benefits of Using CRO for businesses
As CRO directly influences key business outcomes such as revenue growth, customer retention and operational efficiency, it is crucial to set up and align conversion goals with business objectives.
By optimizing the user experience and removing barriers to completing transfers, CRO increases the likelihood that users will complete their transactions, leading to higher transaction volumes and increased revenue.
Moreover, a smooth and satisfying user experience encourages repeat business by developing stronger customer relationships with higher retention rates and long-term revenue growth.
In order to do that, we have to use CRO to gain valuable insights into how users interact with the service. This allows for targeted strategies and customizable user experiences with tailored services and communications.
CRO also allows us to stay agile and adapt to the constantly changing market conditions and customer needs. Ensuring that products and services remain relevant and responsive will lead to higher customer retention, which is vital for long-term success.
How martech stacks boost CRO efforts
A marketing technology (martech) stack is a collection of tools and technologies that create a powerful ecosystem that supports your marketing activities, including CRO.
Martech can provide advanced analytics and insights through tools like Google Analytics and ContentSquare, offering deep data on user behavior. These tools help track key metrics, such as session duration and abandonment rate, while identifying where users drop off. With this information, you can implement targeted changes to improve conversion rates and make more informed decisions on where improvements are needed.
Personalization and segmentation can also be achieved with martech stacks through the enabling of unique user experiences built on targeted messaging. This way, companies can deliver customized content to specific user segments, increasing engagement and conversions.
When it comes to experimentation, platforms like Optimizely and VWO can facilitate A/B testing, which allows us to experiment with various elements of an app or website. Continuous experimentation helps identify the most effective strategies for improving conversion rates.
Marketing automation enables us to bypass repetitive tasks and nurture customers with tools like Braze, which can set up automated inbox sequences to follow up with users who abandoned a relevant action, encouraging them to complete it. Automation ensures that no potential customer is left behind and that every opportunity to convert is maximized.
Finally, integration with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems make customized follow-ups a possibility. CRM data can be used to tailor CRO efforts based on customer behavior and preferences, helping to maintain a comprehensive understanding of customer interactions, enabling more personalized and effective marketing efforts.
Integrating Payback Period with CRO and Marketing Technology for Enhanced Business Growth
Understanding and Improving the Payback Period
The payback period shows businesses how long it will take to recover the money they spent on improvements. A shorter payback period means the business can start seeing profits sooner, helping it grow faster.
Businesses use insights from CRO and marketing technology to calculate how long it will take to recover their investment. For example, if a business spends $50,000 on improving conversion rates and marketing, and this results in an extra $10,000 in monthly revenue, it would take five months to break even. This helps the business understand when it will start making a profit.
Implementing high-impact strategies identified through CRO and marketing technology can significantly speed up revenue growth and accelerate ROI. For instance, if specific strategies lead to a higher increase in conversions and sales, the payback period might shorten, allowing the business to see returns sooner.
Enhancing Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)
Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) is the amount of money a business spends to acquire a new customer. This includes costs for marketing, advertising, and sales efforts. In essence, it’s how much a business pays to convince someone to start using the product.
CACcan also be lowered through improved efficiency. CRO efforts that enhance the conversion process help reduce the cost associated with acquiring new customers. For example, by optimizing the user journey and increasing conversion rates, companies can attract and convert customers more effectively.
By analyzing customer data and campaign performance, marketing strategies can be refined to target the most cost-effective channels and audiences, increasing productivity. This targeted approach also reduces CAC and improves overall profitability.
Increasing Customer Lifetime Value (CLTV)
Boosting Customer Lifetime Value (CLTV) with Personalized Engagement: can lead to enhanced customer experiences and to higher satisfaction and retention, all driven by CRO insights and data. For example, personalized offers and targeted communications increase customer loyalty and repeat business, which is likely to increase the CLTV.
Meanwhile, an effective use of marketing insights allows companies to provide exceptional service and support, strengthening customer relationships. This improved customer experience contributes to longer relationships and possibly greater CLTV, as satisfied customers are more likely to remain engaged and make repeat transfers.
Throughout this post, we’ve explored Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) at length and learned the vital role it plays in competitive markets such as ours. For us at Ria, user-friendly resources, security and efficiency are key to a long-lasting relationship with our customers.
Enhancing the user journey, building trust, and maximizing operational efficiency by improving automation, personalized experiences and targeted approaches are key to any CRO strategy.
By integrating marketing technology stacks and understanding how the payback period plays a relevant role in the day-to-day operation, CRM specialists can help organizations refine the effectiveness of their investments and accelerate growth.
Across the globe, small businesses play an essential role in spurring economic activity, often offering consumers vital services in their local vicinities. Be they newsagents, grocery stores or internet cafes, these enterprises also shape our communities by employing local residents and establishing a deep connection with their customer base.
This close proximity with the public provides small businesses with some key advantages. As the owner, you have the creative freedom to innovate and adapt your offering to better meet your customers’ needs and enhance your earnings.
With that in mind, let’s explore some curious ideas that could boost your income, while at the same time, allowing you to keep your core focus on your small business.
1. Rent out unused space
One of the biggest advantages of being a small business owner is the fact you have your own entity and are likely able to manage your retail space. If you have any unused storage space, vehicles or parking slots, consider renting them to other businesses in the area. Even if you use every inch of your premises, purchasing and then renting storage units can also translate into a steady stream of passive income. Unlike other real estate, these units have low operational costs and require very little maintenance. Before taking this step, be sure to analyze the local area. Typically, neighborhoods with a high apartment ratio tend to have a much higher demand for storage units.
2. Become a money transfer agent
With more people living outside their native countries than ever before, the need to send funds and support families and communities from abroad is steadily growing. In this sense, becoming a money transfer agent would not only boost your income but also provide a valuable service to migrants in your local area.
Becoming an authorized agent doesn’t require financial investment or lots of preparation. At Ria, we provide first-class training to ensure that all our agents are fully equipped to perform international transactions as well as offering continued support, including multilingual assistance. Additionally, Ria will actively promote and advertise the service on your behalf, helping you attract more customers.
Once you’ve established yourself as a money transfer agent, we recommend you use our custom-built Monthly Earnings spreadsheet to keep track of not only your commission fees but also your expenses and other sources of income.
3. Invest in laundromats and vending machines
Another popular source of passive income is placing laundromats in your store. Given the fact we always need clean clothes, these self-service facilities can provide you with year-round income. Better still, washing garments is not a quick process. While waiting, customers have time to browse and potentially purchase other products in your store. For this reason, contemplate adding vending machines to offer these consumers coffee as well as other snacks.
4. Become a drop-shipping point
Alternatively, if you have no excess space to utilize, you could develop a dropshipping business. Importantly, dropshipping doesn’t involve keeping any products at your business location. Instead, the role of the small business owner is to highlight products, either online or in their store, and then place orders with the supplier depending on demand. Upon receiving an order, the supplier will then ship the product directly to the customer.
This process, in effect, removes many of the challenges that typically come with running a small commercial enterprise, allowing you to expand your product range without large-scale investment. If you have a strong relationship with your customers and a good understanding of their needs, then dropshipping could become a reliable source of passive income.
However, before setting up, be sure to choose your suppliers carefully. As the seller, you will need to provide ongoing customer support, including organizing any refunds or product returns as well as resolving any supply chain issues directly with the wholesaler.
5. Take on side projects
With millions of companies adopting digital platforms during the Covid-19 pandemic, there is currently a huge global demand for skilled freelance workers. While strictly speaking not a passive source of income, freelance projects can help you harness your creative skills and earn additional funds, particularly during known quiet periods with low customer footfall.
Platforms like Freelancer and Upwork are full of creative writing, graphic design, web development and video editing tasks for freelancers to take on. Alternatively, consider longer-term side hustles that you could later convert into passive income. For instance, if you’re knowledgeable about a particular subject or have some amazing stories to share, consider producing an e-book for avid readers. Growing in popularity, e-books are relatively inexpensive to publish and the royalties you receive from sales could provide you with passive income for many years to come.
6. Sell products online
Sales shouldn’t be limited to those made in your store. Increasingly, consumers are buying more and more online with the eCommerce industry expected to be worth $9.3 trillion by 2027. Having your own online presence will enable you to highlight your existing products, including any leftover stock, to a much wider audience.
Equally, having a digital footprint would also help you set up a print-on-demand store. Typically, these online stores contain unique designs that can be placed on plain t-shirts, posters, cups and backpacks among other items. Similarly to dropshipping, this model allows you to offer customized products without the need for large amounts of capital or considerable storage space. Customers simply purchase a product on your website, automatically placing an order with your supplier, who will then add your design to the desired plain item and deliver the product directly to the customer.
7. Engage with the digital community
When introducing new sources of income, one of the biggest challenges small business owners face is maximizing the potential revenue, while at the same time, continuing to deal with the natural ebb and flow of customers visiting their store. In this sense, it is helpful to have paid online activities that you can pause at a moment’s notice. For instance, completing online surveys can provide you with a little extra money every day without heavily disrupting your core activities. InboxDollars and SurveySavvy are just a few examples of websites that offer payment for completed surveys.
Bonus tip: Put your money to work
Given money tends to lose value over time, consider investing any spare capital into either stocks, bonds or mutual funds. In essence, investing can boost your income in two ways. For instance, some investments offer dividends, regular payments made to the investor based on the performance of the asset. However, most investments simply appreciate as time progresses, helping you accumulate long-term wealth. For example, a standard $100 investment in corporate stocks in 1970 would have surpassed $22,000 in 2023.
At Ria, we understand the importance and impact small businesses have on our local economies. Their success helps our customers’ communities thrive, resulting in greater purchasing power, healthier households and better educational opportunities for children. By diversifying your small business and becoming a money transfer agent, you can help facilitate the flow of crucial funds from migrants to their loved ones back home.
Interested in becoming an authorized Ria agent? Visit our website to learn more about the great benefits of working with us and the steps to follow.
Remittances play a vital role for poverty-struck communities, especially when it comes to countries like Haiti. The Caribbean nation depends on remittances sent from abroad, particularly from the United States where the Haitian diaspora is considered the 15th largest foreign-born population.
Today, three-fifths of Haitians live on less than $2 a day. Following a long history of socioeconomic problems and decline, the devastating 2010 earthquake pushed the country to its limit. With no government system to fall back on and grave societal issues such as food insecurity, Haiti depends on the funds received from abroad. But these same remittances could help rebuild and restore Haiti to what it used to be.
Haiti’s and its Economy Today
Prior to the French colonial era, the island of Hispaniola was inhabited primarily by the Taínos. The population was organized into chiefdoms, with Marién and Jaragua occupying present-day Haiti.
Each chief was in charge of distributing work amongst their communities to ensure there would be enough food and resources to go around. For the most part, women were in charge of agricultural and domestic tasks, including artistic endeavors, while men would take care of planting, hunting, fishing, and carving. Even children played an active role, scaring away birds from the plantations.
Under subsequent French rule, Haiti, then known as Saint-Domingue, became one of the wealthiest and most profitable colonies in the world, though the indigenous and slave populations were not benefitting from this economic growth.
By 1804, Haiti became the first nation to have gained its independence through a slave revolt, the first freed colony in Latin American, and the first to abolish slavery. Unfortunately, it was this same great feat that cemented the nation’s economic decline.
There were several crucial factors at play: the destruction of capital and infrastructure, the lack of diplomatic and trade relations with other nations, the scarcity of foreign and domestic investment, the transitions towards subsistence farming to escape plantation agriculture, and reparation payments made to France.
The last factor was a particularly brutal and damming one. In order for the French Empire to formally recognize their independence, Haiti was forced to pay a sum of 150 million francs – or the equivalent of $21 billion in today’s money, which practically matches the country’s 2021 Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The Impact of the Haitian Diaspora
Fast-forward to today, Haiti is the poorest nation in the Western hemisphere, and its unlucky geographic location hasn’t helped.
As such, there has been a massive increase in migrants leaving the country over the years. Some 1.75 million Haitians had left the island by 2021, according to data from Knomad.
But there is hope for Haiti, and much faith can be applied to the ever-growing diaspora population. There’s an estimated 70% of skilled labor immigrants currently living outside the country, eager to get back home and build up their homeland.
Moreover, the Haitian diaspora, particularly in the US, has made big gains towards achieving better education, with some 13% of them obtaining a Bachelor’s degree- a far cry from the 4.53% in Haiti. This type of education can better prepare them to help in Haiti’s development.
All in all, the Haitian work ethic and belief in the equalizing force of education remains the diaspora community’s major asset.
Currently, the best contributions these overseas Haitians make to their economy is through remittances. The country relies heavily on them, and they make up to 24% of the country’s GDP. Some $3.8 billion worth of remittances were sent in 2023. For that reason, it’s also important to foster a climate of financial inclusion that will help Haitians take better advantage of the money they have and kick-start their future.
Fostering Financial Literacy and Inclusion
Being educated in financial literacy is crucial for financial inclusion, which continues to be a big challenge for Haiti going forward. Even those who own some type of bank account or mobile wallet still lack basic financial skills.
That education and skills deficit then impedes them from accessing the most basic of financial services, with a mere 32.6% of Haitians owning an account, according to data by World Bank.
In Haiti, only 1.27% of the GDP is spent on education, which is over 3 points lower than the global average, which sits at 4.4%. This lack of government funding directly impacts the population’s financial literacy levels and means that much of the education-related infrastructure, such as schools, aren’t prioritized to be repaired or rebuilt.
In fact, more than a thousand of the affected schools are yet to be rebuilt after another devastating earthquake in 2021.
Adding to this lack of schooling infrastructure, another aggravating factor is the poor literacy rate in the country, with just 61.7% of the population being able to read. If people can’t read, they’ll struggle to receive any type of education.
Another report concluded that the reason many people in Haiti don’t have a financial account is because they simply can’t afford one (34%) or that it’s too expensive (15%), so education isn’t the only factor at play.
Despite these relatively low figures, the number of Haitians with accounts is on the rise, to the point where they are nowon a par with other low-income countries. Though it’s still not an overly positive fact, it bodes well for the country going forward.
Empowering Hope through Remittances
Though Haiti is taking huge strides to improve their future, the country’s situation is still a difficult one. However, if there’s one thing that history has taught us is that they have proven to overcome fierce obstacles.
And now, with the money received through remittances, Haitians have a whole host of options regarding where they can best put their money to use, according to their needs and what they want.
Once Haitians achieve greater financial inclusion – be it through the opening of bank accounts or the acquisition of different financial products such as credit or loans – the money can be put towards developing local infrastructure, towards education to raise the ceiling for Haiti’s youngest or towards healthcare, all in a bid to reduce dependence on foreign aid, which totalled some $13 billion between 2011 and 2021.
By consciously channelling their funds, they can invest strategically to secure their future, improve the overall economy of their country, massively increase their immediate living conditions and also develop sustainable economic growth overall.
This puts Haiti at a bit of a crossroads. While the remittances Haitians receive can and should be put towards improving everyday life and the future of the country as a whole, a broken system plays against them.
In the meantime, steps should be taken to continue improving financial literacy. With better access to banks, Haitians will be more empowered and will achieve greater economic stability, helping to build a better future and drag themselves out of the complicated situation they’re currently in.
At Ria, we’re celebrating our one-year anniversary as Inter’s Official Money Transfer Partner. To do so, we set out to create a powerful spot highlighting the best qualities we share with one another.
“Never Far Away” tells the story of found family and how important it is to stay connected to our loved ones, even when you’re far away. The tale is a simple yet universal one. It showcases the power football and money transfers have to bring people together no matter the distance.
The video follows Anuar, María, Moussa and Irina, four migrants from vastly diverse backgrounds but who are connected by a common goal: helping the people they care for the most.
We follow Moussa, a care worker who always makes time to speak with his family despite his exhaustion from working all day. No matter how tired he may be, he makes sure his love and devotion are felt by his family.
María works as a seamstress so she can provide for her mom back home. Food always brought her family together, so she makes sure to pour into her work the same love her mom put into her recipes.
For Irina, a customer service rep at Ria, knowing her brother is alright is all that matters. Working hard to provide for him is all the motivation she needs to patiently wait for the day she can hug him again.
While striving for a better everyday life for themselves and their families, the four friends come together to enjoy an Inter match – a shared passion they’ve found in their new homes.
While these are just the tales of four people, there are thousands more like them. At Ria, we’re proud to amplify these migrant stories alongside Inter, and we look forward to another year of impactful collaboration and celebration.
Since 2012, Ria has been collaborating with the TeletónUSA foundation to help children with a range of disabilities, including neurological disorders, muscular deficiencies, and osteopetrosis. The non-profit organization offers rehabilitation services to improve the children’s quality of life. Recently, we were honored to receive a visit from TeletónUSA beneficiary Isaac and his mother Alejandra in our offices in Buena Park, California.
Isaac’s condition, treatment options and Alejandra’s fight for healthcare access
From the moment Isaac first opened his eyes sixteen years ago, his mom has been by his side. Isaac means the one who rejoices, and despite the challenges of being born with brain damage, Alejandra has made sure to do right by her son’s name. Though it’s not impossible to receive therapy for this type of disability, treatment is usually halted if the patient’s condition doesn’t improve. Against all odds, Alejandra has continued to fight for her son’s healthcare access, not in search of a cure, but simply for moments of relaxation or respite from her son’s pain.
A renewed hope: TeletónUSA transmission and an innovative treatment
One December evening, Alejandra happened upon a TeletónUSA transmission while watching TV. She was fascinated by what they were showing, an innovative treatment called hydrotherapy. She wished there was a center close by that could offer this type of service, and, within a couple of months, her prayers were answered. She received a call from a friend whose daughter also has special needs. “She told me she was in touch with Teletón Mexico and could send them over to my house as well. Two months later, they were interviewing us and taking note of Isaac’s specific needs,” shared Alejandra.
This was great news. Isaac was soon enrolled in the Centro de Rehabilitación e Inclusión Infantil (CRIT) La Paz, a TeletónUSA rehabilitation center located in Baja California. “Hydrotherapy is the most enriching because it lessens muscle aches. In my case, I had never seen my son relax until he was floating in the water,” recalled Alejandra. Isaac also received physical therapy and his first Botox injection at CRIT La Paz, which helped relax the muscles in his back. “They are constantly fighting their own bodies because spasticity hurts,” she explained.
The Centro de Rehabilitación e Inclusión Infantil (CRIT) La Paz: how CEMS therapy can help
The CRIT La Paz also offers CEMS therapy, which stands for Cuarto de Estimulación Multisensorial or Multisensorial Stimulation Room. The room is filled moving lights and other stimulants meant to help children with disabilities develop their five senses. “It’s a blessing, being able to move a finger. We’re millionaires. We can see, we can hear, we can swallow, we can touch… With them, we need to help them touch, smell, and even work on their hearing to help them develop it,” said Alejandra.
Before the stimulation room, doctors had assumed Isaac was blind. Yet, Isaac was mesmerized by the lights, following their movements with his eyes and even lifting his head for the first time. As of now, Isaac is considered to be legally blind, though the full extent of his ability to see is still unknown.
Knowledge gained and continued therapy
“For me as a mom, the greatest feeling is seeing your child react to something and to know that you can take away their pain. The knowledge you gain from the specialists, doctors, and therapists in these centers is something you get to take home. I’m no longer at the CRIT, but I continue to give him the therapy I learned,” said Alejandra.
We were deeply moved by the family’s visit, which inspired us to continue striving to break new fundraising records for the next TeletónUSA later this year. “I prayed and cried to find angels like you. People who lend a hand and who care about your son’s life. When we’re sick, we want people to be there for us. Sometimes our whole world closes up and we think no one’s there, but there are angels, and what you do with love and excellence is priceless.”
The cost of living in the U.S. varies significantly based on location, lifestyle choices, and economic conditions. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the cost of living in major regions and cities in 2024.
We’ll look at major cities in the West, analyzing the following factors:
Housing
Transportation
Healthcare
Taxes
Note that, in general, living in rural areas in the U.S. can be cheaper than living in urban areas because of lower land prices, and reduced expenses for groceries, transportation, and utilities. While rural living may be cheaper in some respects, it may also come with trade-offs such as limited job opportunities, fewer amenities, and longer travel times for certain services or activities.
Cost of Living in Chicago
Chicago is renowned for its iconic skyline dominated by architectural marvels like the Willis Tower and John Hancock Center, its vibrant cultural scene with world-class museums such as the Art Institute of Chicago, and its deep-rooted history in jazz, blues, and theater. The city also boasts legendary teams like the Bulls, Bears, Cubs, and Blackhawks. So, what’s the cost of living in the U.S. in Chicago?
Housing
Average Rent Cost: The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Chicago is around $1,400 per month, with variations based on neighborhood desirability and property features.
Luxury Rentals: High-end luxury apartments and condos in prime neighborhoods like the Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, and River North can command significantly higher rents, often exceeding $3,000 per month for one-bedroom units.
Median Home Prices: The median sale price for homes in Chicago is close to $360,000.
Transportation
Chicago has an extensive public transit system operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), including buses and the ‘L’ train system. The L train costs $2.50 per ride, and a bus ticket is only $2.25.
Wheel Tax: This is a municipal vehicle registration fee to provide the City with a source of funds to be used for transportation purposes. According to the Office of the City Clerk, all Chicago residents driving, parking, leasing, or owning a vehicle are subject to this tax. Costs vary from $90.88 to $144.33, depending on the size of your vehicle.
Illinois has a flat income tax rate for individuals and corporations. Chicago residents also pay local taxes, including sales tax on purchases and property taxes. According to AARP, these are the current rates for main taxes in Chicago:
Income tax: 4.95 percent
Property tax: 2.08 percent of a home’s assessed value (average)
Sales tax: 10.25 percent
Cost of Living in Seattle
Seattle is synonymous with innovation and technology, being the birthplace of tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and exploring nearby national parks like Mount Rainier and Olympic National Park are integral parts of Seattle’s identity. So, what’s the cost of living in the U.S. in Seattle?
Housing
Seattle is known for its booming tech industry, leading to higher housing costs, especially in desirable neighborhoods and downtown areas.
Average Rent Cost: The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Seattle is $2,267.
Median Home Prices: The median sale price for homes in Seattle is close to $850,000.
Transportation
The Seattle Streetcar is an integral part of the overall transit and mobility network for Seattle. A single ride costs $2.25.
Congestion Pricing Tax: Seattle is planning to implement a strategy to address congestion and transportation emissions through pricing. It involves pricing city streets to encourage alternatives to single-occupant vehicle trips and to improve travel reliability, reduce travel times, and improve safety. Charges may range from $1 to $20 at certain times of day, with various caps, discounts, and exemptions.
Healthcare
The average cost of health insurance in Chicago is $503 per month for a 40-year-old. Rates will vary based on age, lifestyle, location, etc.
Washington does not have a state income tax on wages. This means there is no personal income tax in Washington. According to AARP, these are the current rates for main taxes in Seattle:
Property tax: 0.98 percent of a home’s assessed value (average)
Sales tax: 9.38 percent
Cost of Living in Portland
Portland is renowned for its eclectic and progressive culture, often described as quirky and artistic. Portland is also known for its commitment to sustainability, with extensive bike lanes, eco-friendly initiatives, and a strong emphasis on environmental consciousness. Portland’s beautiful natural surroundings, including nearby forests, rivers, and the iconic Columbia River Gorge, provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring the great outdoors. So, what’s the cost of living in the U.S. in Portland?
Housing
Portland offers a unique lifestyle with a focus on sustainability and eco-friendly living, although housing costs have risen in recent years.
Average Rent Cost: The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Portland is $1,728.
Median Home Prices: The median sale price for homes in Portland is around $530,000.
Transportation
Portland has a comprehensive public transit system operated by TriMet, including buses, MAX light rail, and streetcars, promoting alternative modes of transportation. Fare rates are as follows:
TriMet bus and MAX Light Rail fares are $2.80 to ride for 2.5 hours; $5.60 for a day pass
For the Portland Streetcar: $2.50 to ride for 2.5 hours; $5 for a day pass.
The city is bike-friendly with bike lanes, paths, and bike-sharing programs, contributing to a culture of cycling.
Portland has a bike-share program known as Biketown since 2016, with 1,000 bright orange, eight-speed bicycles. After paying a one-time $5 sign-up fee, you’ll be charged 8 cents per minute ($2.40 for 30 minutes of use). You can use up to four bikes per account.
You can also rent an electric scooter. Powered by an electric motor and maxing out at 15 miles per hour, these e-scooters are another energy-efficient alternative to driving a car.
Healthcare
The average cost of health insurance in Portland is $578 per month for a 40-year-old. Rates will vary based on age, lifestyle, location, etc.
The average cost of a doctor’s visit ranks between $93 – $143.
Taxes
Oregon has a progressive income tax system. Portland residents also pay state and local taxes, including property taxes and sales tax on purchases. According to the Tax Foundation, these are the current rates for main taxes in Portland:
Income tax: Oregon has a graduated individual income tax, with rates ranging from 4.75 percent to 9.90 percent.
Property tax: 2.24 percent of a home’s assessed value (average)
Sales tax: Oregon does not have a state sales tax and does not levy local sales taxes.
Cost of Living in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is known for its glamorous entertainment industry, with Hollywood at its epicenter, making it a global hub for film, television, and music. With a Mediterranean climate and miles of stunning beaches like Santa Monica and Venice, outdoor activities such as surfing, hiking in the nearby hills, and enjoying beachfront attractions are integral parts of the LA lifestyle. The city’s dynamic arts scene, museums like the Getty Center, and diverse neighborhoods further contribute to its status as a cultural and entertainment capital. So, what’s the cost of living in the U.S. in Los Angeles?
Housing
Average Rent Cost: The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles is $2,719.
Median Home Prices: The median sale price for homes in Los Angeles is around 1.2 million.
Housing costs in popular areas like Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Downtown LA are typically higher.
Transportation
Los Angeles is known for heavy traffic congestion and long commute times.
However, the city has one of the country’s most extensive public transportation networks, including subways, light rail, buses and shuttles that service every corner of the Greater Los Angeles area.
A regular Metro ride is $1.75. Fares for a one-way trip on Metro includes 2 hours of free transfers.
Healthcare
The average cost of health insurance in Los Angeles is $600 per month for a 40-year-old. Rates will vary based on age, lifestyle, location, etc.
California has a progressive income tax system with higher rates for higher incomes. Los Angeles residents also pay local taxes, including sales tax and property taxes. According to AARP, these are the current rates for main taxes in Los Angeles:
Income tax: 1 percent to 12.3 percent (California has nine tax brackets, ranging from 1 percent to 12.3 percent. Those who make over $1 million also pay an additional 1 percent income tax).
Property tax: 0.75 percent of a home’s assessed value (average)
Sales tax: 8.85 percent
Cost of Living in Phoenix
Phoenix is known for its desert climate, stunning natural landscapes, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The city’s cultural scene includes museums like the Heard Museum, showcasing Native American art and history, and the Phoenix Art Museum. With a growing culinary scene, diverse neighborhoods, and major sports teams like the Phoenix Suns (NBA) and Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Phoenix offers a blend of outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, and urban amenities So, what’s the cost of living in the U.S. in Phoenix?
Housing
Phoenix offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major cities.
Average Rent Cost: The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Phoenix is $1,534.
Median Home Prices: The median sale price for homes in Phoenix is $525,000.
Transportation
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it costs more to get around in Phoenix – a city that was designed for cars – than in any other U.S. metro. Phoenix households spend an average of $12,776 per year on transportation, whether by private car or public transportation.
Phoenix has a network of highways and roads, and the Valley Metro system provides public transit services including buses and light rail (Valley Metro Rail).
The one-way cost is $2.00 for local bus and an All-Day pass is $4.00. The one-way cost is $3.25 for RAPID and Express buses and $6.50 for an All-Day pass.
Healthcare
The average cost of health insurance in Phoenix is $517 per month for a 40-year-old. Rates will vary based on age, lifestyle, location, etc.
With notably low taxes on working and retirement income, and no estate or inheritance tax, Arizona is one of the more tax-friendly states for older workers and retirees. According to AARP, these are the current rates for main taxes in Phoenix:
Income tax: 2.5 percent
Property tax: 0.63 percent of a home’s assessed value (average)
Sales tax: 8.37 percent
Cost of Living in Denver
Denver is renowned for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and vibrant cultural scene. Situated near the Rocky Mountains, Denver attracts outdoor enthusiasts with easy access to hiking, skiing, and camping in nearby mountain areas. Denver’s cultural offerings include the Denver Art Museum, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and a rich music scene spanning genres from indie and folk to jazz and blues. Additionally, Denver is a hub for technology, startups, and entrepreneurship, contributing to its dynamic economy and diverse community. So, what’s the cost of living in the U.S. in Denver?
Housing
Denver’s housing market has seen significant growth and demand in recent years, leading to rising housing costs, especially in popular neighborhoods and downtown areas.
Average Rent Cost: The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Denver is $1,979.
Median Home Prices: The median sale price for homes in Denver is $600,000.
Transportation
Denver has an extensive public transit system operated by RTD (Regional Transportation District), including buses, light rail (RTD Rail), and commuter rail services.
In 2023, the RTD approved a new fare plan that lowered the cost of a ticket for most riders. RTD said “simpler, more affordable fares” will replace the current ticking system of fare zones. The Denver Post provides a useful graphic:
Healthcare
The average cost of health insurance in Denver is $535 per month for a 40-year-old. Rates will vary based on age, lifestyle, location, etc.
Colorado has a flat income tax rate for individuals. The state has no estate or inheritance tax, relatively low property taxes and one of the lowest state sales taxes in the country; however, some municipalities levy a local sales tax. According to AARP, these are the current rates for main taxes in Denver:
Income tax: 4.4 percent. Denver also collects local income taxes. The tax is paid by people working in those cities, regardless of where they live.
Property tax: 0.55 percent of a home’s assessed value (average)
Sales tax: 7.81 percent
Whether you are planning to move to the U.S. or you already call it home, our Ria Money Transfer app is an easy way to send money to your loved ones abroad – download it today!
Australia, the fabled land Down Under. The place you visit and end up leaving with more questions than answers thanks to its vastly different flora and fauna and stunning, otherworldly landscape.
But today, we’re here to talk about its people and the bespoke language and culture they’ve nurtured, which makes this huge country such a unique place for anyone to live in and emigrate to.
Australian Culture and Immigration: Perspectives from Migrants and Foreigners
Language and culture barriers are often the biggest hurdles a person will face when starting a brand-new life in an unfamiliar country. Despite the challenges most of them have to overcome, they still make the effort to take part in shaping a country’s identity with their own perspectives.
The case is especially true for those making the move to Australia thanks to their migration system. In recent decades it’s hard to not associate the country with immigration, and according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics over a quarter of the country’s population was born overseas.
Data collected by Australia’s Department of Home Affairs showed that aside from the United Kingdom or China, citizens from India, the Philippines, Vietnam or Nepal also make up a large chunk of the migrant population. It’s a testament to the diversity of people that can be found there.
The variety of ingredients in this particular melting pot have led to a clear cultural exchange taking place in Australia. Even though immigrants still maintain heavy links to their home nations, that hasn’t stopped them from adapting to the local lingo.
Decoding Aussie Slang: Insights and Misconceptions
Australian slang culture takes the crown for the most diverse in the English-speaking world. For starters, Aussie English speakers use the highest number of diminutives in the English language – over 5,000 of them!
The sheer variety in ways to say different words will be overwhelming for a newly arrived migrant, so getting up to speed is a challenge.
However, with time people will eventually learn the ropes around the tricky Aussie slang. According to a study by Ria, over 90% of expats who have lived in Australia for over 10 years know an average of 5-6 slang words.
The same study discovered that people who settle down in the state of Queensland picked up Aussie slang more effectively, while those hailing from the African continent assimilated the words quicker than their Asian and South American counterparts.
But Aussie slang is no easy thing to wrap your head around. In fact, many of the turns of phrase often lead to misconceptions about what is being said. There are several well-used sayings that mean something unrelated to the original phrase.
For example, if someone has “kangaroos loose in the top paddock”, it doesn’t mean that person has free-roaming kangaroos in their back garden– it refers to that person having strange or crazy ideas.
It only adds another layer of difficulty for people trying to learn the language and its nuances.
Australia’s Remittances
But despite all these cultural surprises, more recent migrants in Australia have mentioned how cost of living has been a greater shock to them than the slang and the language itself.
According to the Ria study, two thirds of respondents cite the cost of living crisis as having impacted their ability to send money back home. This is significant because close to 50% of remittances sent from Australia are to support families with living expenses.
But that hasn’t stopped younger people from contributing financially. Some 14% of Gen Z immigrants still send over half their wages to family overseas, despite the ongoing and escalating financial pressures.
Even with these financial difficulties, the contributions migrants make to the Australian economy should not be overlooked. They currently add an impressive $330 billion to the country’s GDP, a figure that is only going to go up in the next few decades.
It’s estimated that their contribution will grow exponentially to $1.6 trillion by 2050, according to this report by the Australia Migration Council. Moreover, each individual migrant will, on average, add some 10% more to the Australian economy than an already established resident.
The same report also highlights the positive impact migration will continue to have. Not only will it drive population growth, helping Australia hit 38 million residents by 2050, but it will also impact labor participation, employment, wages, income, national skills base and net productivity.
The data shows that despite cultural and financial difficulties, migrants play a key role in many countries. Their resilience allows them to overcome so many obstacles, as they continue sending money home and providing for their families.
Looking to send money to relatives in other countries? Make sure to use Ria Money Transfer for an accessible, efficient, and cost-effective way to remit money worldwide.
December has arrived and you know what that means: it’s holiday time! Regardless of where you live around the world, you’ll most likely participate in one winter holiday or another. Here are five winter holidays you can expect to see in the weeks leading up to the New Year.
Hanukkah
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a winter holiday celebrated by the Jewish community.
This 8-day celebration commemorates a historic revolt in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BCE, which ultimately gave the Jewish people back their freedom to practice Judaism. Before their victory, Jewish temples had been seized and converted to worship the Greek gods. The legend states that the Jews returned to the temple and found only one jar of oil to light their sacred candles. Miraculously, the jar of oil lasted 8 days — enough time to find more oil and, therefore, continue to bless the temple.
Today, the holiday centers around family and friends. Jews celebrating Hanukkah light a candleholder called a menorah for eight nights. The menorah holds nine candles—one for each night plus a candle called the shamash used to light the other candles.
Other ways to celebrate include playing with the dreidel and eating oil-fried foods like latkesandsufganiyot.
Yule
Yule is celebrated on the winter solstice, making it one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world! Today, Yule practices are largely synonymous with the Christian holiday of Christmas, but the meaning behind Yule is quite different.
The word yule comes from the ancient word jól, used by Vikings to refer to the winter solstice festival. Winter solstice marks the longest night of the year, and therefore, the return of the sun. After the solstice, the days once again grow longer. It’s seen as a time of rebirth and renewal.
To celebrate, Norse men would bring home large yule logs to set on fire, which would burn for up to 12 days. During this time, people feasted and practiced gratitude.
Today, it’s common to decorate homes with evergreen wreathes and lit fireplaces. Take this shift in seasons as an opportunity to reflect and focus on new beginnings.
Christmas
Traditionally, Christmas is celebrated by Christians on Dec. 25 to remember the birth of Jesus Christ. The story states that a woman named Mary was told she’d give birth to the son of God. She traveled to Bethlehem and gave birth in a barn. News traveled fast, and three wise men came with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Children may not receive myrrh in the 21st century, but they do receive presents….from Santa Claus! Traditions throughout the years have combined with other cultures and holiday celebrations to become what they are today. This has led to the Western lore that a man named Santa Claus lives at the North Pole and delivers presents to children every year on a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer.
Today, many people celebrate Christmas regardless of religion! Popular traditions include decorating the Christmas tree, baking cookies for Santa’s reindeer, and opening presents on the big day.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a winter holiday created to honor African heritage in African-American culture. Kwanzaa is observed for seven days, from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, and finishes in gift giving and a big feast.
Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza which means “first fruit” or “harvest.” Celebrations often include songs and dances, storytelling, poetry readings, African drumming, and feasts.
Each of the celebrated days is dedicated to one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa: unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
New Year’s Eve
Last but not least, New Year’s Eve is one of the most widely celebrated holidays around the world! It marks the last day of the Gregorian calendar and entry into the new year.
Festivities typically begin on Dec. 31 and continue into the early hours of Jan. 1. Popular traditions include attending parties, making resolutions for the new year, and watching fireworks.
—
Need a last minute gift for your holiday celebration? We recommend sending your loved ones money with Ria Money Transfer. Download the Ria app today.
Schools have reopened in regions across the globe, and for many students and teachers alike, school finally feels much the way it did before the COVID-19 pandemic began.
The return to “normal” comes after several years of school closures, remote learning, canceled events, and other disruptions to the academic calendar. But as families settle back into the welcome return of normalcy, it is important to remember that school closures have hit some communities harder, and for longer, than others.
The time students have spent out of the classroom threatens to have lasting developmental, social, and economic consequences for an entire generation. What will post-COVID education look like, and what can be done to help schools prepare for future disruptions and help students recover from learning losses?
Before and after COVID: the academic effects of empty classrooms.
UNESCO estimates that, as of March 2022, students have missed a combined two trillion hours of in-person learning globally since the beginning of the pandemic. 405 million schoolchildren in 23 countries still had not returned to in-person learning as of spring of this year.
One recent study found that, in four out of five countries, students have suffered measurable learning losses since the beginning of the pandemic. Students in Pakistan were found to have lost the equivalent of between 0.3 and 0.8 years of learning, while more than 80 percent of students in India were found to have lost at least one specific math ability and one specific language ability as compared to the previous school year.
Missing days in school has an impact on students that extends beyond education. For many, school is also a place that provides safety, socialization, access to healthcare resources, and a reliable meal. School nutrition programs serve approximately 370 million children worldwide, and the pandemic led to an estimated 30 percent reduction in essential nutritional services in low and middle-income countries.
Even where schools have reopened, the disruptions have had a lasting impact on students, with estimates suggesting that the current generation of students risks losing as much as $17 trillion in total lifetime income because of educational losses and school closures.
The impacts of school closures aren´t shared equally.
Educational setbacks stemming from school closures in recent years have only deepened existing divides between students from high and low-income families and communities. Studies conducted in Mexico and Ethiopia, for example, show that low-income students have fallen further behind in reading and math than their higher-income counterparts.
There are many complex causes behind this gap. Families with fewer resources have less income available for school fees, books, supplies, and transportation. Students without adequate nutrition have a harder time focusing on schoolwork and suffer from worse overall health. And families struggling to make ends meet sometimes rely on school-aged children to earn extra income by working – a problem only worsened for families facing illness, death, or job loss.
What can we do to get students back on track?
The worldwide scope of learning losses can make the path to post-COVID recovery seem daunting. But groups like UNESCO that have studied the situation in-depth make several recommendations about how nations around the globe can help students and school systems recover from extended school closures and begin to make up for lost time.
Schools need adequate funding to help students recover from learning losses. The share of both international development assistance and humanitarian aid that went toward education fell during the pandemic, and on average countries directed only 3 percent of their COVID stimulus packages to keeping students enrolled and engaged despite the hurdles. Without more resources, schools will face an uphill battle in providing the tools, expertise, and attention students need to succeed in a post-COVID world.
Recovery plans should not stop at getting schools “back to normal”. School systems must be able to adapt to changing needs without losing valuable classroom time. Teachers, administrators, and students alike need to be equipped with the resources and training necessary to continue teaching and learning despite extraordinary circumstances, including e-learning and digital learning resources, stable internet connections, and support for their mental health to improve overall wellbeing.
Ria + Save the Children.
At Ria, we believe that we share the responsibility of helping get students around the world back on track. That’s one of the reasons why we’ve joined forces with Save the Children — to drive positive change and improve the lives of vulnerable children worldwide.
In addition to emergency appeals that channel donations to areas of urgent need around the world, Ria´s partnership with Save the Children also includes investment in longer-term social intervention projects aimed at supporting at-risk children and their families. Two of those initiatives are poised to make an early and lasting impact on students.
In the Philippines, Ria and Save the Children will help ensure that nearly 9,000 boys and girls have access to quality, safe, uninterrupted education by providing school supplies and hygiene kits, furniture for temporary learning spaces to help ensure that kids displaced by disaster are able to continue learning, and training staff to spot signs of abuse and take action to protect students.
And in Mexico City, Ria and Save the Children will contribute to early-childhood education for more than 2,000 vulnerable children between the ages of 0 and 6 through preschool teacher training, learning materials aimed at helping kids master age-appropriate reading and math skills, and even an educational podcast for parents.
Supporting education is just one of the many ways this partnership promises to make a lasting positive impact on vulnerable children around the world. Find more information about our partnership with Save the Children and how you can be a part of it on our blog.
Millions of people leave their home country each year to improve their lot in life. Whether it be for work, study, or to escape natural disaster or conflict, the world has witnessed a steady flow of people picking up roots and moving on since the beginning of time.
Since 1970, the number of international migrants has increased threefold to 281 million, the United Nations’ most recent estimate, dated 2020. That’s less than four of every one hundred people.
Before COVID-19 acted as a brake on the movement of people, the number of international migrants throughout the world had been rising steadily. The United Nations estimates that the pandemic slowed the growth in the global pool of migrants by about two million by mid-2020, 27 percent less than the growth that had been expected.
Despite the pandemic, there are more migrants in the world today than there were 30 years ago. Different countries and regions have become more interconnected with the rise of a global economy and more people have been leaving their country of birth to pursue employment or educational opportunities abroad.
According to the World Bank’s most recent report on migration, Europe is currently the largest destination for international migrants, with 87 million, followed closely by Asia with 86 million international migrants. North America is the destination of 59 million of the world’s migrants, or 21 percent of the total.
At Ria Money Transfer, we are committed to helping families remain connected no matter how far apart they may be, by providing a cross-border money transfer service that is affordable, fast and safe. This report provides a snapshot of the factors that are impacting the international migrants who are our customers and the remittances they sacrifice to consistently send home, contributing to development abroad.
Many international migrants feel a deep obligation to consistently support the people they leave behind. The money they send back home – remittances – is often a critical lifeline for their families. International remittances to low and middle-income countries were over $600 billion last year, far exceeding development aid provided to those countries.
The remittances received from family members abroad keep food on the table for families, improve the educational opportunities of many children in the developing world, allow people access to healthcare, broaden resources available to small farmers, and help support small-scale businesses whose growth would otherwise be limited due to credit constraints, among other benefits. In developing countries where workers are abundant but have few opportunities for formal employment, remittances get people started on the path to self-employment. The evidence is strong that remittances help alleviate poverty for recipient families.
The impact of remittances goes further and can even improve the economic prospects of entire countries. In extreme cases, such as Nepal and Samoa, remittance inflows represent nearly 30 percent of GDP. For many developing countries, remittances contribute more than 10 percent of GDP.
2. The cost of sending remittances
The World Bank estimates that international remittances will grow an additional 4.2 percent this year to $630 billion. They are a crucial development tool that helps alleviate poverty. But is the cost of sending remittances commensurate with the critical needs they often help address?
Cutting the price of sending remittances by just a few percentage points would save remittance senders billions per year, according to development analysts. It’s no wonder that the United Nations has made reducing the cost of sending remittances to 3 percent an important factor in helping to reach the Sustainable Development Goals it has set for 2030. The UN recognizes why remittances are so important, and the impact they have on SDGs such as reducing poverty and hunger while promoting better health care and access to quality education.
The global average cost of sending a cross-border remittance stood at 6.04 percent at the end of last year, down from 6.8 percent In 2019. As the World Bank reports in its most recent Remittance Prices Worldwide report, the number of corridors with average costs of less than 5 percent is steadily increasing and mobile money options are helping reduce the cost of sending remittances in many markets. Still, some remittance corridors remain slow to take up the trend, such as Sub-Saharan Africa where fragmented payment systems, burdensome regulatory requirements and legacy non-compete clauses are keeping average remittance costs at nearly 8 percent.
3. COVID-19’s impact on remittances
More than 100,000 COVID-related travel restrictions were put in place by countries or territories during the pandemic. Aside from the far-reaching effect it had on international mobility, COVID slammed the economies of many developed countries. The majority – 64 percent – of the world’s migrants are living in G-20 countries so COVID’s economic impact had the potential to produce devastating consequences for many people in low and middle-income countries.
Convinced that the economic slowdown would mean that migrants simply would not have money to send, analysts initially forecast a 20 percent drop in remittances in 2020. Not only did remittances hold up, they increased by nearly one percent for that year and rebounded eight percent to low and middle-income countries in 2021.
International migrants know how important the money they send to their families back home is so they will go to extraordinary lengths to continue to send it, cutting back on their own consumption or drawing on savings to continue to support their families. Remittances are remarkably resilient in the face of crisis.
The resilience of remittances has been especially surprising considering the difficulties many international migrants have faced due to restrictions on mobility and lockdowns. At the start of the pandemic, migrants around the world not only became stranded in destination countries, but also while in transit. Migrants faced not only loss of jobs and employment, but the loss of residence permits and social services that are often tied to employment. Others were without resources to return home or faced restrictions on movement or closed borders that left them in limbo.
Many of the migrants who had maintained their employment throughout pandemic lockdowns were typically health or frontline workers exposed to a higher risk of contracting the virus. Many high-income countries depend on foreign-born healthcare workers, including the U.S., France, the U.K., and Germany (OECD).
The pandemic brought incalculable suffering and loss to people around the world, but it also forced the adoption of technology at an unprecedented rate. Technology that already existed but had not been implemented at scale was suddenly in high demand due to lockdowns and social distancing. This accelerated several trends in the payment ecosystem overall and brought unprecedented technological adoption. Some analysts estimate that five years’ worth of technological adoption took place in less than a year due to COVID.
Suddenly, not only did businesses need to provide a lot more goods and services online to survive, but the sheer volume of digital payment transactions meant that investment in payment infrastructure would pay off much more quickly both for businesses and the entities that provide them with financial service solutions, strengthening real-time payment networks. This helped pave the way for faster processing speeds as more processes became automated and more technological advances were implemented.
Not only have the digital payment services of traditional businesses improved since early 2020, but the number of customer-facing applications, and their adoption by consumers, also grew rapidly. There were 230 billion downloads of mobile applications in 2021 alone to serve the estimated 6.3 billion smartphone users worldwide.
5. Governments deliver support through digital channels
According to the World Bank, there are 1.7 billion people in the world without a bank account. Improving access to a basic account is a crucial first step in reaching broader financial inclusion goals and the digitization of aid payments can open a door to the financial system for many people. Before the pandemic, progress had been gradual. In 2017, about 63 percent of adults globally had a bank account, up from 54 percent in 2011.
The efforts of a number of countries made during the pandemic to encourage the use of digital services have made an impact on financial inclusion. In fact, most of the growth in the recent uptake in mobile wallet use has been in markets where governments provided substantial pandemic relief.
Nearly 60 low and middle-income countries have used digital payments to deliver emergency relief during the pandemic. One example is Brazil, which used its new real-time payments system, Pix, to distribute COVID-19 relief aid, resulting in 70 million new accounts in a country that has an estimated 34 million unbanked adults.
Access to mobile money payments and solutions is also pushing more people in low and middle-income countries to open bank accounts. This is due in part to the efforts of authorities in countries such as Colombia which is promoting the financial services sector and improving regulation and monitoring. The number of Colombians with a bank account grew to 86% in the first half of 2020, up from 82% at the end of 2019.
International relief organizations and NGOs are also using digital channels to disburse aid. The UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, sent $700 million in cash and value assistance to 8.5 million recipients in 100 countries in 2020. The organization has established digital payment programs in 47 countries, 15 of which use mobile money. The digitization of cash assistance has the potential to foster financial inclusion.
In general, mobile money adoption continued to rise in 2021 globally, reaching $1 trillion transactions for the year. Registered mobile money accounts have grown 18% since 2020, reaching 1.35 billion globally by the end of last year.
In the case of remittances, mobile money platforms make the cross-border transfer of remittance payments cheaper and faster than traditional cash and bank transfers. The Global Average price to send an international remittance decreased from 6.3 percent to 6.04 percent in the last quarter of 2021, an encouraging sign that costs can come down quickly when conditions are right.
6. Connecting the world faster each day with real-time payments
Real-time payments (RTP) allow the whole payment process to occur seamlessly and instantly. Offering remittance payments in real-time is an attractive draw for remittance senders. Knowing that the money sent to loved ones far away arrived safely, in an instant, offers convenience and invaluable peace of mind for both the sender and the recipient.
Currently, 60 markets have a real-time payments infrastructure with Canada, Peru, New Zealand, and Indonesia launching in 2022, according to FIS Global. That means that by the end of this year, nearly three-quarters of the world’s population will have access to instant payments in their domestic market.
The appeal of RTP is extending beyond consumer and retail use cases to include business and corporate applications, such as instant salary payment, accounts payable, and bulk payments. The public sector is also turning to RTP for fee and tax collection, as well as benefits and pension payments.
One important hurdle RTP has yet to overcome, however, is enabling instant payments between countries as bank payment systems and infrastructure are not standardized throughout the world. Ria Money Transfer overcomes that obstacle because we maintain our own global payments network in more than 160 countries with mobile wallets in 61 countries and 3.6 billion connected bank accounts. Thanks to the quality of our international network, we can deliver cross-border real-time payments to bank accounts 98% of the time.
The integration of technology in payments processing is part of what makes cross-border RTP possible, particularly since compliance regulations can vary from country to country. RegTech, as it’s called, puts technology to use to speed customer onboarding and transactional processing. Technology is used at the backend to score transactions and filter for compliance checks.
Ria has its own internally developed RegTech tools, like its consumer risk assessment, that scores clients’ behavior each day based on their activity over time as well as an independent compliance culture that is a reference in the industry. This allows for more automated processing because the system does most of the checks, flagging only situations that appear high risk to a specialist for human review. This improves speed and convenience for customers.
Mobile money systems’ effect on the formal economy
Mobile money systems and payments are helping promote financial inclusion throughout the world, but they offer other benefits as well. Since mobile money creates a recorded financial history for every deposit, withdrawal, or transfer made, it can help protect consumer rights, build trust in business, and foster efficient payment networks. Digitizing government benefit payments also reduces the risk of fraud and theft, making the system more cost-effective and sustainable.
The data records generated by mobile transactions help facilitate oversight and supervision of money laundering and terrorism financing activities, particularly since mobile money systems have strong safeguards built in.
Strengthening the formal financial system through increased use of mobile money can help governments build more effective monetary policy by channelling more money and assets into the system, contributing to economic stability. By producing transaction records, mobile money encourages a shift to the formal economy which fosters contributions to social security, taxes, and secure wage payments, helping make it easier for the public sector to finance itself.
7. Filling the educational gap through remittances
At the peak of nationwide lockdowns due to COVID-19, the education of more than 1.5 billion children ground abruptly to a halt, causing an unprecedented global learning crisis. For children in the developing world, however, the crisis was already in full swing. Half of 10-year-olds in middle and low-income countries couldn’t understand a simple written sentence and more than 250 million children were not in school.
The pandemic intensified educational inequality because children in poorer countries have less access to the technology that allowed learning in rich countries to continue. More than half of the world’s households are connected to the Internet, but the share of students without Internet access varies from 15 percent in Western Europe and North America to as high as 80 percent in sub-Saharan Africa.
Remittances play an important role in providing educational opportunities for the young members of migrants’ families in low and middle-income countries. In 18 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, remittances boost education spending by an average of 35%. Increased resources dedicated to education can create opportunities that last a child a lifetime.
8. Migration and conflict
The war in Ukraine has brought to the fore an often overlooked factor that impacts international migration flows: conflict. There are more people displaced by conflict and political turmoil today than at any time since World War II. Not only is the situation in Ukraine causing massive displacement of people, conflicts in Syria, Yemen, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as instability in Venezuela and Afghanistan are forcing many people to leave their homes to ensure their safety. In the case of Ukraine, more than 6 million Ukrainians have fled the conflict in their country.
According to the National Bank of Ukraine, remittance flows to Ukraine amounted to more than $19 billion in 2021, a 28 percent increase for the year. That accounts for around 12 percent of the country’s GDP and is nearly three times the size of foreign direct investment. The World Bank expects remittances to Ukraine to increase 8 percent this year.
Beyond Ukraine itself, the conflict is also impacting Central Asian countries which depend on remittances sent from Russia which is cut off from the international financial system because of the war. In the case of the Kyrgyz Republic, where remittances make up 30 percent of the country’s GDP, the World Bank expects remittances to drop overall by a third this year. The country derives 80 percent of total remittance receipts from Russia and although international sanctions target Russian companies, they also affect the ability of individuals to send money outside of the country.
Ukrainians have fled the violence in their country, but another impact the conflict is having on the movement of people, is the number of Russians leaving their homeland as a result of the war and the gradual deterioration of civil liberties in Russia since it began.
The Russian Federation was already a major origin country for international migrants. In 2020, it ranked among the top 10 origin and destination countries for international migrants, with the third largest number of Russians living abroad after India and Mexico.
Since the start of the war, however, tens of thousands of Russians are reported to have arrived in Georgia, Armenia, Turkey, and Central Asia. In many cases, these migrants are young, urban, tech, or creative professionals who can work remotely from almost anywhere in the world. Since Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States have closed their airspace to Russian flights, these educated professionals are heading to countries like Armenia and Turkey, and to Central Asia because they are against the war and are fearful of what the future holds for them if they remain in Russia.
9. Conclusions
The mobility crisis brought on by the pandemic will have lasting effects on the cross-border money transfer industry.
The digital expansion of money transfer operators means a greater number of mobile wallets can be reached through bank payment systems, other wallets, fintech apps, ATMs, debit cards, and traditional over-the-counter cash points, bringing financial services like cross-border, real-time payments to more people than ever.
Along with accessing financial services through mobile money systems, a rising number of people throughout the world are opening bank accounts. This is due in part to the efforts of authorities in countries like Colombia who are promoting the financial services sector and improving regulation and monitoring.
Digital expansion is critical for the future of the cross-border money transfer industry, yet today, 70% of customers continue to rely on brick-and-mortar channels. These are people with digital skills that use other digital solutions but prefer to transact across multiple channels, sometimes digital, sometimes physical.
According to a World Bank report published last October, nearly 50 million adults took up in-store digital payments during the pandemic in Latin America and the Caribbean, but about half of new digital payment adopters surveyed in the region prefer a return to cash.
Many of these people are interested in omnichannel solutions that allow them to modify orders, change beneficiaries, track their activity across physical and digital channels, find physical locations, and access other self-service solutions. Being able to offer both will continue to be key for money transfer operators.
Important advances are being made that will lay the groundwork for increased financial inclusion throughout the world. Access to financial services is expanding along with the ability to move money around the world quickly, easily, and safely. Further progress is needed to lower costs for cross-border money transfers so that this essential service is affordable for everyone.
The money migrant workers send back to their countries of origin, remittances, is a crucial source of income for many developing countries. More than 270 million migrants globally send the money they earn in developed countries back home to their loved ones. International remittances amount to well over $500 billion each year, far exceeding the aid provided to those countries by development agencies and governments. Remittances are considered so critical that during the pandemic, countries declared money transfer an essential service so that customers could continue to send and receive money, despite lockdown restrictions.
Aside from the grave consequences for public health, the pandemic brought the economies of many developed countries to their knees, halting non-essential manufacturing production and closing restaurants and shops. As COVID-19 tightened its grip throughout the world in early 2020, analysts estimated that its impact on remittances would be a 20% drop for the year, convinced that many migrants would simply not have money to send. During an economic shock three times worse than the 2008 financial crisis, how could migrants continue to send money home?
Fortunately for the millions of people in the developing world dependent on remittances for their survival, those predictions did not come true. In fact, the global flow of remittances has held up during the COVID crisis, declining only slightly in 2020 to $540 billion, just 1.6 percent below prior year levels. A variety of factors explain how international migrants defied the experts and continued to support their loved ones at home.
One factor that analysts overlooked was the solidarity of international migrants when a crisis hits home, cutting back on their own consumption or drawing on savings to continue to support their families. “You have families staying at home, brothers and sisters not going to school and they are depending on you to help them” one West African resident told the BBC while the pandemic raged last spring.
International remittances: A tale of two countries
Currency fluctuations are another element that helped dull the impact of COVID on international remittances in some cases. The amount of remittances sent home by Mexican immigrants during the crisis was starkly different from those sent by Salvadorans. Migrants who send money home to the two countries from the United States have similar demographics and educational backgrounds. However, the remittance flows to El Salvador dropped 40 percent in 2020 compared to the previous year while the flows to Mexico increased 35 percent. Why?
Analysts at the FED attribute the difference to the fact that El Salvador’s economy is fully dollarized so the dollar’s rise in value didn’t increase the value of remittances arriving to that country, while the drop in value of the Mexican peso against the dollar created incentive for Mexican migrants to send more money home because they knew their dollars would buy more pesos for their families.
Sharing the umbrella
During the COVID crisis, many developed countries, including the US, EU and the Gulf states introduced measures to support laid-off workers and businesses affected by lockdowns. The Coronavirus relief law passed in the United States, for example, included $300 billion in one-time cash payments to individual taxpayers, loans for small businesses and expanded unemployment benefits. Cash payouts and employment support programs reduced the fall in personal income and helped businesses continue to employ workers. That meant more migrant workers in developed countries had safety nets they could share and the effect helped lessen COVID’s impact on international remittances.
Out with the old: COVID’s effects on how remittances flow
Although informal channels for international remittances were already in decline in recent years, COVID-19 helped highlight the advantages of using safer, more reliable money transfer services for international remittances. Informal channels, which rely on the movement of international travelers to deliver cash to recipients but ultimately expose those funds to the risk of loss or theft, have been largely unavailable during the pandemic due to restrictions on international travel. Ria has been making cross-border transfers safer and easier for more than 30 years. Throughout that time and now, we constantly look for ways to help our customers overcome obstacles and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing their money will arrive safely and almost instantly to its destination.
Looking ahead
Now that the world has learned to live with COVID-19, remittance flows to developing countries are forecast to increase by 2.6 percent in 2021, to $553 billion and by 2.2 percent in 2022, to $565 billion. The bonds that tie international migrants to their home countries will remain strong and continue to strengthen even further when crisis hits. At Ria, we understand how critical our services are, especially when times are tough. Transfer money safely, easily and almost instantly with the Ria Money Transfer app, available for download here.
Remittances have become an important economic lifeline for many Venezuelan households amid ongoing economic challenges and political transitions in the country.
Venezuela receives approximately$5 billion in annual remittances. These funds are largely sent from the United States, where the number of Venezuelans has more than doubled in the last five years, reaching about 1.2 million in 2024. That means nearly 640,000 more people than in 2019, a growth of almost 120%.
Recent shifts in Venezuela’s political landscape continue to influence how remittances flow and how households rely on them for daily expenses. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to send money to Venezuela, including costs, transfer speeds, and tips for choosing the right option.
Key takeaways
▪ Venezuela receives about $5 billion in remittances each year, most of which come from the United States.
▪ Digital money transfer services are usually faster and more cost-effective than bank wires, which can take several days and often charge high fixed fees.
▪ Delivery options like Pago Móvil and cash pickup can make funds available within minutes, which is critical for time-sensitive needs.
▪ How you pay matters: bank transfers and debit cards generally come with lower fees than credit cards, helping more money reach your recipient.
Ways to Send Money to Venezuela
The financial infrastructure for sending money to Venezuela has evolved. Today, digital platforms and money transfer companies often provide the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Money Transfer Services
Specialized money transfer companies like Ria Money Transfer are often the most practical choice for sending remittances to Venezuela. These services are designed specifically for cross-border payments and understand the local banking environment. They typically offer two main delivery methods:
▪ Bank Deposit: Funds are transferred directly into your recipient’s bank account in Venezuela. This is convenient for recipients who prefer not to carry cash.
▪ Cash Pickup: Your recipient visits a local branch or partner location to collect the money in cash. This is a crucial option when immediate access to physical currency is required.
You can use your local bank to wire funds to a Venezuelan bank account. However, this method often comes with significant drawbacks. Traditional banks may charge high fixed fees for international swift transfers. Furthermore, due to compliance checks and intermediary banks, these transfers can take several days or even weeks to clear. For urgent needs, this is rarely the most efficient route.
In recent years, digital wallets and cryptocurrencies have gained traction as alternative ways to move value across borders. While these offer speed, they often require technical knowledge from both the sender and the recipient. Additionally, converting digital assets back into local currency for daily spending can involve extra steps and fees, making it less accessible for some recipients.
How Much Does It Cost to Send Money to Venezuela?
Understanding the total cost of your transfer is essential. The price you pay is usually a combination of two factors: the transfer fee and the exchange rate.
Transfer Fees
This is the upfront cost charged by the service provider to process your transaction. Fees can vary depending on:
▪ Payment method: Paying with a credit card often incurs higher fees than paying with a debit card or bank account.
▪ Delivery method: Cash pickup and bank deposits may have different fee structures.
▪ Amount sent: Some providers charge a percentage of the total amount, while others offer a flat fee.
Example Cost Comparison:
Exchange Rates
The exchange rate is the value of one currency for the purpose of conversion to another. When sending to Venezuela, the exchange rate between your currency (such as USD or EUR) and the Venezuelan Bolivar (VES) is critical.
Often available immediately at the agent once processed
Step-by-Step Guide to Sending Money to Venezuela with Ria
Ria Money Transfer is a trusted choice to send money to Venezuela, offering a secure network and transparent pricing. Here is how you can complete a transfer.
▪ Create an account using your email address, and set a secure password.
▪ You may need to verify your identity by uploading a valid ID, especially for higher transfer amounts.
2. Begin a New Transfer
▪ Click “Send Money” and select Venezuela as the destination.
▪ Enter the amount you’re sending in either USD or VES.
3. Choose a Delivery Method
▪ Bank Transfer: Send funds directly to the recipient’s account.
▪ Cash Pickup: Recipients can collect cash from thousands of Ria agent locations across Peru.
▪ Digital Wallet
4. Enter Recipient Information
▪ For bank deposits: Provide the recipient’s account number, bank name (such as Banesco, Banco de Venezuela), and full name as it appears on official documents.
▪ For cash pickup: Enter the recipient’s full name accurately to match their ID.
5. Select a Payment Method
▪ Pay via bank transfer, debit card, or credit card.
▪ Bank transfers tend to have the lowest fees, while credit cards may incur higher costs for faster payments.
Yes. Using regulated providers like Ria means your transfer is protected with secure encryption and compliance practices, giving you peace of mind when sending internationally.
What is the cheapest way to send money to Venezuela?
Typically, sending online and funding the transfer with a bank account or debit card lowers fees compared to credit cards. Using direct deposit methods like Pago Móvil can also be efficient and fast.
Can I send money to a debit card in Venezuela?
Supported delivery options depend on the provider. Ria supports bank deposit and Pago Móvil payouts, which directly credit a recipient’s Venezuelan bank account — a common and secure method.
How much money can I send to Venezuela at once through Ria?
You’ll see your specific transfer limits during the setup process, but these are Ria’s typical limits:
▪ Cash-funded transfers: USD $495.00 per transfer
▪ All other payment methods: Up to USD $14,999.99 every 30 days
Send Money to Venezuela with Ria
Ria’s extensive network throughout Venezuela, competitive rates, and multiple payout options ensure your money reaches its destination safely and quickly.
Send money to Venezuela today and experience the peace of mind that comes with trusted, reliable service.
We live in a multicultural world where our partner, our neighbor, and our colleague may all come from different countries. And because of this diversity, effective intercultural communication is vital.
Luckily for us, American anthropologist Edward T. Hall had begun studying cultural differences as early as the 1930s. In his 1976 book Beyond Culture, he explained the concepts of high-context and low-context cultures. These categories help explain the differences between directness and subtlety and why some cultures prefer one over the other.
In today’s post, we’ll explore how Hall’s findings can help us strengthen our communication skills to build stronger bonds and better understand each other.
Key Takeaways
▪ High‑context cultures rely on shared understanding, non‑verbal cues, and indirect communication.
▪ Low‑context cultures value explicit, direct, and structured communication.
▪ Countries fall along a spectrum rather than a strict binary.
▪ Misunderstandings often arise from differences in communication expectations.
▪ Awareness of cultural context helps migrants adapt socially and professionally.
▪ Communication styles influence trust, relationships, and decision‑making.
▪ Understanding context fosters better connections — at home and across borders.
What Are High-Context and Low-Context Cultures?
Have you ever wondered why some things work the way they do? There are so many things in our day to day that we do out of habit, often based on behavior we copied from our parents, teachers, or friends. In Beyond Culture, Hall highlights that “[…] it is possible to live life with no knowledge of psychology, speak a language well without knowing linguistics […]. It is also possible to grow up […] in a culture with little or no knowledge of the basic laws that make it work and differentiate it from all other cultures.”
According to his research, a simple way to understand our differences is to categorize culture into two types: high-context cultures and low-context cultures. These types stand at opposite ends of a spectrum, ranging from explicit to context-dependent communication.
High-context cultures
In high-context cultures, the emphasis is on relationships. High-context individuals belong to societies organized around small, close-knit communities. This impacts their communication style: because they know each other well, they mostly express themselves implicitly. Their meaning and intentions are not fully verbalized, but they communicate successfully thanks to individuals being able to pick up on non-verbal cues.
This is why it’s called high-context: understanding a conversation depends heavily on context (who the person is, their experiences, their body language…). As Hall explains, “When talking about something that they have on their minds, a high-context individual will expect his interlocutor to know what’s bothering him, so that he doesn’t have to be specific”. Some common examples of high-context cultures are Japan, China, South Korea, Mexico, Brazil.
Low-context cultures
In low-context cultures, the emphasis is on the individual and not the group. Individuals don’t expect others to pay close attention to their personal experiences. For this reason, communication is explicit, direct, and structured. Their meaning is conveyed through words, not assumed knowledge and non-verbal cues, hence why it’s called low-context.
Additionally, transparency and clarity are not only valued. They are demanded in order to meet the expectations of both interlocutors. Some common examples of low-context cultures are the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, Scandinavia, Australia.
That said, this concept has some nuances. According to Hall, cultures are part of a continuum, so some are a mix of both high and low-context. In his book, he uses the French culture of his time as an example: “French culture is a mixture, a mélange, of high- and low-context institutions and situations. It is not always possible for foreigners to predict in what proportions they will be found or in what order they occur.”
Those differences within one culture can also occur between its people: communication can differ from one person to the next or from one group to another. Also, it’s important to note that this concept was defined in the 1970s. Our world has become even more globalized since then, and some authors have written about the current limitations of Hall’s framework. Still, understanding high- and low-context cultures serves as a solid base to start noticing how culture can shape how we speak.
Key Differences Between High- and Low-Context Communication
Now that you understand the general definitions, how can you easily identify if someone is from a high-context or a low-context culture? Let’s focus on four key aspects.
Verbal vs Non-verbal Communication
In high-context cultures, much of the communication is implicit. So, pay attention to their posture, body language, facial expressions, tone, and use of silence. For example, you could notice nervousness if they are fidgeting or embarrassment if they turn red.
In low-context cultures, people communicate more explicitly to avoid misinterpretation. As such, what is said is what is meant, and further analysis of the message is usually not necessary.
Directness & Conflict Resolution
When conflict arises, high-context individuals prefer to avoid it in order to protect the relationship and maintain peace. On the flipside, low-context individuals will tackle conflict head-on, focusing on the problem rather than any interpersonal considerations.
This difference between indirect and direct communicators also affects how they are perceived by others: low-context communicators might seem unfriendly to those from high-context societies, while high-context communicators might appear confusing.
Time Orientation
High-context individuals are flexible with time and are mostly relational. This means that day-to-day life moves at its own pace, without time constraints. Individual or group considerations are more important than following a strict schedule. Therefore, in those communities, what matters is not when something is done, but that it is ultimately accomplished.
Low-context communities are the opposite: punctual and task-driven. Time is highly regulated. Everyday life is much faster-paced, and people need to stick to schedules. The focus is on time management and overall efficiency.
Decision-Making & Trust
In high-context cultures, individuals gain trust by building a relationship. This applies to both personal life and business. For example, if someone hopes to sign an important contract with a high-context person, it will take time. They will have to see them regularly and get to know them, before ever talking about business. And once the deal is over, it is expected to maintain communication.
On the contrary, low-context individuals gain trust by being clear and showing expertise. Relationships are not a priority; highly detailed contracts are. A person may enter a business relationship but only maintain it until the deal is over.
Characteristics
High-context cultures
Low-context cultures
Communication style
Indirect, implicit
Direct, explicit
Information conveyed
Through context and relationships
Through explanations and clarity
Conflict management
Avoidance, priority to maintain relationships
Confrontation, priority to resolve problem
Time perception
Vague, move at own pace
Regulated, fast-paced
Task accomplishment
Needs to be done at some point
Needs to be done as efficiently as possible
Decision making and business
Based on trust and long-term relationships
Based on clarity and temporary relationships
Real World Scenarios
Now, let’s look at how those differences can impact your everyday life.
Workplace misunderstandings
In an imaginary company, employee H is from a high-context culture and employee L from a low-context culture. While they are both discussing their ongoing project, employee L asks his colleague if he can work on Saturday. Employee H responds, “That may be difficult.” Employee L agrees but adds “Together we will finish it faster! I’ll see you on Saturday.”
In this scenario, employee H said no in his own way: indirectly, to avoid being rude. If roles were reversed, employee L would have been direct and clear. A lack of cultural awareness can result in a literal interpretation of the message that could be followed by unexpected resistance later.
Mixed-culture family dynamics
Husband H has invited his wife’s parents to visit. They are from a low-context culture, unlike him. When they arrive, Mother-in-Law L shivers and says, “Close the window. It’s cold in here.”
Husband H is taken aback: in his culture, they would have said something more indirect like, “It’s a bit chilly, isn’t it?”. He finds his mother-in-law’s words to be harsh and even humiliating, while she did not even think twice about what she said.
Healthcare experiences
Patient L is from a low-context culture and is going to consult a doctor in a high-context country. Doctor H prescribes him a treatment but Patient L answers straight away saying, “I disagree with this treatment. I’ve had side effects before, and I’d like to discuss alternatives.” For Patient L, he’s only expressing himself and giving a rational contribution to the doctor’s decision-making process. Doctor H finds his patient’s answer to be a sign of disrespect and a challenge to her medical authority.
Practical “dos and don’ts” for each context type
Here are some best practices to keep in mind when navigating multicultural environments:
▪ Always assume good intent.
▪ Pay attention to nonverbal cues.
▪ Use open questions, avoid yes/no questions.
▪ Allow space and silence.
▪ Follow up in writing.
▪ Be patient with differences.
▪ At work, agree on a communication framework before embarking on a new project with a multicultural team.
Why This Matters for Migrants & Global Communities
Understanding high- and low-context communication is important for everyone, but it is especially crucial for migrants. When moving to a new country, migrants often act as bridges between cultures with different communication norms.
Being aware of these differences can help reduce misunderstandings and prevent relational tensions. This applies not only to interpersonal interactions such as with neighbors or family, but also to professional settings, social groups, or interactions with local institutions and governments. By recognizing how others communicate, migrants can navigate their new environment more effectively and build stronger, more trusting relationships.
How People Navigate Life Across Cultures
Navigating life across cultures requires awareness, sensitivity, and adaptability. Understanding high- and low-context communication styles can help individuals build trust, reduce misunderstandings, and strengthen personal and professional relationships.
For migrants and multicultural families, these skills are especially crucial, as they often bridge multiple cultural contexts.
By recognizing and respecting differences in communication, people can foster more inclusive, connected, and effective communities worldwide.
Need to send money to your loved ones back home? Our money transfer services are available online, through our app, or at a Ria location near you.
FAQ
What is the difference between high‑context and low‑context cultures?
High‑context cultures rely on implicit communication, shared understanding, and non‑verbal cues. Low‑context cultures prefer direct, clear, and explicit communication.
What countries are high‑context cultures?
Common examples include Japan, China, South Korea, Mexico, Brazil.
What countries are low‑context cultures?
Examples include the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, the UK, Canada, and Scandinavian countries.
What is an example of high‑context communication?
A Japanese manager implying a change is needed without saying it outright — expecting the listener to infer meaning.
What is an example of low‑context communication?
A Dutch colleague explicitly outlining steps and expectations in writing to avoid ambiguity.
Why is understanding communication context important for migrants?
Because it helps them navigate workplaces, social situations, and institutions more effectively, reducing misunderstandings and easing adaptation.
Ria is launching a new money transfer channel, bringing safe and efficient transfers right to your favorite messaging app.
The service is currently available for transfers from the USA to Mexico, with new countries coming soon.
Keep reading to learn more about this new service and how you can benefit from it.
How It Works
It works exactly like you think it would:
1. You start a chat with us on WhatsApp 2. You specify the amount of money you want to send, the delivery and payout options, and the beneficiary’s information, such as name and city 3. You are redirected via a secure link and pay through our page
You’re done!
Note that existing customers will have less steps to follow, so if you’re new to Ria, know that the process will only get faster.
Plus: your first transaction is zero-fee.
Service Availability
Currently, you can pay for your transfers using a debit card and can choose from bank deposit and cash pick-up as payout options.
To learn more about the service, you can visit our page.
If you’re ready to try it out, you can scan the QR code below or click here to send money with Ria through WhatsApp in English or here to send in Spanish.
Why This Matters To Us
WhatsApp is where 3 billion people connect with their loved ones every day. At Ria, we are committed to meeting our customers where they are, making their money transfer experience as convenient and easy as possible. With our new WhatsApp channel, we hope to make it easier for our customers to support their loved ones from afar, right where they are used to staying in touch with them.
Stay tuned as we continue to expand on this new service.
Peru is a tapestry of unique history, cuisine, languages, dances, music, and landscapes. The country’s diverse traditions are what makes it one of the most culturally rich nations in the world.
Every year, millions of people flock to this nation to admire one of the seven wonders of the world, partake in cultural events, and sample the delicious cuisine. But what you might not know is that, though many of Peru’s iconic traditions originated locally, a lot of them were also brought over from abroad. Over time, foreign and local customs fused together and became part of the country’s DNA, forming the rich cultural patchwork that we know today.
Knowing where these traditions come from helps us see the full picture, to better understand the country and its people. In this post, we’ll dive into Peru’s cultural heritage, exploring how these practices came to be.
Key Takeaways
▪ Peru’s culture is a vibrant blend of Indigenous, European, African, and Asian influences, resulting in a unique and evolving national identity.
▪ Iconic festivals, rituals, and dances such as those featured in the Inti Raymi celebration reflect Peru’s spiritual diversity and regional pride.
▪ Peruvian cuisine is world-renowned for its fusion of native ingredients with Italian, Chinese (Chifa), and Japanese (Nikkei) culinary traditions.
▪ Artisanal crafts preserve ancestral knowledge and showcase Peru’s creativity.
▪ Peruvian instruments and rythms, such as the Afro-Peruvian cajón, preserve ancestral knowledge and showcase Peru’s creativity.
▪ Migration has helped spread Peruvian culture globally and brought new influences back home.
Peru’s Cultural Foundations
What is known as Peruvian culture today is actually a blend of countless influences from all around the globe. To understand the historical causes that led Peru to become a melting pot of traditions, we need to go back in time.
Indigenous Roots
Peruvian traditions remain deeply rooted in indigenous cultures. Indeed, there are over 50 indigenous groups currently living in Peru, who have been there longer than anyone else. For centuries prior to Spanish colonization, they were relatively undisturbed and had their own civilizations, structures, and cultures. One of Peru’s most famous legacies from that era is the Incan Empire. It originated from the Peruvian Andes and was mostly active between the 14th and 15th centuries. And as you may know, Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the world, is said to have been the cradle of the Incan Empire.
Although the civilizations and empires that these people were a part of have been long gone, indigenous groups have managed to keep their history and knowledge alive throughout the years. They have recorded and passed down most of their cultural practices, which is how we still know so much about them today.
A perfect example of this is the Inti Raymi festival, a traditional Inca celebration observed in Peru, especially in Cusco. Its original goal was to honor Inti, the Sun God. The Incas held it during the winter solstice to ask for good harvests and protection. Although the original ceremony was banned during Spanish colonial rule, it was revived and is now reenacted each year by local communities. Today, Inti Raymi is an important symbol of cultural identity, indigenous heritage, and the lasting influence of Inca history in Peru.
This vibrant celebration illustrates the enduring legacy of Indigenous culture. To understand how these customs evolved and adapted, we must look at the profound influence of Spanish colonial rule on Peru’s culture.
Colonial Influence
Spanish presence in Peru lasted from 1542 until July 28, 1821, Peruvian Independence Day. During this time, the country was under the complete rule of the Spanish Crown and Catholic Church.
Three centuries of Spanish presence deeply transformed Peruvian culture, making Spanish the most common language and Catholicism the prevalent religion. They spread their culture through education, integrating their culture in the subjects taught in Spanish-built schools. But local traditions and customs were not erased, instead blending with the new influences.
During the Spanish colonial period in Peru, indigenous artists were taught European art techniques such as oil painting and Baroque style. They often learned these skills while creating religious art for the Catholic Church. But over time, they started mixing these Western methods with their own Andean beliefs and symbols, forever changing artistic movements such as the Cuzco school. This led to artworks that told Christian stories but also included native animals, plants, and imagery that reflected Andean culture and spirituality.
However, European culture is not the only one that was introduced to Peru during the Spanish colonial rule. Slaves brought from Africa to work in mining and agriculture had their own traditions. Their culture further influenced traditions in Peru, and that’s what we’ll look at next.
Afro-Peruvian Contributions
Afro-Peruvian is a term that specifically refers to the descendants of various sub-Saharan African ethnic groups that were brought to Peru as slaves by settlers during the colonial era. They have had a crucial influence on the culture, cuisine, literature, folklore, and national identity of Peru from the early colonial period to date.
The Afro-Peruvian community kept its diverse beliefs and traditions alive, transmitting them to new generations. Afro-Peruvian customs started evolving progressively, adapting and blending with local culture. For example, it led to the invention of new musical instruments, among other things.
One of their most notable contributions is the percussion instrument called cajón. It’s a unique instrument created in the 19th century as an act of rebellion, after the Church had prohibited slaves from using drums under Spanish rule. Afro-Peruvians began using the simple boxes in which they transported goods as percussions, and little by little the modern instrument known as cajón was born.
It is such a groundbreaking instrument that Andalusian musicians later brought it to Spain, where it became a staple of flamenco music. It’s such an important part of Peru’s culture that it was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation in 2001. Today, Afro-Peruvian music is still considered iconic and widely listened to.
Finally, we are going to dive into the most recent influences on Peruvian culture, which come from international immigration.
The Impact of Immigrants
Peru has welcomed immigrants from many parts of the world, but some groups have had a stronger influence due to some historical migration patterns. Among the most influential immigrant communities in Peru are Italians, Chinese, and Japanese, each leaving a lasting mark on the country’s culture and traditions.
Italian immigration in Peru began during the colonial period and increased during the Guano Era and World War II. Italians integrated well into Peruvian society, playing an important role in Peru’s economic and urban development through trade, banking, and infrastructure.
Chinese immigrants arrived mainly in the 19th century to work in agriculture and guano mines. They introduced cultural practices like tea drinking and traditional medicine, among others. Many Chinese Peruvians helped shape Peruvian society through neighborhood organizations and public institutions.
Japanese immigration started in the late 1800s due to economic changes in Japan and labor needs in Peru. Today, their descendants form a large community deeply involved in agriculture and community organizations. Over time, some Japanese Peruvians also ended up gaining political and social influence in the country.
Over the centuries, Peru has welcomed a wide range of cultural influences. Each contribution has enriched the country’s identity, adding new flavors, rhythms, and customs to its already diverse heritage.
A Culinary Journey Into Peru’s Rich Cultural Diversity
Peruvian cuisine is a living expression of Peru’s layered history and cultural pride. It has been shaped by centuries of cultural exchange. From ancient Andean stews to Asian-inspired stir-fries, each dish tells a story of migration, adaptation, and identity.
Now, let’s explore some of the most iconic dishes that showcase how foreign cultures have been embraced in by Peruvians.
Carapulcra: A Stew from the Andes
Carapulcra is one of Peru’s oldest dishes, dating back to pre-Colombian times. This stew was traditionally made with llama or alpaca meat and dehydrated potatoes that were cooked over hot stones. The potatoes, known as papa seca, were dried as a way to preserve them for longer, an ancient technique still used in the Andes. The dish has remained very similar to what it was centuries ago, only replacing llama with pork and adding ground peanuts. It is served with rice or yuca, and will warm you up during the winter.
Tacu-Tacu: Afro-Peruvian Ingenuity
Tacu-tacu is a delicious blend of leftover rice and beans, pan-fried into a crispy patty, born in the coastal plantations of Chincha and Cañete. It originated among enslaved Africans who creatively repurposed scraps into nourishing meals. It is said that the name tacu-tacu may derive from the Swahili word taka, meaning “food,” reflecting its Afro-Peruvian roots. Today, it’s a beloved comfort food, often topped with steak, seafood, or a fried egg.
Tallarines Verdes: Italian Roots, Peruvian Soul
Tallarines verdes literally translates to “green noodles”. It’s Peru’s creamy take on Italian pesto. Introduced by Italian immigrants in the 19th century, the dish swaps basil for spinach and adds fresh cheese and evaporated milk for a uniquely Peruvian twist. It’s typically served with grilled steak and is a staple in home kitchens. Try it, you might even prefer it to Italian pesto!
Arroz Chaufa: The Chifa Legacy
Arroz chaufa is Peru’s version of Chinese fried rice. It is part of the chifa cuisine, born from the blending of Chinese and Peruvian food, a distinct and widely loved style of Peruvian food. The name arroz chaufa reportedly comes from the Cantonese chao fan, meaning “fried rice.” It blends soy sauce, scallions, eggs, and meats like chicken or pork, stir-fried in a wok. Every chifa restaurant in Peru and has this classic dish on their menu.
Tiradito: A Nikkei Masterpiece
Tiradito is a refined dish of thinly sliced raw fish, dressed in a spicy citrus sauce. This a hallmark of Nikkei cuisine, a fusion of Japanese culinary techniques with Peruvian ingredients. Tiradito is made with ají amarillo, a unique Peruvian pepper, using the traditional slicing technique of sashimi. Unlike ceviche, tiradito is served immediately, without marinating the fish. It’s a must-try for anyone who likes ceviche or sashimi.
Each dish tells a history that celebrates Peru’s diverse roots and the unmatched culinary creativity of the populations who live there.
Peru’s Culture Is Alive, Evolving & Connected
Peruvian identity is a living legacy shaped by centuries of history, migration, and cultural fusion. From Indigenous beliefs to Afro-Peruvian rhythms, and from Asian flavors to European influences, these diverse threads have woven a rich and inclusive cultural tapestry.
This is also proof that people have always preserved and shared their culture, even when they moved far from home. And today, Peruvians do the same. Whether at home or abroad, they continue to celebrate their heritage, adapting it to new contexts while preserving its essence.
What are the main influences that shape Peruvian culture?
Peruvian culture is shaped by Indigenous, Spanish, African, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese influences, each contributing unique traditions, foods, and customs.
Which festivals and traditions are most important in Peru?
Major festivals include Inti Raymi, Virgen de la Candelaria, and Peruvian Independence Day. Traditional dances like the marinera and festejo, and regional rituals, are also central to cultural life.
How has migration impacted Peruvian culture?
Migration has brought new influences to Peru (notably from Italy, China, and Japan) and spread Peruvian traditions globally, especially through the diaspora in the U.S., Spain, Argentina, and Chile.
What are some iconic Peruvian dishes and their origins?
Signature dishes include carapulcra (Andean), tacu-tacu (Afro-Peruvian), tallarines verdes (Italian-Peruvian), arroz chaufa (Chinese-Peruvian), and tiradito (Nikkei/Japanese-Peruvian).
How do Peruvians preserve and celebrate their cultural heritage?
Through festivals, music, dance, artisanal crafts, cuisine, and community events—both in Peru and abroad.
What is Peru most famous for internationally?
Peru is renowned for Machu Picchu (a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the seven wonders of the world), its diverse cuisine, and its rich cultural traditions.
There. It’s decided. You want to volunteer abroad. Incredible! Volunteering abroad comes with countless benefits and will make you grow as a person.
Indeed, this experience can be a really good way of challenging yourself. Volunteering means stepping out of your bubble and facing new realities. When you give your time to a cause that is dear to your heart, you feel a sense of achievement and satisfaction, knowing that you are making a difference. This selfless experience is not only a great addition to your CV, it can also help you find yourself and your purpose.
Going abroad as a volunteer adds more layers to it. There, you will discover new cultures, see the world, and meet like-minded people you would not have met otherwise. Expect to develop practical and soft skills, like communication and problem-solving. This will also be the perfect opportunity to discover a new language, become more open-minded, and learn true teamwork. At the end of your experience, you might come home changed for the better, with enhanced empathy and confidence too, because you successfully got out of your comfort zone.
In this guide, we will explain to you how to avoid scams and find the right volunteer opportunity, steps to get ready for the experience, and ways to make the most of your time there, including our best tips to navigate challenges and adapt to your new environment.
Key Takeaways
▪ Volunteering abroad offers a unique way to give back while experiencing a new culture.
▪ Volunteering can enhance your skills, expand your network, and deepen your cultural understanding.
▪ Researching reputable organizations is crucial for a safe, impactful, and ethical experience.
▪ Responsible volunteering means choosing projects that benefit local communities.
▪ Costs vary; some programs are free, while others charge fees for accommodation and support.
▪ Many volunteer programs require visas or permits—check requirements before you go.
▪ Preparation, flexibility, and cultural sensitivity are key to a successful volunteer experience overseas.
Choosing Well and Avoiding Scams
The first step to finding your perfect volunteer opportunity abroad is to set your intentions. Ask yourself why you want to volunteer, which skills you can offer, what kind of volunteer program you would like to do… Do you want to work in environmental conservation? With animals? With communities in need? Or in healthcare? Once you have a clearer idea of what your dream volunteering opportunity would look like, you can start your search for it.
This part of the process requires a lot of work and research, as many organizations take advantage of locals, but also of well-intended volunteers. Before committing to one, you need to make sure it’s reliable and not a scam. Here are a few steps we recommend following:
Check their reputation and credibility
Research their mission, values, history, and actions. Look for any accreditation, certification, or recognition that assures they are reliable. Search for reviews, testimonies, and evaluations. Get in touch with previous volunteers to get their real feedback.
Contact them
Ask for an annual report to check their activity and send them a list of all your questions: reliable organizations won’t have any problem answering everything and putting you in contact with previous volunteers.
Assess the sustainability of the project
If you need to pay a fee, how will the money be used? Can you identify any improvements since the project started? If its situation hasn’t changed, it might be profiting from making the community dependent, rather than aiming for sustainable development.
Consider the quality of the organization
Who finances and who runs it? Is it only volunteer-based or supported by paid, trained staff? Is training provided if you lack the required skills? If you wouldn’t allow an unqualified volunteer to work with vulnerable people in your community, don’t do it abroad either.
Look into the quality of the experience
What kind of support does the organization offer to provide genuine volunteering placements? Do you have an agreement stating your rights and responsibilities? Who will inform you about your tasks? Do you know who you can turn to if you have any concerns?
Once you get the information, it’s time to evaluate. The volunteering opportunity needs to fit your expectations, while being sustainable and centered on truly helping the community. Keep in mind that even if you have chosen an opportunity from a trustworthy organization, it still needs to run smoothly: not every volunteer mission is right for every volunteer.
To help you in your search, take a look at the European Youth Portal and United Nations Volunteers. You can also research international NGOs like Action Against Hunger, the Red Cross, Médecins Sans Frontières, Oxfam, Amnesty, WWF and Save The Children.
Preparing for Your Volunteer Experience
Now that you have found the right volunteer experience, let’s get you ready for it!
Legal and Health Requirements
First, do your research on the requirements specific to your case, as they vary depending on the country. To do so, be sure to get your information from official government websites. Here are the common requirements you’ll likely need:
Visa and legal requirements
Depending on your country of destination, make sure to investigate the visa requirements and start the process early on. In many countries, you must have a legal immigration status that specifically allows volunteering.
Minimum age requirements
Most places set a minimum age to volunteer independently. It is often 18+, but some organizations accept volunteers over 16 with parents or guardians’ authorizations.
Background checks
If you volunteer with children, elderly people, people with disabilities, or vulnerable people, you often need a criminal background check.
Training requirements
Some require mandatory training like first aid, safeguarding training, health and safety, and role-specific training (crisis helpline, event safety…).
Insurance
Most reputable volunteer organizations are expected to provide liability insurance and workplace accident insurance. As a volunteer, you also need your own travel medical insurance that covers emergencies, hospitalization, evacuation, routine medical care…
Health and medical checks
Some volunteering experiences might require vaccinations and/or medical clearance for physically demanding roles, for example.
Driving
If you drive abroad, you might need an international driving license, insurance, and proof that your policy covers the car, whether it is your insurance or the organization’s.
Cultural Sensitivity
When volunteering abroad, you will need to be culturally sensitive. Oxford Review refers to cultural sensitivity as “the awareness, understanding, and respect for the cultural differences and practices of individuals from diverse backgrounds.” To do this, you will have to prepare in advance and adapt your behavior once you’re there.
Before leaving for your volunteering experience in a new country, do your research. Don’t assume universal norms! What is typical in your culture might not be elsewhere, so research what the local customs and traditions are: how people greet each other, how they dress… For example, in lots of countries, it is expected to wear modest clothing like long sleeves and pants, even when it’s really hot. Additionally, take some time to learn the language basics, to help bridge communication gaps and show effort and respect.
Once you’re there, it’s normal to expect a cultural shock, but it is important to be open-minded, willing to learn and appreciate the unique customs of the region. Pay attention to local norms and adapt your approach accordingly. It is also crucial to be patient and flexible there: schedules and plans may differ from what you are used to back home. Finally, make sure to always follow locals’ advice. They know their culture best, so if they suggest a certain behavior, like removing your shoes before entering a home, follow it.
Volunteering Abroad – A Journey of Impact
You now have all the tools to start this meaningful journey: from choosing the right volunteer opportunity to preparing for the trip and navigating the experience. Once abroad, finding balance in your daily life and building healthy routines will help you enjoy your experience fully. And when challenges arise, remember that it’s ok to give yourself time to adjust to your new environment.
Volunteering overseas creates lasting change, not only for the communities you support, but also for yourself. The skills you gain, the people you meet, and the perspectives you develop will stay with you long after your experience ends. And remember: giving back doesn’t stop once your volunteer mission is over. It can continue through the support you offer to loved ones abroad, and the support they may offer you in return.
Ria is there for you if you need to send money to your loved ones back home or want to make sure that they can send you extra support if necessary. Get started today with Ria Money Transfer using our website, app, or by finding a location near you.
FAQs
How do I find volunteer opportunities abroad?
Consult travel forums, check with international NGOs and organizations like the UN for listings.
Do I need a visa to volunteer overseas?
Most countries require a specific visa for volunteering; check embassy guidelines before traveling.
What are the best countries to volunteer in?
Popular destinations include Thailand, Costa Rica, South Africa, Peru, and Nepal, but opportunities exist worldwide.
Is volunteering abroad safe?
Safety depends on the country and organization; research thoroughly and follow local advice.
How much does it cost to volunteer abroad?
Costs vary; some programs are free, while others charge for accommodation, meals, and support.
Can I volunteer abroad without experience?
Yes, many programs welcome beginners, though some require specific skills or qualifications.
What skills do I need to volunteer overseas?
Skills vary by project; flexibility, communication, and cultural sensitivity are always valuable.
How long can I volunteer abroad?
Programs range from one week to several months or even a year, depending on your availability.
What are the benefits of volunteering abroad?
Personal growth, new friendships, professional development, and making a positive impact.
How do I choose a reputable volunteer organization?
Look for transparency, positive reviews, clear impact statements, and ethical practices.
The tale of African football is almost as old as the sport itself. Therefore, the sport’s history on the continent is long, and it kicked off with the arrival of imperialist settlers back in the mid-19th century, who introduce the beautiful game to their territories.
In this post, we’ll cover football in Africa, its superstars and development from early beginnings to global relevance.
Key Takeaways
▪ African football has a rich, diverse history shaped by colonialism, independence, and cultural pride.
▪ The continent has produced world-class talent like Ria ambassador Yaya Touré, influencing global football and inspiring millions.
▪ Challenges include infrastructure, investment, and opportunities for women and youth.
▪ Ria ambassador Hamza Igamane’s influence extends beyond his football career, inspiring youth and driving social change in Africa. His commitment to football education and mentorship empowers the next generation of African athletes.
▪ Football is a powerful tool for social change, community building, and youth empowerment in Africa.
▪ The future of African football has high hopes, with growing investment, talent development, and global recognition.
Why African Football Matters
African football is so long-lived that the first documented game was played in 1862 in modern-day South Africa. Though at first football was limited to the settlers and missionaries, it quickly caught the eyes of local African communities, who adapted the game to their particular environments. With the sport gaining immense popularity over the following decades, many clubs were established, and football began to be the norm.
As the wave of independence began to spread across the continent, African football was in need of structure. Thus, in 1957, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) was born, and with it another bullet was added to the gun of African independence. The inaugural Africa Cup of Nations was also held for the first time that same, a tournament which continues to be played to this day.
Now, football has become deeply woven into African culture, fostering community engagement and creating opportunities for education and employment. As African football gained traction, clubs around the world started developing an interest in African players, many of which ended up becoming football stars and playing for renowned international teams such as Michael Essien for Chelsea (England), Emmanuel Adebayor for Club Olimpia (Paraguay) and Riyad Mahrez for Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia), and where African players continue to shine to this day.
African Football Today: Challenges, Trends and Social Change
Today, African football is thriving. Since the CAF’s inception back in 1957, tournaments across the continent have sprung up and grown in size and popularity. These include the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)—created in the same year the CAF was established—, the Africa Nations Championship, the CAF Champions League, and many more.
Despite the constant challenges, financial or otherwise, the popularity and success of these competitions cannot be underestimated, the CAF explains. Despite facing infrastructure or location problems, African tournaments have continued on an upward trend.
On the international stage, African football is also thriving. Take Morocco’s men’s national team, who went on a historic run at the 2022 World Cup, reaching the semi-finals. Since then, the Atlas Lions have set the record for the most consecutive wins (19) in international football history following their 2-0 win over Comoros in the opening game of Africa’s biggest football stage.
Similarly, since 2015 African teams have regularly featured in the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup. In 2023’s edition, Nigeria, Morocco and South Africa made to the round of 16.
Closing the Gap in Women’s Football in Africa
The women’s game continues to flourish and is on an upward trend, with the latest Women’s AFCON a clear indicator of that. Not only was there unprecedented broadcast demand for the competition and an increase in prize money to $1m fronted by the CAF, but the overall gap between teams is closing.
As Chuka Onwumechili writes, the quality of women’s football in Africa is increasing, as seen by the narrowing goal margins and traditionally less competitive nations—like Mali or the Democratic Republic of Congo—fighting until the final whistle, while Algeria made the knock-out stage for the first time, a sign that their strategic investment into the sport is paying off.
Overall, a clear sign of growing competition is that previous underdogs like Tanzania, Kenya and the DRC have caused upsets by defeating former winners and tournament favorites.
The Rise of African Football Superstars: From Milla to Salah
African football superstars have also been on the rise. The first global icon hailing from the continent was Roger Milla, who grabbed the headlines after netting an impressive four goals at the 1990 World Cup—at the age of 38.
His legacy would be one-upped by that of the Liberian forward George Weah, who became the first, and only, African footballer to win the coveted Ballon d’Or award in 1995.
Fast forward to today, and African football superstars can be found everywhere. During the 2010s, Ria brand ambassador Yaya Touré was the figurehead for the continent, winning everything at club level, including the first ever sextuple with FC Barcelona. The midfielder also represented Ivory Coast 101 times, leading them to victory at the 2015 AFCON, and won African Footballer of the Year four consecutive times between 2011-2014.
Other notable African players include the legendary Didier Drogba for Chelsea FC, FC Barcelona’s Samuel Eto’o, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, or Al-Nassr’s Sadio Mané.
Spotlight: Brand Ambassador Hamza Igamane
Established players aside, one thing is clear when it comes to up and coming African players: they are still just as hungry to make their mark. One example is Morocco’s Hamza Igamane, who recently became a Ria brand ambassador.
Our partnership with Hamza celebrates his inspiring football journey to date, highlighting his commitment to empowering communities as well as setting an example of how to succeed as a migrant abroad. Through this collaboration, we hope to inspire future athletes and remind migrants that anything is possible when you set your mind to it.
Hamza’s story is one of success, and shows how partnerships can help introduce and execute new ideas, such as FIFA investing over $1bn into African football with the aim to open 20-30 academies on the continent by 2027. These funds would help CAF nations identify talented players like Hamza and give them the proper coaching and facilities they need to shine.
And this isn’t Ria’s first foray into the development of African football. Alongside Inter Milan, Ria has also supported the sport on the continent through our Dreamer’s Villages, which are football-focused schools that we helped set up in Morocco, Mauritius, and Senegal.
In short, Hamza Igamane’s partnership with Ria is more than a campaign—it’s a movement to empower youth and transform communities through football.
Africa’s Football Future
The history of African football is a testament to resilience, unity, and hope. From its early beginnings to its rise as a global force, the sport has become deeply woven into the continent’s identity by connecting its cultures, inspiring generations, and driving social progress.
Players like Yaya Touré made their mark on the game, while youngsters such as Hamza Igamane are shaping the next chapter. Their stories reflect why football is more than a game: It’s a platform for education, empowerment, and opportunity.
Through partnerships and community-driven initiatives, the sport continues to evolve, creating pathways for young talent and fostering innovation across Africa. But above all, it remains a powerful force that inspires, empowers, and unites communities.
Join Yaya Touré and Hamza Igamane in empowering families and communities across Africa. Whether you’re sending support or sharing the passion, every transfer helps build dreams—one goal at a time. Download our app and send money with Ria.
How did football start in Africa?
Football was introduced during colonial times and quickly became a popular local sport.
What is the CAF?
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is the governing body for African football.
Who are the top African footballers?
Legends include George Weah, Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, and current stars like Mohamed Salah.
How has African football changed over time?
It has grown in professionalism, global influence, and inclusivity.
What challenges foes African football face?
Infrastructure, investment, governance, and opportunities for women and youth.
How does African football contribute to community building in Africa?
Football serves as a unifying force, bringing together diverse communities, fostering teamwork, and providing opportunities for youth empowerment and social progress.
How can fans support football development in Africa?
Fans can engage with youth programs, support local clubs, participate in community initiatives, and follow African football leagues to help grow the sport at grassroots and professional levels.
How does football impact African society?
It fosters unity, provides opportunities, and drives social change.
What is the future of African football?
Continued growth in talent, investment, and global recognition.
How can I support African football initiative?
Engage with campaigns, support youth programs, and follow African leagues.
Which African nation was the first to reach the World Cup Finals?
Egypt was the first African nation to play in the World Cup, in 1934.
How can young players join football academies in Africa?
Many academies are open to youth from diverse backgrounds, with programs focusing on skill development, education, and social values.
The phenomenon of migration is not new: people have been on the move since the dawn of humanity. Whether fleeing harsh environments, seeking better conditions, or trying to reunite with their loved ones, humans have always migrated.
For millennia, these movements have fostered cooperation and driven progress around the globe. From critical academic research to groundbreaking scientific discoveries, the exchange of ideas promoted by migration has always made us move forward.
Today, there are about 304 million international migrants in the world. As this number grows, migrants who shape our society and culture are becoming increasingly visible. We all know an athlete, singer, actor, writer, or influencer who is a migrant.
But the impact of migration is much more extensive than that. It goes beyond what is shown on TV or what we read on the news. Migrants improve our daily lives in countless unseen ways.
So, on International Migrants Day, we want to shine a light on all the ways that these people make the world a better place!
Key Takeaways
▪ Exposure to different cultures broadens horizons through new languages, food, music, and traditions.
▪ Migration fuels innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth globally.
▪ Migrants are key agents of knowledge exchange, transferring skills and ideas across borders.
▪ Essential workers—often migrants—are the backbone of critical sectors like healthcare, caregiving, and agriculture.
▪ Remittances are part of a larger ecosystem of contributions: financial, social, and humanitarian.
▪ Diaspora networks connect countries, fostering global collaboration and opportunity.
▪ Both host and origin countries benefit from the migration ripple effect.
▪ Leveraging migrant contributions can accelerate progress.
Where Cultures Meet: Learning Through Migration
When people move to a new place, they have to strike a balance between adapting to their new home and preserving their culture. Part of this balance involves sharing their traditions with the locals.
Though integration plays a fundamental role in the migration process, so does the cultural exchange that takes place in the host country. Not only does this dialogue challenge stereotypes but it also fosters trust, solidarity, and empathy.
This collaboration creates a perfect sandbox for migrants to share their unique perspectives, helping locals think outside the box and get better outcomes. In fact, migrants connect countries through professional, academic, and business networks, facilitating trade, investment, and the exchange of knowledge.
Ideas Without Borders: The Brain Gain Effect
Countless countries benefit from the immigration of highly qualified individuals. In fact, this effect even has a name: brain gain.
One of the most famous examples of brain gain is Albert Einstein. The world-renowned scientist migrated to the U.S. in 1933 to flee persecution. He went on to make invaluable contributions to the field of physics in the U.S. and across the world.
Most commonly, highly qualified migrant workers tend to be university professors, doctors, or engineers, for example. In fact, the research, healthcare, and technology sectors are among those that benefit the most from these qualified professionals.
Naturally, these migrant workers transfer knowledge to their colleagues. In turn, this raises the skills of the local workforce, fostering development and innovation. They have also been proven to give companies a competitive advantage in the international marketplace.
According to a recent McKinsey report, ethnically diverse companies were 39% more likely to financially outperform those who had low percentage of diversity. These findings confirm that diversity can strengthen crucial skills like creativity, adaptability and decision-making.
Overall, highly qualified migrant workers boost their host country’s growth. For instance, the OECD’s International Migration Outlook 2024 finds that migrants are more likely to become entrepreneurs than the locals in most OECD member States. The businesses that they open go on to create jobs which stimulate and diversify the economy. So, fostering global talent mobility can boost your country.
But highly qualified migrant workers are just one part of the picture. There are many other trades and professions that are essential to keeping our world running.
68.4% migrant workers are in the service industry, which includes caretaking, a crucial sector where migrants are often found. This covers things such as childcare, domestic work, elder care, and even some parts of healthcare.
As people work more, they have less time to take care of their children or parents who live longer. So, this growing sector is gaining importance as migrants provide essential support to working families and aging populations.
The agricultural industry is another great example, where over 11 million migrant workers help guarantee food security across the globe. This is because many OECD countries increasingly depend on immigrants for agricultural production. In 2021, it was estimated that more than half of the USA’s farm workforce were born outside of the country.
These jobs are often as demanding as they are essential, resulting in labor shortages among locals. Yet, migrant workers are willing to face tiring and often harsh conditions to secure a better future for themselves and their loved ones. And, in doing so, whole societies benefit.
Benefits Back Home: Sharing Funds, Knowledge, and Ideas
Lastly, it is important to highlight that migrants also have a huge impact on their home country.
A big part of this is done through remittances. These are the funds that migrant workers send their loved ones. Last year, the total of remittances sent back home was valued at $685 billion. This represents three times the amount of international aid budget.
So, remittances are crucial in supporting households around the world, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The United Nations estimates that one in nine people in the world receive remittances.
These funds are a lifeline for the approximately 800 million people who depend on them. They can represent up to 60% of a household’s income, helping them cover basic needs. About three-quarters of remittances are used to buy groceries, pay rent, or cover medical expenses, among other things.
The rest of that money can be saved or invested, for example in education. This helps build a safety net and create new sources of income. That is why it is considered that remittances help millions break out of the cycle of poverty.
But migrants bring more than just financial support to their home countries. A key example of this is what is commonly known as cultural or social remittances. It refers to the ideas, values, and practices shared with loved ones back home.
As communication becomes faster and easier, social remittances circulate more easily. Much like they do in host countries, these exchanges enrich cultures, reduce misconceptions, and spark innovation.
Migration’s Role in Shaping the Future
In short, migration fosters progress, strengthens social cohesion, and drives growth in both the host and home countries.
At Ria, we know that behind every journey there is a story of determination and hope. We’re proud to help migrants stay connected, support their families, and build brighter futures across borders.
If you need to send money to your loved ones, you can access our fast, reliable, and secure services through our web, app, or by visiting your nearest Ria location.
FAQs
What is the ripple effect of migration?
The ripple effect refers to the wide-ranging impacts of migration—economic, social, and intellectual—across borders.
How does migration benefit both host and origin countries?
Host countries gain talent and innovation; origin countries benefit from remittances, transnational skills transfer, and global connections.
How do migrants contribute to innovation?
Migrants bring diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences, often founding startups, driving research, and fostering creativity in host countries.
Why are migrants important as essential workers?
Migrants fill critical roles in healthcare, caregiving, agriculture, and other sectors, ensuring the well-being and resilience of societies.
What is the role of migrants in global networks?
Migrants connect countries through professional, academic, and business networks, facilitating trade, investment, and knowledge exchange.
How do diaspora communities foster connectivity?
Diasporas build bridges between countries, supporting trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
How do remittances impact home countries?
Remittances support families, fund education and health, and stimulate local economies, but their impact extends to knowledge and social change.
Why are remittances important beyond money?
Remittances also include social and intellectual contributions that drive progress and foster development.
What are social remittances?
Social remittances are the ideas, practices, identities, and social capital that migrants transfer to their home communities.
What is the definition of brain gain in migration?
Brain gain refers to the positive impact when skilled migrants contribute knowledge and expertise to their country of residence.
How do migrants transfer skills and knowledge?
Through education, mentoring, work, and community projects, migrants share expertise with both host and origin countries.
There are more than 180 official currencies in circulation, each with its own style and visual identity. Every bill and coin is a small canvas where countries honor their history, identity, and the values they want to communicate.
At Ria Money Transfer, we connect families and communities across borders and know that money reflects different ways of understanding the world. That’s why we’re taking a closer look at the world’s currencies and the symbols they feature.
The cultural imagery of money
When we look at the designs of coins and banknotes around the globe, patterns emerge. Almost every country uses its currency as a showcase of what it values. Broadly, these messages fall into five recurring symbolic images:
History and heritage
Nature and the environment
Science and progress
Art and architecture
Unity and identity
These reflect the diversity of global communities that use money in different ways.
History and heritage: heroes, independence, and memory
One of the clearest ways a nation defines itself is by showcasing the people and moments that shaped it. That’s why so many currencies feature historical figures, political leaders, thinkers, writers, and activists who embody who represent the heart of a nation’s identity.
Mahatma Gandhi on India’s rupee (INR) or Nelson Mandela on South Africa’s rand (ZAR) are clear examples. Placing their image on currency is a daily reminder of independence, justice, and reconciliation.
Currencies often showcase milestones as well: key battles, independence events, constitutions, or emblematic monuments. Argentina’s former 50-peso bill featured the Battle of Paraná, while the US dollar depicts Independence Hall.Each banknote subtly integrates the past into everyday transactions, reinforcing collective identity.
Nature and the environment: animals, landscapes, and ecological pride
Nature is another universal theme often seen on currencies. Many nations choose iconic local animals, native plants, or famous landscapes to represent themselves.
The jaguar on Brazil’s real (BRL) or the kiwi on New Zealand’s dollar (NZD) show how wildlife can reflect a country’s identity. These symbols highlight the animals and landscapes that people cherish—and the natural heritage they’re proud to share with the world.
Currencies also highlight rivers, mountains, coastlines, and national parks, turning money into a miniature postcard. A vivid example is the Colombian 2,000-peso note featuring Caño Cristales, one of the country’s most treasured natural wonders.
Science and achievement: innovation, knowledge, and progress
Some currencies focus on the achievement and progress: featuring scientists, inventors, advanced infrastructure, and technological imagery to signal a forward-looking national identity.
Marie Curie’s appearance on Poland’s former złoty (PLN) illustrates how science itself becomes a cultural symbol. In the UAE, the 100-dirham (AED) note shows Abu Dhabi’s World Trade Center, emphasizing its rapid modernization over the last few decades.
Universities, laboratories, satellites, modern bridges, or high-tech transport systems often appear as visual metaphors of development. In this way, currency also acts as a form of nation branding; a way for countries to show their energy, creativity, and identity to the world.
Art and architecture: aesthetics, tradition, and a distinctive style
Art and architecture are also among the most recognizable symbolic images on money. From classical sculptures to modern landmarks, these designs highlight the cultural touchstones each country is most proud of.
In Europe, many banknotes reflect Renaissance or classical influences. Italy’s 1-euro coin, for instance, carries Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man. In Egypt, their 50-pound (EGP) banknote depicts the Temple of Edfu, linking present identity to ancient civilizations.
Typography, color palettes, graphic patterns, and composition also carry meaning. Banknotes are essentially miniature works of graphic design, condensing centuries of domestic art, accomplishments, history, and nationalism into a few centimeters of paper.
Unity and identity: inclusion, diversity, and shared values
Money becomes most symbolic when it reflects not just history or geography, but also commemorates who belongs and which values are shared.
The euro is a powerful example. Its banknotes depict bridges and windows that are not real monuments. This deliberate neutrality avoids favoring any single member state and instead represents European unity. The bridges signify connection, and the windows signify openness and dialogue.
Other currencies reinforce identity through inclusion. Canada’s dollar (CAD) is a great example of this because of its bilingual elements and cultural symbols. The 20-dollar bill shows Queen Elizabeth II together with maple leaves and security patterns inspired by Indigenous artwork, highlighting the country’s multilingual and multicultural identity.
Money becomes a tangible reminder of the values that hold societies together, much like the way people use it to support family abroad and stay connected across distances.
A closer look at the patterns
Now that we have a better understanding of how different countries express their identity through currency design, let’s turn our attention to how these symbolic images are distributed across the globe.
There are more than 180 official currencies worldwide, each with its own visual narrative. However, for this study and attempt to identify comparable patterns, we will focus on the 10 most widely used currencies, that is, those that dominate global foreign-exchange activity and therefore carry their symbolic messages with the greatest cultural and economic reach.
Global distribution of symbolic images and themes
To map these patterns, we examined all symbolic themes present in the current banknote series for ten major currencies.
Instead of assigning each currency a single “dominant” theme, we captured all symbolic dimensions that appear.
Because some currencies integrate multiple layers of meaning, categories may overlap.
Percentages therefore reflect thematic appearances (n = 13), not the number of distinct currencies (n = 10).
Note: Percentages are based on thematic appearances. Some currencies contribute to more than one category.
38.5% reflect history and heritage
Most currencies highlight national heroes and historical milestones as key markers of identity.
23.1% showcase nature and the environment
Wildlife, flora, and landscapes reinforce each country’s connection to its territory.
15.4% highlight science and progress
Innovation appears on some banknotes, though it remains less common than traditional symbols.
15.4% feature art and architecture
Countries draw on their cultural and aesthetic heritage to express identity through design.
7.6% emphasize unity and shared identity
This symbolic imagery appears in a smaller set of currencies, mainly in supranational cases like the euro.
How symbolism varies around the world
The global distribution shows that, although the symbolic imagery of money is universal, each region combines them differently to express identity.
Below, the perspective widens beyond the Top 10 currencies to reflect patterns found across a broader set of banknotes worldwide, drawing on official designs published by central banks and monetary authorities.
This approach relies on representative samples rather than an exhaustive census, enabling the identification of recurrent symbolic patterns across regions through direct visual observation of their motifs.
Note: The map uses a representative sample of official banknotes to highlight symbolic patterns, rather than an exhaustive list.
North and Latin America: History is the central thread, with presidents, national heroes, and prominent historical figures, supported by landscapes and wildlife linked to territory.
Western Europe: Heritage coexists with a supranational approach introduced by the Euro, which uses bridges and windows as symbols of unity.
Eastern Europe: Currencies emphasize state identity through leaders, heroes, and national emblems.
Africa: Designs combine post-colonial leadership, cultural diversity, community scenes, and natural elements that highlight ecological richness.
Middle East and Gulf Region: Imagery leans toward modernization, including skyscrapers, infrastructure, and technology, paired with traditional architecture and cultural motifs.
East Asia: Historical and political figures dominate, complemented by science-related motifs and modern infrastructure.
South and Southeast Asia: National heroes, religious symbols, and agricultural or rapidly urbanizing landscapes create a hybrid visual vocabulary.
Oceania: A distinct naturalistic focus, centered on native animals, flora, and ecosystems, often paired with historical or scientific references.
Taken together, these regional patterns show that currency design is not random, but reflects how each society chooses to present itself to the global society.
The Meaning Behind the Money We Send
These findings highlight the simple idea that money communicates cultural meaning as much as economic value. It reflects what countries choose to remember, promote, or share with the world.
For Ria Money Transfer, this perspective connects directly to our role. Every transfer links people across borders, and understanding the symbolic imagery of money reinforces why those connections matter. The way nations represent themselves through their currencies mirrors the same diversity and cultural richness we see every day in the communities we serve.
▪ Migration is not just about moving—it’s about learning how to belong.
▪ These films and novels show the quiet strength behind starting over.
▪ Identity is shaped by family, memory, and the places we call home.
▪ Community and kindness often matter more than borders.
▪ Stories of migration connect us through shared hopes, fears, and dreams.
Why Migration Stories Matter
Migration stories are universal journeys that highlight resilience, identity, and the search for belonging. Regardless of whether you are a child of immigrants, have made the courageous choice to relocate to a new country, or have never experienced migration firsthand, these stories are crucial: they inspire, give voice to lived experiences, and deepen our empathy and understanding. Through powerful films and books, we are invited to step into the lives of those navigating the complex realities of crossing borders and building new futures.
In this article, we highlight four impactful movies and four compelling books that will enrich your perspective and inspire your journey.
Films: Four Essential Migration Movies
Minari
Minari, directed and written by Lee Isaac Chung, was named one of the best films of 2020 by the American Film Institute and even won a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film.
The story follows the Yis, a Korean-American family who moves from 1980s California to rural Arkansas to start afresh and achieve its own American dream: running a Korean vegetable farm. This change will bring many challenges, and the family will have no choice but to stay strong together.
This tale portrays quiet perseverance, intergenerational bonds, and the everyday heroism of starting over. When watching Minari, we cannot help but identify with at least one of the characters, be it the parents working together to keep the family afloat or the young son as he navigates culture shock across generations. The film delivers a true lesson on resilience, adaptation and discovering what really makes a home.
In America
This 2002 film directed by Jim Sheridan is a semi-autobiographical story. It was nominated for three Academy Awards including Best Original Screenplay.
The movie tells the story of an aspiring Irish actor and his family who immigrate to the United States, driven by the father’s dream of making it in New York City’s vibrant theatrical scene. Once they arrive in the big city, they move into a run-down building and try to make it their home. While they struggle to fit in their new country, the family finds new friends, like their solitary Nigerian neighbor, Mateo, who will help them in the most unexpected ways.
It is incredible to find films that both inspire and touch on themes like grief and loss. This story centers around kindness across difference, healing and cross-cultural solidarity.
Monsieur Lazhar
Monsieur Lazhar is a 2011 Canadian French-language film that follows Bachir Lazhar, an Algerian immigrant who gets hired to replace an elementary school teacher who died tragically. While dealing with his own loss, Monsieur Lazhar must navigate cultural shock in order to become a true pillar for his students.
By exploring themes of trauma and recovery, Monsieur Lazhar shows how the scars of displacement can be healed through resilience and compassion. At the same time, the movie depicts the delicate process of integrating into a new society, serving as a powerful testament to human strength and the transformative power of kindness.
The Joy Luck Club
This 1993 film was directed by Wayne Wang and based on the 1989 novel by Amy Tan. In 2020, the movie was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.
The story revolves around a group of Chinese mothers who gather to reminisce about their lives over Mahjong games. It explores the complicated relationships between these women and their American-born daughters, revealing a history of love, loss, and perseverance across generations and continents.
The Joy Luck Club is a lesson on generational dialogue. It’s a poignant look at cultural differences, the immigrant experience, and the enduring power of mother-daughter bonds as they search for understanding and identity.
Though all unique, these films beautifully shine a light on the resilience, hope, and complexity linked to the immigrant experience, reminding us of the strength found in family, community, and cultural roots. Now, let’s explore inspiring migration stories in literature.
Books: Four Landmark Migration Novels
The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
Published in 2003, The Namesake is the debut novel by British American author Jhumpa Lahiri.
In this book, we follow the story of the Ganguli family, from their tradition-bound life in Calcutta, India, to their new American life in Cambridge, Massachusetts. As they navigate the challenges of adapting to a new culture, the couple welcomes their newborn son, whose unusual name becomes a symbol of the complex ties between their heritage and their new identity. We then follow Gogol’s journey as a first-generation American, handling the tensions between two worlds, struggling with cultural expectations, and trying to create his own sense of self between family expectations and his own independence.
Whether people relate to the parents’ struggle to adapt to a new culture and country, or to the son’s battle to define his own identity in the amidst two vastly different cultures, everyone will be inspired by The Namesake.
The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henríquez
The Book of Unknown Americans is a 2014 novel by Cristina Henríquez. It tells the story of Alma and Arturo Rivera who leave their comfortable surroundings in Pátzcuaro, Mexico after their daughter Maribel suffers a severe head injury.
For the family, the USA represents a fresh start and a chance at recovery, but they are soon faced by harsh realities of language barriers, cultural challenges, and racial tensions. Amid these struggles, Maribel forms a deep connection with a thoughtful teenager from a Panamanian immigrant family. Their story unfolds as a powerful exploration of young love, resilience, and the complex pursuit of the American Dream.
Through the lived experiences of the Riveras, The Book of Unknown Americans highlights the acts of love that persist despite the challenges of immigration.
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
In the 2013 novel written by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, young Ifemelu and Obinze decide to leave Nigeria due to political unrest. Ifemelu moves to the USA to study but soon finds herself suffering from racism. Obinze, on the other hand, faces his own set of challenges in London. Fifteen years later, they reunite in Nigeria and reignite their passion for each other and for their homeland.
Americanah explores key themes such as race and belonging, the challenges of return migration, and the power of personal testimony.
Exit West by Mohsin Hamid
Exit West is a 2017 novel by British-Pakistani author Mohsin Hamid.
Nadia and Saeed are in love in a country on the brink of civil war. When violence becomes an everyday part of life, the couple has no choice but to escape through doors that are actually portals to other locations. They step into the unknown, leaving behind their homeland and their old lives and struggling to hold on to each other, to their past and to the very sense of who they are.
This novel is a profoundly intimate and powerfully inventive story of love, loyalty, and courage, capturing the challenges of displacement and the hope found in new beginnings. Exit West is a poetic reimagining of migration’s mechanics, exploring key themes such as displacement, the use of technology and magic as metaphors, and the profound sense of global intimacy that connects us all.
Conclusion
As we have seen, migration-themed movies and books shine a light on resilience, identity, and the unbreakable bonds of community that transcend cultures. These stories not only deepen our understanding of global migration experiences but also provide valuable lessons for personal growth and education, reminding us of our shared humanity and the strength found in connection.
Inspired to support loved ones abroad? Use Ria Money Transfer for fast, secure international money transfers today. Use our app, website or go to a Ria location to get started.
FAQ
What are the best movies about immigration?
Minari, In America, Monsieur Lazhar, and The Joy Luck Club are widely praised for nuanced portrayals of family, identity, and resilience. Each offers a distinct lens: rural aspirations, urban healing, classroom integration, and intergenerational dialogue.
What themes are common in migration literature?
Identity formation, language and naming, generational tension, visibility vs. invisibility, community networks, and the search for belonging. Speculative elements (as in Exit West) can amplify empathy without losing realism.
Is Minari based on a true story?
It’s semi-autobiographical, inspired by director Lee Isaac Chung’s childhood in rural Arkansas, capturing the textures of immigrant family life rather than strictly documenting events.
What is Americanah about?
It follows Ifemelu from Nigeria to the U.S. and back, exploring race, class, romance, and the experience of being an immigrant, and a “returnee”, through sharp, observant prose.
Is Exit West science fiction or literary fiction?
It’s literary fiction with a speculative device (magical doors). The novel uses this element to foreground emotional truth about displacement and global connection.
What age is The Joy Luck Club appropriate for?
Best for mature teens and adults due to complex themes (family trauma, cultural expectations). For classrooms, consider guided discussion and contextual framing.
How does The Namesake portray identity?
Through the weight of names, family expectations, and relationships, showing how identity is negotiated across cultures and life stages.
What is The Book of Unknown Americans about?
A chorus of immigrant voices, primarily Latin American, living in Delaware, revealing love, work, barriers, and the humanity behind headlines.
Are migration stories suitable for classroom discussion?
Absolutely. They foster empathy, global awareness, and critical thinking. Pair texts with reflection prompt and encourage connections to students’ own communities.
Which migration narratives offer hopeful endings?
Hope often appears as dignity, solidarity, or self-knowledge rather than neat resolutions, Minari’s quiet resilience, Americanah’s reconnection, and Exit West’s compassionate gaze exemplify this.
Hamza Igamane’s story is in the early stages of being written, but the Moroccan football star has already got a taste of what it’s like to overcome a variety of obstacles and to succeed abroad. In this post, we cover how Ria’s newest brand ambassador is bound to continue learning and growing for the remainder of his career.
Key Takeaways
▪ Hamza Igamane will serve as Ria’s ambassador during 2025’s African continental football tournament, inspiring migrants and football fans across Africa.
▪ His journey from Morocco to global football stardom motivates migrants to pursue their dreams abroad.
▪ Hamza’s story highlights resilience, community, and the importance of supporting loved ones across borders. He advocates for financial inclusion and supports initiatives that empower people living away from home.
▪ Football and remittances unite people, offering hope and opportunity for migrants worldwide.
▪ The partnership amplifies the message of empowerment and connection during 2025’s African continental football tournament.
Hamza Igamane’s Global Journey
Born in Morocco, Hamza Igamane’s journey from the vibrant streets of his homeland to the international football stage is a powerful testament to resilience, ambition, and the support of community.
As Ria Money Transfer’s newest ambassador, Hamza’s role goes beyond the symbolic. For us at Ria, it’s a celebration of empowerment, unity, and the enduring connections that migrants maintain with their own, no matter where life takes them.
Together with Hamza, we hope to elevate the message of perseverance and connection across borders through this partnership. We believe Hamza’s journey mirrors that of many migrants who left home in the hope of a better life, making him an ideal ambassador for our brand built around uplifting and supporting migrant workers.
The Leap Abroad: Adapting to New Cultures
Hamza Igamane’s background can be defined by the warmth of family and the strength of his local community growing up in Témara. Football quickly became his passion, with the influence of family and friends playing a crucial role in shaping his ambitions, instilling in him the drive to succeed and, later, the importance of staying connected to his roots.
At just 21 years of age, Igamane swapped the warm waters of his native Morocco to the gloomy Glaswegian streets when he signed for the Rangers. This bold move marked the beginning of a journey filled with adaptation and growth. Suddenly, Hamza found himself in a new country, facing an unfamiliar language, culture, and environments, which all tested his resolve.
In the past, Igamane had shared what life was like back in Morocco, how he played on the bustling streets, barefoot alongside many young talents who would never get the chance to play abroad. “I’m an example for these youngsters; we all had that dream of playing for a big club. I achieved it,” he said.
That’s why the transfer to the Rangers in Scotland was a pivotal moment, exposing him to new styles of play and higher levels of competition, at the national and European level. But, like many migrants, Igamane’s start in Glasgow was not without its challenges:
“My start to life at Rangers was difficult, especially as I was injured when I arrived. It was tough to watch my teammates train while I had to work by myself, all the more as I had left my comfort zone.” But thanks to his determination, Igamane managed to overcome it all, even further adapting to his situation when the club provided him with a translator.
Building Success: Career Highlights
During his time in Scotland, Igamane earned awards for Young Player of the Year and Goal of the Year. His journey continued as he signed for French side Lille, providing him with more experience and growth opportunities both as a player and as a person.
Ultimately, for Hamza Igamane the biggest dream of all is representing his country, Morocco, a position he now finds himself in. Through sheer hard work and determination, he was able to get his wish in March this year, an achievement he called an indescribable joy and “a childhood dream come true for any Moroccan”.
That’s why being included in Morocco’s squad for the upcoming African continental football tournament was a source of immense pride, not just for Igamane, but for the communities he represents.
Hamza Igamane’s story is about more than personal success—it’s about the broader narrative of migrants who strive for greatness while maintaining strong ties to their heritage. Through football, Hamza has become a beacon of hope and unity, showing that success abroad is possible when you remain connected to your roots and embrace new experiences.
Hamza Igamane & Ria: A Legacy for Migrants Everywhere
Embracing change and learning from new environments has so far shaped Hamza Igamane’s journey. Despite the distance from home, and thanks to his on-pitch triumphs, Hamza has become a beacon of hope and unity, showing that success abroad is possible when you remain connected to your roots and embrace new experiences.
As Ria’s ambassador through 2027, Hamza Igamane’s role is to amplify the message of empowerment, connection, and opportunity for migrants everywhere, who can be inspired to pursue their dreams and support their families, no matter the distance.
Hamza’s story reminds us all that success abroad is possible when you stay connected, work hard, and give back to your community.
Want to stay connected to your loved ones back home like Hamza? Send money through our website, mobile app, or in store.
FAQs
Who is Hamza Igamane?
Hamza Igamane is a Moroccan footballer known for his skill, leadership, and inspiring journey from Morocco to international football.
What is Hamza Igamane’s background?
He was born in Morocco, developed his football skills locally, and later moved abroad to pursue a professional career, overcoming cultural and language challenges along the way.
What is Hamza Igamane’s role at 2025’s African continental football tournament?
He will serve as Ria’s ambassador during the African continental football tournament, inspiring migrants and football fans across Africa.
How did Hamza Igamane adapt to life abroad?
By learning new languages, embracing different cultures, and working hard to succeed in unfamiliar environments.
What lessons can migrants learn from Hamza Igamane?
Embrace change, stay connected to family, work hard, and give back to your community.
How does Hamza Igamane inspire people living abroad and African football fans?
His story shows that migrants can achieve greatness by adapting, persevering, and staying true to their roots.
What clubs has Hamza Igamane played for?
He has played for AS FAR, the Rangers FC, LOSC Lille, and the Morocco national team.
What position does Hamza Igamane play?
Hamza Igamane plays as a forward.
What titles has Hamza Igamane won?
Hamza Igamane has won the Botola Pro league, the Moroccan Throne Cup, and the Scottish Premiership Player of the Month: January 2025.
What is one of Hamza Igamane’s most famous quotes?
“It was tough to watch my teammates train while I had to work by myself, all the more as I had left my comfort zone. But with determination I overcame it all.”
How does 2025’s African continental football tournament connect with migrant stories?
Africa’s biggest football stage celebrates African unity and diaspora, with Hamza Igamane as Ria’s ambassador highlighting the migrant experience.
Stablecoins have become increasingly popular. It’s the new hot topic, especially for cross-border transactions, as this technology it has been changing the way money moves.
In this post, we’ll help you understand the basics about this type of cryptocurrency. We’ll also dive into the opportunities and challenges that it brings to the money transfer industry and its impact on people sending remittances back home.
Key Takeaways
▪ Stablecoins are digital currencies designed to maintain a steady value by being pegged to assets or managed by algorithms.
▪ There are four main types: fiat-backed, crypto-backed, commodity-backed, and algorithmic stablecoins.
▪ They make cross-border payments and remittances faster, cheaper, and more secure by using blockchain technology.
▪ Stablecoins enable quick payroll for global gig workers and protect savings in unstable economies.
▪ Regulation is evolving; users should choose regulated providers for safer transactions.
▪ As adoption and regulation grow, stablecoins are set to play a bigger role in global money transfers.
What Are Stablecoins? Definition & Types
Traditional cryptocurrency, like bitcoin, is very volatile. Its value fluctuates easily because it does not rely on authorities like governments and banks to stabilize it. That’s why it’s traditionally used as investments and for speculation.
However, stablecoin is a cryptocurrency that is tied to an asset in order to maintain a steady value. Unlike cryptocurrencies, its job is to be predictable.
These are the four main types of stablecoins:
▪ Fiat-backed stablecoins: The value of these stablecoins is pegged to a government-issued currency, which is also known as fiat money, like the euro or the pound sterling. For example, a stablecoin linked to the US dollar like the USDC will always have the same value, with 1 USDC being equal to $1 USD.
▪ Crypto-backed stablecoins: Other cryptocurrencies act as backup for the stability of these stablecoins. Since this is riskier, they accumulate more cryptocurrency than they’re worth as a collateral to protect their value in case of big fluctuations. For instance, it might cost you $150 USD’s worth of a cryptocurrency to create $100 USD in crypto-backed stablecoin. This is mainly for people who do not want to depend on one institution to hold reserves and wish for more flexibility and freedom.
▪ Commodity-backed stablecoins: These stablecoins are linked to assets like gold, silver, or oil. For example, PAXG is a stablecoin backed by gold, with each coin being equivalent to a certain amount of gold. Overall, they offer better protection against rising prices and give you a safety anchor based on real items.
▪ Algorithmic stablecoins: The value of these stablecoins is kept steady by softwares and algorithms. The system automatically creates more coins when the price is too high and removes coins when the price is too low. Their big advantage is that they don’t rely on banks or stored assets, which makes them flexible and independent of traditional finance. However, this is also riskier. Indeed, their stability depends entirely on the algorithm working correctly and that’s not always the case.
In short, stablecoins combine stability with the speed of cryptocurrency, eliminating the need for physical storage. So, now that we’ve established what they are and how they work, let’s dive into what their benefits are and when to use them.
Stablecoins in the Money Transfer Industry
This cryptocurrency has practical applications that could impact the way you store and move money. Stablecoin benefits individuals, businesses, and entire economies.
Thanks to stablecoins, sending money across borders is becoming faster and cheaper. That is because they move through blockchains, digital networks where transactions are recorded. Because no payment processor is needed to approve transfers, stablecoins can move directly from one wallet to another. It is easy and secure, as each wallet owner has a confidential key needed to authorize transactions. The transfers are therefore able to be settled quickly, safely, and at low cost.
Payroll for Global Gig Workers
The global gig economy depends on fast and efficient payments around the world. Stablecoin payments allow workers to receive their salary easily, regardless of geographic location. They can also reduce currency conversion costs, eliminate delays from traditional banking, and provide workers with more predictable income.
Savings in Volatile Economies
In countries suffering from high inflation or economic instability, stablecoins offer a way to store money without losing purchasing power. People can convert local currency into a stablecoin pegged to a stronger asset or foreign currency, helping them protect their savings and plan for the future.
The Potential and Challenges on the Road Ahead
The rise of stablecoins opens doors for expanding financial access, lowering transaction costs, and enabling new business models. Because of this, companies and institutions are exploring their different possible applications in the financial industry. They are even slowly being integrated in traditional financial systems, expanding the use-cases for stablecoin.
Recent legislation, such as the GENIUS Act in the United States, has established a framework for stablecoin regulation. Under the GENIUS Act, stablecoin issuers must be licensed and are required to maintain strict reserves with U.S. dollars or other approved assets, as well as undergo audits and comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) protocols.
If you plan on acquiring stablecoins, it is recommended that you make sure to go though a company that is properly regulated.
The Future of Stablecoins in Money Transfers
Stablecoins are changing how money moves around the world. They make sending money faster, cheaper, and more inclusive. As more people and companies use stablecoins and rules become clearer, they are poised to become an even bigger part of global payments.
FAQs
What are stablecoins and how do they work?
Stablecoins are digital currencies linked to government-issued currencies, real assets, other cryptocurrencies, or algorithms. They are designed to keep their value steady and make sending money fast and secure.
How do stablecoins reduce remittance costs?
Stablecoins use blockchain technology that does not require payment processors, which lowers fees and increases speed.
Are stablecoins safe for international money transfers?
Regulated stablecoins backed by real assets are made to be stable but there is always a risk of de-pegging. Use trusted companies and wallets to make sure your rights and assets are protected.
What are the benefits of stablecoins for migrant workers?
Stablecoins make it cheaper and faster to send money home, even for people without bank accounts.
What are the regulatory challenges for stablecoins?
Governments are making rules to protect users and make sure companies follow the law.
How do stablecoins promote financial inclusion?
Stablecoins eliminate some of the barriers to accessing financial services, making it easier for people to store and send money.
Can businesses use stablecoins for payroll and trade?
Yes, many businesses use stablecoins to pay workers and trade across borders.
What is the future of stablecoins in the money transfer industry?
Stablecoins will become more common as technology and rules improve.
What are the 4 types of stablecoins?
Fiat-backed, commodity-backed, crypto-backed, and algorithmic stablecoins.
For millennia, people have been traveling and moving across borders. Although much has changed over the years, one common aspect remains: the desire to keep in touch with those we have left behind.
It can be hard to get your bearings in an unfamiliar country with a different culture and set of rules. So, it’s natural to turn to family and friends for help.
Maintaining a steady communication with them nurtures this bond, makes you feel safer, and more in touch with your roots. Without this support system, people tend to feel more isolated, which also impacts their mental health.
Today, there are countless apps and platforms that enable you to stay in touch with those you care about most, no matter the distance. But that was not always the case.
In this post, we’re going to take a look at the history and evolution of communication over the years. We’ll dive into the crucial role of the digital era in the lives and identities of migrants. And we’ll talk about technology’s barriers and risks, and how to best prevent and protect yourself against them.
Key Takeaways
▪ Migrant communication has evolved from slow letters to instant messaging, making connections faster and easier.
▪ Technology enables migrants to maintain family ties, build communities, and share stories across borders.
▪ Instant messaging provides convenience and emotional support, but also brings challenges like digital literacy and privacy concerns.
▪ Digital tools foster transnational identities and global networks, helping migrants overcome distance and isolation.
▪ Despite new technologies, the emotional need for connection remains central to the migrant experience.
▪ Online communities and messaging apps empower migrants to connect, find support, and reduce isolation.
▪ The future of migration communication is digital, inclusive, and adaptive.
▪ The digital era introduces challenges and risks, including the digital divide, privacy threats, and scams—making digital literacy and security essential.
A Brief History of Migrant Communication
Today, we can message our friends at any time of the day or call our family with just a few taps. But it was not always so easy and fast to keep family connections and stay in touch with people who live far away from us. It could take days or even weeks for our message to reach loved ones that can now be sent instantly.
Here is an overview of the evolution of the means of migrant communication:
Letters: The Original Connection
Before any of the current technology was invented, people relied entirely on letters for long-distance communication. Although they always provided a physical memento of someone’s affections, migrant letters took a long time to arrive to their destination and were irretrievable if lost on the way.
So, when new inventions appeared, people gladly embraced these alternatives. But letters have not disappeared. They are still used for official communications, publicity, and even for thoughtful personal messages.
Telegraph: Speeding Up Communication
With the industrial revolution hitting its peak around the 19th century, the world was suddenly bursting with new technologies and possibilities.
The electric telegraph came into being during this time. Basically, this technology translated messages into electric signals sent through wires. When the signals arrived at the office closest to the destination, they were transformed back into writing and delivered to the recipient.
However, the telegraph’s most notable contribution was that it paved the way for future innovations that would forever change long-distance communication.
Telephone & Fax: Voices and Documents in Real Time
The birth of the telephone in the 1850s was made possible by the technology created for the electric telegraph. It was an absolutely groundbreaking device. Before that, there was no way to transmit voices and sounds over long distances in real time.
But people still needed to send each other written messages, documents, and images. And back in the 19th century, the only existing options were letters and telegraphs. That’s where the fax machine came in. In its most performing version, it allowed users to scan documents, sending the information directly to the recipient’s machine to be printed almost instantly. Thanks to their low cost, speed, and reliability, they easily replaced telegraphs.
However, the fax machine was also eventually surpassed by a new revolutionary invention: emails. With the rise of the internet and personal computers, emails became increasingly popular. By the early 2000s, they were fully established as the fastest form of written communication.
But emails were still limited in some ways. One had to be on their computer to read and send emails. At the time, people were not always online, as they are now. What changed everything was the smartphone.
Having an easy-to-carry device with internet access has fuelled the creation of countless platforms and apps offering instant messaging services, as well as voice and video calls. It has made communication almost constant and even more effortless. Talking to loved ones across borders has never been easier!
The Evolution of Human Migration: The Benefits of The Digital Era
There is more to modern communication technologies than just being able to talk to other people whenever we want. Thanks to instant messaging apps, migrants can sustain family bonds and build communities through chat, voice and video calls.
Preserving family bonds is crucial. Family and friends are your first support system. Telling them about daily life through texts and pictures can help boost your mental health. At the same time, it enables you to partake in milestones, celebrations, and traditions, helping you feel connected even while physically far from home.
Staying in touch with your loved ones also helps you connect with your culture and heritage. This is equally important for your well-being. It is a way to uphold your identity and foster a sense of belonging. Digital communication and social media enable migrants to share their heritage and stay informed about new trends despite the distance.
Beyond your family, you can also forge real connections and communities on the internet. For migrants in particular, digital diaspora groups and forums are a great source of guidance, practical tips, and emotional support. These online communities can act as lifelines, offering resources and fostering a sense of kinship in unfamiliar environments.
Digital Tools: Technology Trends, Challenges & Risks
Technology and the internet have made our lives much easier. But they also come with their share of challenges and risks.
Below, we discuss some of the most common issues:
Access Gaps
Digital inclusion is critical for migrants to communicate with loved ones, find support, and access services such as education or employment opportunities. However, there are significant barriers to accessing the internet and acquiring digital tools.
Many people around the world still lack affordable internet and devices, as well as reliable infrastructures to ensure good connectivity. This is known as the digital divide. In short, this divide limits access to essential support, resources, and information—severely impacting those who need it most. And it can make it harder for migrants to stay connected to loved ones back home, as some might face barriers to accessing online services.
Privacy and Security Threats
Lack of digital literacy can lead to higher vulnerability to cyber threats when users are not able to recognize warning signs. For example, common threats on social media and the internet include phishing emails, fake profiles, and fraudulent websites, which many can misinterpret as legitimate.
Moreover, migrants are often subjected to specific types of scams. For example, ill-intended individuals might pretend to offer legitimate legal services or money transfer solutions just to take their money.
How To Avoid These Threats
As a money transfer provider, we know we can play an important role in keeping our customer base informed about potential scams, especially related to payments and transactions.
This is why we always strive to inform our customers on the latest scams and the best ways to avoid them. We also implement strict data protection measures to protect our clients’ private information from ill-intended individuals and share guides teaching others how to keep their data safe.
It’s important to remember to always use secure platforms, enable privacy settings, double check information found online, and limit the amount of personal information you share on the internet.
By promoting digital literacy and sharing best practices for privacy and security, we can ensure these technologies become bridges, so that everyone benefits from a safer and more inclusive digital world.
The Future of Migration is Digital, Connected, and Evolving
Despite all the challenges, the digital age offers migrants unprecedented opportunities to stay connected, share their journey, get support, and receive guidance.
Instant messaging, online communities, and digital tools empower people to maintain family ties, access vital information, and build new networks across borders.
How did migrants communicate before instant messaging?
Migrants relied on handwritten letters, which could take weeks or months to arrive. With new inventions came faster ways to communicate, like telegrams, phone calls, and faxes. But none as fast and accessible as the current instant-messaging platforms and apps.
How has technology changed migrant communication?
Technology has made communication faster, more frequent, and more accessible. Migrants can now connect instantly with loved ones worldwide.
What are the benefits of instant messaging for migrants?
Instant messaging allows real-time conversations with individuals and groups, sharing of photos and videos, and emotional support across distances.
What challenges do migrants face in digital communication?
Barriers include digital literacy, access to devices or the internet, privacy concerns, and adapting to new platforms.
How do migrants maintain family ties today?
Migrants use instant messaging, video calls, and social media to stay connected, celebrate milestones, and support each other emotionally.
What is the impact of instant messaging on migrant identity?
Staying in touch with loved ones back home and sharing or following people who share your culture fosters a sense of belonging, affirming migrant’s identity despite the distance.
How can migrants protect their privacy online?
Migrants should use secure platforms, enable privacy settings, and be cautious about sharing personal information.
Add your payment method (bank account, debit, or credit card).
Choose your destination and delivery method (bank deposit, mobile wallet, or cash pickup).
Confirm and send.
Your recipient gets the money, often in minutes, and you can keep them in the loop with Ria’s track a transfer tool.
FAQs
What is the 1% remittance tax?
The 1% remittance tax is a new government mandated tax applied to certain international money transfers funded with cash to promote digital financial transactions.
Does the 1% remittance tax apply to all transfers?
No. The tax generally applies only to cash-based remittances. Transfers funded through digital payment methods, like bank accounts, debit cards, or credit cards, are not subject to this tax.
Why should I choose digital transfers?
Digital transfers are often faster, more secure, and more affordable. Plus, you can send money from home using your phone or computer.
Is Ria compliant with the new regulation?
Yes. Ria operates in full compliance with U.S. financial regulations and transparently displays all applicable taxes and fees before you confirm a transfer.
What’s the best way to send money with minimal fees?
Using digital payment methods through the Ria app or website often results in lower overall costs and faster delivery times.
Send money with Ria
Send money to your loved ones across the world. Cashless, fast, and secure. Start your transfer today.
Moving abroad marks the beginning of an adventure. You will discover a new culture, explore new landscapes, taste new foods… and have the chance to truly integrate into your host community. There are many ways to do this, but today we are focusing on one of the most selfless: volunteering.
Giving your time to a cause you hold dear is an incredible way to connect with your community. Whether you use your existing skills or learn new ones, volunteering immediately immerses you in the reality of your neighbors. What do they need? How can you help? It is a powerful way to integrate and make a true difference.
Key Takeaways
▪ Volunteering abroad helps you integrate and make a meaningful impact on your host community.
▪ There are four main types of volunteer work: environmental, animal, social, and healthcare.
▪ Choosing the right opportunity starts with self-reflection: consider your motivations, goals, and skills before selecting a program.
▪ You can support your home community from abroad through sharing knowledge, emotional support, remote volunteering, and financial contributions.
▪ Remote volunteering and online support are increasingly accessible, allowing you to help NGOs and loved ones from anywhere.
Finding the Right Volunteer Opportunity
To find your perfect volunteer opportunity while living abroad, you need to start by asking yourself a set of questions:
▪ “Why do I want to volunteer?”
▪ “What are my goals and expectations?”
▪ “How much time do I have available?”
▪ “Which skills can I offer?”
▪ “What kind of volunteer program would I like to do?”
These prompts can help you understand your own intentions, so you can make better decisions later in the process. The answers have to come from within, but we can help you with the last one.
The Four Types of Volunteer Work
Generally, there are four different types of volunteer work: environmental, with animals, social, and in healthcare. Within these four, there are subcategories. Let’s detail them, to help you choose what fits you the best.
Environmental volunteer work
Environmental volunteer work includes conservation, farm work, and climate change projects. Conservation and farm work are ideal if you enjoy being outdoors. They are both very hands-on and can be physically demanding. Some examples of conservation work are reforestation projects and cleaning up beaches, while some examples for farm work can include animal care, fence building, and harvesting. If you prefer, you can also get involved in climate change volunteering by joining an environmental group.
Animal volunteer work
Animal volunteer work includes helping out in animal shelters or participating in wildlife conservation. At an animal shelter you would be helping with the upkeep or with the shelter’s communications, organizing events on social media. You could also care for animals in your own homes or rescue and care for injured animals. Wildlife conservation takes place further away from the animals as it includes counting and protecting them and conserving their natural habitat through tree planting and cleaning, for example.
Social volunteer work
Social volunteer work includes teaching, working with children, and community development. If you speak a different language, you could use it to teach children and adults! You would be responsible for preparing lesson plans and making learning this language more fun and accessible. You could also devote your time to bringing joy to children in need at youth clubs, schools, and summer camps. Community development usually means joining a charity, helping to distribute food or welcoming migrants. It is crucial to be well informed and even trained to be able to help those in need.
Healthcare volunteer work
Healthcare volunteer work includes aiding the elderly. You can spend your time at a nursing home, delivering meals, helping with the grocery shopping, or just calling and checking in every day. Counselling is all about being a compassionate support to crime victims or people struggling with their mental health, for example. It can be grief counselling, for domestic and family issues, though this requires specific training.
Remember, the key is to choose an opportunity that matches your intentions, skills, and availability. Always research the volunteering organization carefully. The right project should fit your expectations, be trustworthy, sustainable, and centered on helping and collaborating with the community.
Supporting Your Community Back Home
Now that you are volunteering and integrating in your new country, know that you can still support your community back home through various ways.
Share your knowledge, skills and opportunities
With your new life underway, you are gaining new experiences and making connections. This is a great opportunity to share it all with your loved ones! Offer advice, share your network, provide useful resources, or send information that can benefit someone at home. Your guidance can be incredibly valuable.
Provide emotional support
Don’t underestimate the power of regular phone calls and messages. Just because you are physically far from your loved ones doesn’t mean you can’t be present. Taking the time to catch up with a friend or check in on a family member going through a tough time is a powerful form of support. Staying connected is not only essential but feasable, even with miles separating you.
Help with administrative tasks remotely
If you have access to the internet, you can also assist your loved ones with administrative and practical tasks. This can include completing online forms, helping with translations, researching a subject, or making sense of complicated paperwork. Your help is precious and can be given from afar easily.
Donate to NGOs back home
Even if you cannot physically give your time to your local NGOs back home, you can still support them via donations. Most of the time, those organizations depend on this aid to keep working and helping those who need it the most. Just make sure that the payment method is secure. Even if the help you’re offering is solely monetary, you can still feel proud of your impact. Your contribution is truly making a difference. Participating in fundraisers online is also a great way to support local initiatives that are meaningful to your community.
Volunteer with NGOs back home remotely
Did you know that you can volunteer online, too? Some NGOs also accept remote help. This can be you! Some online roles include tutoring, mentoring, translation, writing, communication, or administrative support. Contact your local organizations back home and offer your time remotely! This way, you are still contributing to helping your community.
Stay engaged in your home civic life
Living abroad does not remove your civic duties! When elections are held in your home country, you can still participate and vote from where you live. Check out your embassy’s website to know about the processes and next steps. It is a direct way to support your community’s future and is generally not time-consuming.
Proudly represent your culture abroad
What better way to support your community than showing it to the world? Living abroad is an amazing way to showcase your roots. Share your traditions and heritage whenever you can! This will help your community feel valued and seen on an international scale. If you are looking for ideas, check out our latest blog post to learn all about how to celebrate your cultural identity while living abroad.
Supporting your family financially
If you send money back home, you are already playing a big part in contributing to your community. Thanks to your financial support, you are lessening the burden on public services and covering vital needs like health and education for your family. In many cases, family members can also help you allocate extra funds to grassroots initiatives or to lend a helping hand to neighbors in need. That’s why a reliable money transfer service is essential. With Ria, you can send funds quickly, safely, and conveniently, online, through our app, or by visiting a nearby location.
Conclusion
Volunteering abroad is more than just giving your time. It’s a way to truly integrate into your new community while making a meaningful impact. By choosing the right volunteer opportunity, whether in environmental, animal, social, or healthcare work, you can match your skills and passions with the needs of others.
At the same time, living overseas doesn’t have to mean leaving behind your home community. You can give back in many ways: from providing emotional support and sharing knowledge to assisting with practical tasks, distance doesn’t have to limit your impact.
By balancing your volunteering with care for your community back home, you create lasting change for both. And when financial support is needed, reliable services like Ria make it simple to send help safely and quickly.
FAQs
What are the main types of volunteer work available abroad?
There are four primary categories: environmental, animal, social, and healthcare volunteering. Each offers unique ways to contribute based on your interests and skills.
How do I choose the right volunteer opportunity while living overseas?
Reflect on your motivations, goals, available time, and skills. Research organizations to ensure their projects align with your values and expectations.
Can I support my home community while living abroad?
Yes! You can share knowledge, provide emotional support, help with administrative tasks, donate to NGOs, and volunteer remotely.
What are some ways to volunteer remotely for organizations back home?
Remote volunteering includes tutoring, mentoring, translation, writing, communications, and administrative support. Many NGOs offer online roles for overseas volunteers.
How can I stay emotionally connected with loved ones while abroad?
Regular phone calls, messages, and check-ins help maintain strong relationships and provide meaningful support from a distance.
Is it possible to help with practical tasks for family or friends back home?
Absolutely. You can assist with online forms, translations, research, and paperwork remotely, making significant difference from afar.
Recently, Ria Money Transfer announced a landmark partnership with the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol (FMF) and Soccer United Marketing (SUM), in a new quest to support both the Mexican men’s and women’s national teams as official sponsors in the United States. The multi-year deal reflects Ria’s commitment to connect with Mexico’s vibrant football culture and forge genuine connections with its fans in the US.
Mexico is a country that lives and breathes sport, from baseball to lucha libre, all the way to hosting the 1968 Olympic Games. But to this day football reigns supreme as the nation’s most popular sport, spearheaded by the Selección de fútbol de México (Mexico national football team).
Key Takeaways
▪ Ria Money Transfer has become the official remittance partner of the Mexican Men’s and Women’s National Teams in the US.
▪ The partnership launches with a high-profile match in San Antonio, connecting Ria with one of soccer’s most passionate fan bases.
▪ Ria will maintain a visible presence throughout MexTour and MexTour W, engaging fans at matches across the US.
▪ In 2026, Ria will be the first official send-off partner for the Mexican men’s national team as they prepare for the World Cup.
▪ MexTour is one of North America’s most successful sports properties, with an estimated fan base of 65 million and average attendance of nearly 50,000 per match.
▪ Ria’s sponsorship reflects its commitment to supporting Mexican culture and providing financial services that connect communities.
▪ The partnership comes at a time of growing excitement for soccer in North America, following Mexico’s Gold Cup victory and the upcoming World Cup.
More Than Money: Inside Ria’s Sponsorship Announcement
For everyone at Ria, partnering with one of the most successful North American football nation was a no-brainer, and goes far beyond a simple business deal: it’s a celebration of the shared values and the community that this sport is so good at fostering.
The multi-year agreement signed with the FMF and SUM guarantees Ria’s omnichannel services and global infrastructure are heavily featured during key Mexican national football team events, starting with last week’s friendly match against Paraguay, which was played in San Antonio, Texas.
Though El Tri suffered a narrow defeat, it was a successful first showcase of what the sponsorship will bring in the months to come, as attending fans experienced Ria throughout the stadium.
We will continue having a visible role in both MexTour and MexTour W, as the different national teams continue to play in cities across the United States. Further, Ria will also be the first official send-off partner of the men’s team as they prepare to co-host the 2026 world championship.
Through the newly signed collaboration, we hope to connect our brand to a symbol of national pride that brings Mexicans together, no matter where they are.
MexTour and MexTour W: Expanding to Stadiums Worldwide
Thanks to the huge popularity of football in the United States among the Mexican diaspora —with an estimated fan base of 65 million people—the men’s and women’s national teams have been competing in marquee matches across major cities in the US.
These annual tours, known as MexTour and MexTour W, have become a staple event in North American football, providing fans with unforgettable experiences against world-class opponents.
And Mexican fans have responded in droves, proving that their supported is unmatched. Over the past decade, MexTour matches have drawn an average of nearly 50,000 fans, positioning itself as one of the continent’s most successful sports properties.
With next year’s world championship, the excitement around MexTour is reaching new heights, as the tournaments serve as build-up to what will be the most watched sporting event of the year.
As the first official send-off partner for the men’s team, we’ll also help Mexico set up for football’s biggest stage, a unique role that underscores our commitment to supporting the team and the fans for one of the most exciting periods in the sport’s history in North America.
Ria Money Transfer—Bridging Borders
Ria’s partnership with the Mexican Football Federation, its national teams and Soccer United Marketing go well beyond sponsorship: it’s about how the beautiful game connects cultures and communities. From MexTour and MexTour W to the upcoming 2026 world championship, Ria is committed to creating authentic fan experiences while supporting Mexicans everywhere.
This partnership also reflects Ria’s dedication to Mexican communities by aligning with one of the country’s symbols of national pride, its national football teams, while also strengthening its mission to keep connecting families—no matter the distance.
As a global leader in cross-border money transfers, Ria offers fast, secure, and reliable ways to send money worldwide. With the largest real-time money movement network, Ria bridges the digital and the physical through our omnichannel services.
What is Ria Money Transfer’s role with the Mexico national football teams?
Ria Money Transfer is the official remittance services partner for both the Mexican Men’s and Women’s National Teams in the US.
When did Ria Money Transfer announce its partnership with the Mexican national teams?
The multi-year partnership was announced ahead of the Mexican Men’s National Team’s match against Paraguay in San Antonio on November 18, 2025.
What is MexTour?
MexTour is an annual US tour featuring the Mexican national teams, recognized as one of North America’s most successful sports properties with a fan base of 65 million.
Will Ria Money Transfer be involved in the 2026 World Cup?
No, Ria’s sponsorship only covers the Mexican men’s national team as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup hosted in North America.
How does Ria Money Transfer support Mexican soccer fans in the US?
Ria provides remittance services and will have a visible presence at matches, engaging with fans and supporting the teams.
What is the significance of this partnership for Mexican soccer?
The partnership strengthens connections between Mexican soccer and its US fanbase, while supporting both men’s and women’s teams on their international journeys.
How many people attend MexTour matches?
MexTour matches have averaged nearly 50,000 attendees per match over the last decade.
Who are the key partners in this sponsorship?
The partnership involves Ria Money Transfer, the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol (FMF), and Soccer United Marketing (SUM).
Where can fans learn more about the partnership?
Fans can visit www.SomosLocales.com or www.riamoneytransfer.com for more information.
What other soccer properties does Soccer United Marketing oversee?
SUM oversees Major League Soccer, MexTour, MexTour W, Leagues Cup, Campeones Cup, and Concacaf Properties.
Remittances are more than money—they’re a lifeline that connects families and communities across borders. Every transfer tells a story of care, support, and opportunity.
In the first part of this analysisThe most popular destinations to send money from the US, we looked at where money from the US goes, combining transaction data with Google search trends. The findings showed that Mexico, India, and Colombia are the countries that receive the most remittances from the US.
Now, we’re flipping the perspective. Instead of focusing on destinations, this second part looks at where remittances start. Using five years of data and search trends, we explore which US states send the most money abroad—and how those flows connect millions of families around the world.
More Than Money: The Ties That Connect the US to the World
The United States has long been one of the world’s top sources of remittances—not just because of its large migrant population, but because of the deep ties connecting families across borders. These connections have grown over generations and continue to shape how and why money moves around the world.
Migration links between the United States and countries such as Mexico, India, and the Philippines clearly illustrate this.
In Mexico’s case, geographic proximity and cross-border dynamics have created strong family and community networks.
With India, ties deepened especially in the second half of the 20th century, driven by the arrival of professional and business communities, according to the Migration Policy Institute.
The Philippines, meanwhile, maintains a long-standing historical and cultural relationship with the US dating back to the mid-20th century, which has contributed to the establishment of strong, active communities in different parts of the country, as noted by the Pew Research Center.
These ties are not temporary, they are a lasting feature of US migration.
Which US States Send the Most Money Abroad?
Money transfers don’t come evenly from every part of the United States. They’re mostly concentrated in a handful of states that serve as the main hubs for sending money abroad.
At the top are California, New York, Texas, and Florida. These states stand out because of their large populations and diverse immigrant communities that stay closely connected to family back home.
They’re followed by states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, including New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, along with Virginia, Massachusetts, and Illinois, which complete the top ten senders of international transfers.
The heat map below makes this pattern easy to see. Most money transfers come from the East and West Coasts, along with parts of the South where migration has long been part of local life.
Per capita intensity
While California, New York, Texas, and Florida send the most money overall, places like the District of Columbia, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Maryland stand out for how active their residents are in sending money abroad. Their total populations may be smaller, but the amount sent per person is much higher compared to the larger states.
US States Most Interested in Sending Money Abroad
What people search for online doesn’t always match what they actually do later. In our previous study titled The most popular destinations to send money from the US, Mexico, India, and the Philippines came out as the destinations that draw the most attention from US residents looking to send money abroad.
Building on that research, we wanted to see how this online interest is spread across the country. To find out, we analyzed five years of Google Trends data on searches related to sending money to Mexico, India, and the Philippines.
Mexico: The southwest as the epicenter of remittance search interest
For Mexico, the states with the highest search interest are New Mexico, California, Arizona, Texas, and Nevada. This pattern reflects the strong presence of Mexican communities in these areas, which keeps search activity consistently high.
New Mexico (index 100) leads the list. Its close location to the border and deep cultural ties make it a natural hub for connections to the south. California and Texas also show strong interest, driven by their large populations and long-standing historical ties with Mexico.
India: The northeast leads search interest in transfers
For India, most search activity is concentrated in the Northeast. New Jersey comes in first, followed by New York and Washington. These states have large Indian communities, many of whom work in professional fields like management, science, business and arts, according to the Migration Policy Institute. That strong presence helps explain why interest in sending money to India is especially high in these areas.
The Philippines: The pacific as the main axis of search interest
For the Philippines, the strongest activity is found along the Pacific region. Hawaii ranks first by a wide margin, followed by Nevada, Alaska, California, and New York. This pattern reflects the long history of Filipino migration to Hawaii and California, where established communities continue to play an important role in supporting families back home.
Three countries, three migration stories: A comparative view
To understand the real dynamics of money transfer flows within the United States, it is useful to look at these searches in a single visualization. What we see when doing this is a surprisingly stark geographic divide:
In the West, search interest is dominated by transfers to Mexico.
In the East, the concentration shifts toward India.
Meanwhile, the Philippines remains centered in the Pacific region, with Hawaii as its main hub.
This contrast shows that online interest in sending money abroad looks very different from one region to another, revealing three distinct patterns that exist side by side across the country.
Actual transactions vs. Online searches
Rather than just looking at total volumes, which naturally put the biggest states on top, we wanted to understand how much each destination is represented within each state’s transfers. This helps show the level of engagement people have in sending money to Mexico, India, and the Philippines.
We then compared real transaction data with online search interest to see where the two align and where they differ. This comparison helps reveal the gap between what people look up online and what ultimately turns into an actual transfer.
Search data shows New Mexico at the top, followed by California, Arizona, Texas, and Nevada. But when we look at actual transaction share, the picture changes. Wyoming moves into first place, ahead of New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado.
For India, most search interest comes from the Northeast, especially New Jersey, New York, and Washington. But when we look at real transaction share, the focus shifts to Arkansas, Washington, followed by Texas, Michigan, and Delaware.
For the Philippines, Hawaii leads the search rankings, followed by Nevada, Alaska, California, and New York. But the real transaction data tell a different story. While Hawaii remains in first place on both lists, Alaska moves up to second when it comes to actual purchases, followed by Nevada, Washington, and California.
This contrast shows that online search interest doesn’t always match real-world behavior. Google Trends reflects curiosity and intent, while actual money transfers are driven more by established Filipino communities and long-standing networks that have been sending funds for years.
State–Country / Country–State Corridors
Money transfers aren’t spread evenly around the world. They move through a few key corridors that have developed over time. These routes reflect long-standing migration patterns, strong community ties, and ongoing economic needs on both sides of the border.
State–Country Corridors
Using transaction data from the past year, we identified the ten most active money transfer routes. The table below shows the main state-to-country connections, highlighting where most of each state’s transfers are sent.
California–Mexico: The Largest Corridor
The largest corridor is California to Mexico, which makes up a major share of all transfers to Latin America. Its size reflects the deep historical, cultural, and social ties that link the two.
New York and Florida with Colombia
On the East Coast, the New York to Colombia corridor stands out, supported by the large Colombian community in the greater New York area. Florida shows a similar trend, with a significant share of transfers also going to Colombia. Together, these flows make Colombia one of the main destinations for money sent from the United States.
Texas and Illinois with India
Another key corridor is Texas to India, reflecting the growing Indian community in the state and its strong presence in major industries. Illinois follows a similar pattern, with a large portion of its transfers also directed to India.
Other key corridors
The analysis also points to several other strong connections, including New Jersey with Colombia, Maryland and Virginia with El Salvador, and Massachusetts and Pennsylvania with the Dominican Republic.
Each of these connections shows how the places where migrant communities settle shape unique money transfer patterns. For many families separated by distance, these flows remain a crucial source of support and stability.
Country – States corridors
Looking at the data from the opposite angle, identifying which US states send the most money to each destination, reveals some clear patterns.
This section focuses on Mexico, Colombia, India, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic. These countries appeared as the top destinations in the previous table and serve as the best examples to illustrate how these flows are distributed.
Mexico – California: Mexico receives the largest amount (absolute volume) of money from California, making this the single most significant corridor overall.
Colombia – Florida: Most of Colombia’s transfers come from Florida, which stands as its main source of funds from the United States.
India – Texas: For India, the strongest flow originates in Texas, which remains the leading state for money transfers to the country.
El Salvador – California: Most of El Salvador’s transfers come from California, reflecting the deep roots of the Salvadoran community there.
Dominican Republic – New York: The Dominican Republic receives the largest share of its transfers from New York, a long-standing corridor that continues to drive support for families in the Caribbean.
Together, these corridors show how a small number of states account for most of the money sent abroad. California, Florida, Texas, and New York serve as the main hubs linking the United States with the rest of the world’s migrant and financial networks.
Send Money with Ria
Most money transfers from the US come from just a handful of states—led by California, New York, Texas, and Florida. These flows reflect deep community ties built over generations, not random patterns on a map.
Interestingly, online searches don’t always match real transfers. While people in different regions search most for destinations like Mexico, India, or the Philippines, the actual corridors often tell another story.
Together, digital and transaction data show how remittances connect families and economies across borders—one transfer at a time.
Wherever your loved ones are, send money with Ria—fast, secure, and made to keep you connected.
Every year, millions of migrant workers send part of their hard-earned money to their loved ones back home. These funds offer financial relief and even life-saving support to countless households around the globe.
With presence in nearly 200 countries and territories and more than 631,000 locations worldwide, Ria is a trusted global remittance provider. Our reputation is built on decades of accessible, reliable, and secure money transfer services.
Protecting our customers and meeting regulatory standards has always been at the heart of everything we do, so let’s dive into Ria’s compliance practices in Germany.
Key Takeaways
▪ Ria Money Transfer Germany is regulated and supervised by BaFin, the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority in the country.
▪ The company implements robust compliance controls, including Know Your Customer (KYC) policies, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures, and Anti-Terrorist Financing (ATF) rules.
▪ Ria’s independent compliance team includes seasoned experts in the field of money laundering prevention, such as the Compliance Officer for Germany.
▪ Ria uses advanced technology and experienced analysts to monitor and investigate transactions, ensuring customer protection.
▪ Ria is committed to transparency, customer safety, and continuous improvement.
Ria’s Legal Framework and Customer Protection in Germany
Ria is licensed to operate as a payment institution in Germany. This means that we are regulated and supervised by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority in Germany (BaFin)—the authority responsible for supervising financial institutions to prevent money laundering, terrorist financing, and other criminal offences.
Ria adheres to national and international laws established by central banks and other governmental organizations. They include the German Money Laundering Act (GwG) or the European Union’s (EU) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), among others.
These rules are designed to protect the customers by ensuring that transactions stay secure and transparent.
So, what are the compliance requirements for money transfer services in Germany? Key measures include:
Know Your Customer (KYC) and Due Diligence
Every customer must be identified through an ID valid in Germany and a verifiable address. For high-risk transactions, customers must also justify the source of their funds. These rules ensure that only legitimate transactions are processed.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Anti-Terrorist Financing (ATF) Controls
Ria’s system is designed to effectively detect and report suspicious activities. It prevents misuse of funds for money laundering or terrorist financing purposes, in accordance with internal and external regulations.
Transaction Monitoring
Ria closely monitors millions of cross-border transactions. Real-time controls and filters identify new and emerging patterns that could indicate suspicious activities. Transactions deemed suspicious are immediately put on hold and investigated. In doing so, Ria can efficiently stay ahead of potential threats.
Data Protection
Ria enforces strict privacy safeguards. An independent team of privacy experts verifies all data processing to ensure its security. This protects our customer’s personal information from misuse, unauthorized access, or loss.
Money Transfers Restrictions
Ria does not allow unlimited transfers. All transactions are subject to regulatory restrictions and inspections, in accordance with the rules set by the Bundesbank and BaFin in Germany.
Regular Audits and Supervision
Ria undergoes frequent audits, with independent auditors regularly examining our financial information. Moreover, we are subject to ongoing supervision by BaFin and other relevant authorities.
We go above and beyond to diligently apply these regulations every day. However, there are still misconceptions as to what responsibilities fall under the scope of money transfer providers.
Ria’s Compliance Best Practices in Action
At Ria, we are committed to protecting what truly matters: our customers’ security and the integrity of the financial system. That means that we dedicate significant resources to safeguarding both your funds and your personal data. And that we relentlessly work to prevent our services from being misused for illicit purposes.
What sets Ria apart is that we not only comply with rules and regulations, we exceed them through constant innovation and unwavering commitment:
▪ Transparency and Supervision:Ria’s compliance framework is robust, transparent, and regularly updated to reflect regulatory changes. Our compliance team works hard to continuously implement this framework, reducing risk and preventing fraud for our customers.
▪ Expertise: Ria’s compliance team is made up of over 400 in-house independent experts, led by seasoned professionals, some of them with over three decades of experience in financial compliance.
▪ Continuous Improvement: The company invests in advanced technology to enhance AML controls and transaction monitoring. This new technology allows us to efficiently identify fraud and money laundering networks and their victims.
▪ Collaboration: Ria works closely with regulators, law enforcement, and industry peers to uphold the highest standards. This enables us to continually strengthen our compliance practices to best protect our customers.
Building Trust Through Transparency and Awareness
Ria’s commitment to compliance and customer protection goes far beyond basic regulatory requirements.
Our customer-first approach means that we constantly improve and innovate to protect your transactions to the best of our abilities. And we keep you informed every step of the way, as we know that transparency and education are the basis for building lasting trust with our customers and partners.
By choosing Ria, you benefit from strong compliance controls, expert oversight, and our ongoing investment in the latest technology, as your security is our priority. We also empower you to recognize and avoid scams through practical tips and resources.
Because with Ria, your trust and peace of mind always come first.
Yes, Ria Money Transfer is supervised by BaFin and complies with all relevant German and EU laws. Money transfer providers must comply with the Payment Services Supervision Act (ZAG), Money Laundering Act (GwG), EU directives, and undergo regular audits and supervision by BaFin.
What is BaFin’s role in money transfers?
BaFin regulates and supervises money transfer companies in Germany, ensuring they comply with financial laws and protect customers.
What compliance controls does Ria have?
Ria monitors transactions through its strong KYC policy, as well as robust AML and ATF systems.
How does Ria prevent money laundering?
Ria implements strict AML controls, including customer verification, transaction monitoring, agent due-diligence, and reporting of suspicious activities.
Does Ria monitor the source of funds?
Ria follows all legal requirements but does not control whether funds originate from subsidies, as it falls outside of our scope.
How does Ria protect customer data?
Ria applies strict data protection measures and privacy safeguards, using advanced technology to safeguard customer information and prevent unauthorized access.
Who supervises Ria’s compliance?
BaFin is the supervisory authority for Ria and all money transfer companies in Germany.
What makes Ria different from other providers?
Ria stands out thanks to its global reach, strong compliance, and customer-first approach.
How does Ria respond to regulatory changes?
Ria constantly adapts to regulatory changes by updating its policies, enhancing controls, training staff, and investing in new technologies.
Is my money safe with Ria?
Yes, Ria’s compliance controls and supervision ensure customer protection.
Ria Money Transfer Deutschland: Starke Compliance, vertrauenswürdiger Service
Jedes Jahr schicken Millionen von Wanderarbeitern einen Teil ihres hart verdienten Geldes an ihre Lieben in der Heimat. Diese Gelder bieten unzähligen Haushalten rund um den Globus finanzielle Entlastung und sogar lebensrettende Unterstützung.
Mit einer Präsenz in fast 200 Ländern und Territorien und mehr als 631.000 Standorten weltweit ist Ria ein vertrauenswürdiger globaler Überweisungsanbieter. Unser Ruf beruht auf jahrzehntelangen zugänglichen, zuverlässigen und sicheren Geldtransferdiensten.
Der Schutz unserer Kunden und die Einhaltung gesetzlicher Standards standen schon immer im Mittelpunkt unseres Handelns, also lassen Sie uns in die Compliance-Praktiken von Ria in Deutschland eintauchen.
Wichtige Erkenntnisse
▪ Ria Money Transfer Germany wird von der BaFin, der Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht des Landes, reguliert und beaufsichtigt.
▪ Das Unternehmen hatrobuste Compliance-Kontrollen implementiert, einschließlich KYC-Richtlinien (Know Your Customer), Verfahren zur Bekämpfung von Geldwäsche (AML) und Regeln zur Bekämpfung von Terrorismusfinanzierung (ATF).
▪ Zum unabhängigen Compliance-Team von Ria gehören erfahrene Experten, mit mehrjähriger Erfahrung im Bereich der Geldwäscheprävention.
▪ Ria verwendet fortschrittliche Technologie und erfahrene Analysten, um Transaktionen zu überwachen und zu untersuchen und den Kundenschutz zu gewährleisten.
▪ Ria setzt sich für Transparenz, Kundensicherheit und kontinuierliche Verbesserung ein.
Rechtliche Rahmenbedingungen und Kundenschutz von Ria in Deutschland
Ria ist in Deutschland als Zahlungsinstitut zugelassen. Das bedeutet, dass wir von der Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht in Deutschland (BaFin) reguliert und beaufsichtigt werden – der Behörde, die für die Überwachung der Finanzdienstleistungsinstitute in Bezug auf Verhinderung von Geldwäsche, Terrorismusfinanzierung und anderen damit in Zusammenhang stehenden Straftaten zuständig ist.
Ria hält sich an nationale und internationale Gesetze, die von Zentralbanken und anderen Regierungsorganisationen erlassen wurden. Dazu gehören unter anderem das deutsche Geldwäschegesetz (GwG) oder die Datenschutz-Grundverordnung (DSGVO) der Europäischen Union (EU).
Diese Regeln sollen die Kunden schützen, indem sie sicherstellen, dass Transaktionen sicher und transparent bleiben.
Was sind also die Compliance-Anforderungen für Geldtransferdienste in Deutschland? Zu den wichtigsten Maßnahmen gehören:
Know Your Customer (KYC) und Due Diligence
Jeder Kunde muss durch ein in Deutschland zugelassenes Identifizierungsdokument und eine überprüfbare Adresse identifiziert werden. Risikobasierend müssen die Kunden auch die Herkunft ihrer Gelder begründen. Diese Regeln stellen sicher, dass nur legitime Transaktionen verarbeitet werden.
Kontrollen zur Bekämpfung von Geldwäsche (AML) und Terrorismusfinanzierung (ATF)
Das System von Ria ist darauf ausgelegt, verdächtige Aktivitäten effektiv zu erkennen und zu melden . Es verhindert den Missbrauch von Geldern zum Zwecke der Geldwäsche oder der Terrorismusfinanzierung in Übereinstimmung mit internen und externen Vorschriften.
Überwachung von Transaktionen
Ria überwacht Millionen von grenzüberschreitenden Transaktionen genau. Echtzeitkontrollen und -filter identifizieren neue und aufkommende Muster, die auf verdächtige Aktivitäten hinweisen könnten. Transaktionen, die als verdächtig eingestuft werden, werden sofort auf Eis gelegt und untersucht. Auf diese Weise kann Ria potenziellen Bedrohungen effizient einen Schritt voraus sein.
Datenschutz
Ria setzt strenge Datenschutzvorkehrungen durch. Ein unabhängiges Team von Datenschutzexperten überprüft die gesamte Datenverarbeitung, um ihre Sicherheit zu gewährleisten. Dies schützt die personenbezogenen Daten unserer Kunden vor Missbrauch, unbefugtem Zugriff oder Verlust.
Einschränkungen bei Geldüberweisungen
Ria erlaubt keine unbegrenzten Überweisungen. Alle Transaktionen unterliegen regulatorischen Beschränkungen und Inspektionen gemäß den von der Bundesbank und BaFin in Deutschland festgelegten Regeln.
Regelmäßige Audits und Überwachungen
Ria wird regelmäßig geprüft, wobei unabhängige Revisoren unsere Finanzinformationen regelmäßig überprüfen. Darüber hinaus unterliegen wir der laufenden Aufsicht durch die BaFin und andere relevante Behörden.
Wir gehen weit darüber hinaus, um diese Vorschriften jeden Tag gewissenhaft anzuwenden. Es gibt jedoch immer noch Missverständnisse darüber, welche Verantwortlichkeiten in den Zuständigkeitsbereich von Geldtransferanbietern fallen.
Die Best Practices für Compliance von Ria in der Praxis
Bei Ria setzen wir uns dafür ein, das zu schützen, was wirklich zählt: die Sicherheit unserer Kunden und die Integrität des Finanzsystems. Das bedeutet, dass wir erhebliche Ressourcen für den Schutz sowohl Ihrer Gelder als auch Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten aufwenden und dass wir unermüdlich daran arbeiten, zu verhindern, dass unsere Dienste für illegale Zwecke missbraucht werden.
Das Besondere an Ria ist, dass wir uns nicht nur an Regeln und Vorschriften halten, sondern diese durch ständige Innovation und unerschütterliches Engagement übertreffen:
▪ Transparenz und Aufsicht: Das Compliance-Framework von Ria ist robust, transparent und wird regelmäßig aktualisiert, um regulatorische Änderungen widerzuspiegeln. Unser Compliance-Team arbeitet hart daran, dieses Framework umzusetzen, Risiken zu reduzieren und Betrug für unsere Kunden zu verhindern.
▪ Sachkenntnis: Das Compliance-Team von Ria besteht aus über 400 internen unabhängigen Experten, die von erfahrenen Fachleuten mit mehr teils als drei Jahrzehnten Erfahrung im Bereich Financial Compliance geleitet werden.
▪ Kontinuierliche Verbesserung: Das Unternehmen investiert in fortschrittliche Technologien, um die AML-Kontrollen und die Transaktionsüberwachung zu verbessern. Diese neue Technologie ermöglicht es uns, Betrugs- und Geldwäschenetzwerke und ihre Opfer effizient zu identifizieren.
▪ Zusammenarbeit: Ria arbeitet eng mit Regulierungsbehörden, Strafverfolgungsbehörden und der Finanzindustrie zusammen, um die höchsten Standards einzuhalten. Dies ermöglicht es uns, unsere Compliance-Praktiken kontinuierlich zu stärken, um unsere Kunden bestmöglich zu schützen.
Aufbau von Vertrauen durch Transparenz und Bewusstsein
Das Engagement von Ria für Compliance und Kundenschutz geht weit über die grundlegenden regulatorischen Anforderungen hinaus.
Unser kundenorientierter Ansatz bedeutet, dass wir uns ständig verbessern und innovieren, um Ihre Transaktionen bestmöglich zu schützen. Und wir halten Sie bei jedem Schritt auf dem Laufenden , denn wir wissen, dass Transparenz und Aufklärung die Grundlage für den Aufbau eines dauerhaften Vertrauens bei unseren Kunden und Partnern sind.
Wenn Sie sich für Ria entscheiden, profitieren Sie von starken Compliance-Kontrollen, fachkundiger Aufsicht und unseren kontinuierlichen Investitionen in die neueste Technologie, da Ihre Sicherheit für uns Priorität hat. Wir befähigen Sie auch durch praktische Tipps und Ressourcen,Betrug zu erkennen und zu vermeiden.
Denn bei Ria stehen Ihr Vertrauen und Ihre Ruhe immer an erster Stelle.
Ja, das Geldtransfergeschäft Ria wird von der BaFin beaufsichtigt und erfüllt alle relevanten deutschen und EU-Gesetze. Geldtransferanbieter müssen das Zahlungsdiensteaufsichtsgesetz (ZAG), das Geldwäschegesetz (GwG) und EU-Richtlinien einhalten und sich regelmäßigen Prüfungen und Überwachungen durch die BaFin unterziehen.
Welche Rolle spielt die BaFin bei Geldüberweisungen?
Die BaFin reguliert und beaufsichtigt Geldtransferunternehmen in Deutschland und Überwacht die Einhaltung von Finanzgesetzen und Kundenschutz.
Welche Compliance-Kontrollen hat Ria?
Ria überwacht Transaktionen durch seine strenge KYC-Richtlinie sowie robuste AML- und ATF-Systeme.
Wie verhindert Ria Geldwäsche?
Ria hat strenge AML-Kontrollen implementiert, einschließlich Kundenverifizierung, Transaktionsüberwachung, Due-Diligence-Prüfung von Agenten und Meldung verdächtiger Aktivitäten.
Überwacht Ria die Herkunft der Gelder?
Ria befolgt alle gesetzlichen Vorgaben, kontrolliert aber nicht, ob die Mittel aus Subventionen stammen, da dies nicht in unseren Zuständigkeitsbereich fällt.
Wie schützt Ria Kundendaten?
Ria wendet strenge Datenschutzmaßnahmen und Datenschutzvorkehrungen an und verwendet fortschrittliche Technologie, um Kundeninformationen zu schützen und unbefugten Zugriff zu verhindern.
Wer überwacht die Einhaltung der Vorschriften durch Ria?
Die BaFin ist die Aufsichtsbehörde für Ria und alle Geldtransferunternehmen in Deutschland.
Was unterscheidet Ria von anderen Anbietern?
Ria zeichnet sich durch seine globale Reichweite, seine starke Compliance und seinen kundenorientierten Ansatz aus.
Wie reagiert Ria auf regulatorische Änderungen?
Ria passt sich ständig an regulatorische Änderungen an, indem es seine Richtlinien aktualisiert, die Kontrollen verbessert, das Personal schult und in neue Technologien investiert.
Ist mein Geld bei Ria sicher?
Ja, die Compliance-Kontrollen und die Überwachung von Ria gewährleisten den Schutz der Kunden.
Yaya Touré’s journey is a powerful example of how ambition and resilience can take you from local beginnings to global recognition and success. Born in Ivory Coast, Yaya’s early football dreams were shaped by family and community. His story is one of overcoming challenges, adapting to new cultures, and inspiring millions.
Key Takeaways
▪ Yaya Touré’s journey from Ivory Coast to global football stardom embodies resilience, adaptability, and the power of community, inspiring migrants and football fans worldwide.
▪ As Ria Money Transfer’s ambassador, Yaya Touré uses his platform to advocate for financial inclusion and empower people living away from home, amplifying Ria’s mission to support migrants in sending money securely and strengthening family ties.
▪ Yaya Touré’s story highlights the challenges and opportunities of adapting to new cultures, overcoming language barriers, and building success through hard work and perseverance.
▪ His achievements—winning major titles in Europe and leading Ivory Coast to continental glory—demonstrate how ambition and leadership can inspire others to pursue their dreams abroad.
▪ The partnership between Yaya Touré and Ria Money Transfer celebrates unity, hope, and opportunity for migrants everywhere, reinforcing the importance of supporting loved ones across borders.
That’s why we are incredibly excited to announce the football legend as our newest Ria Ambassador.
Yaya Touré’s Global Journey
Yaya’s football career began in Ivory Coast, but his talent quickly attracted the attention of European football. As a teenager, he moved to Belgium to play for Beveren, marking the start of a remarkable career across Europe and Asia.
Throughout his nearly two decades on the pitch and dominating the midfield position, he played for Metalurh Donetsk in Ukraine, Olympiacos in Greece, AS Monaco in France, FC Barcelona in Spain, Manchester City in England, and Qingdao Huanghai in China. Each move brought new challenges: different languages, cultures, and expectations. But, like many migrants across the globe, Yaya’s determination and adaptability helped him thrive.
That’s another reason why his story resonates with migrants and diaspora communities everywhere. Yaya’s ability to thrive in unfamiliar environments, succeeding as an African footballer in Europe, shows that hard work and perseverance can lead to greatness, no matter where you start.
The Leap Abroad: Adapting to New Cultures
Growing up in Ivory Coast, Yaya was influenced by his family and local community. Moving abroad as a young footballer, he faced the realities of life far from home: language barriers, cultural differences, and the pressure to perform. Yaya embraced these challenges, learning new languages and building connections in each country. “I represent my country, but I also represent the continent of Africa when I play in Europe,” he said, reflecting his pride and sense of responsibility.
Building Success: Career Highlights
Yaya’s football achievements are legendary. At club level he won the UEFA Champions League and La Liga with Barcelona, and later helped Manchester City secure Premier League titles, FA Cups, and League Cups.
Meanwhile, he represented Ivory Coast 101 times and led them to winning the Africa Cup in 2015. Yaya was also named African Footballer of the Year four times, becoming a role model for aspiring athletes across the continent and beyond.
His migrant journey shaped his career and leadership, teaching him the value of hard work, community, and giving back. Yaya’s legacy now extends beyond football, as he supports initiatives that empower people living away from home and advocates for financial inclusion.
Yaya & Ria Money Transfer: A Legacy for Migrants Everywhere
Yaya’s partnership with Ria is a celebration of unity, hope, and opportunity, helping to boost Ria’s mission to help millions send money home quickly and securely. So, what better way to kickstart the footballer’s ambassadorship than to hear from Yaya himself? In today’s video, we ask Yaya a burning question. What was the most important transfer of his career?
At Ria, we know that your transfers can be life-changing for your loved ones back home. That’s why we work hard to offer you the best service: through our app, web, or at your nearest Ria location.
