When, Why, and How We Send Remittance
The Best Times in the Year
to Send Remittances
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22 May 2025
Remittances—money transfers made by individuals living abroad to support loved ones in their home country—play a pivotal role in sustaining families and communities across the globe. Whether you are helping parents with daily expenses, funding education for siblings, or covering emergency medical bills, choosing the right time of year to send remittance can significantly improve the value your recipients receive.
Many users frequently ask: “When is the best time to send remittance?” The answer lies in understanding patterns influenced by currency exchange rates, holidays, school schedules, and even financial promotions.
Why People Send Remittances
Before diving into the best time to transfer money, let’s understand why people send remittances and who sends them.
Common Reasons to Send Remittance:
Family Support: The most common motivation. Migrant workers or overseas professionals send money to cover food, rent, healthcare, and other daily needs.
Education: Parents abroad fund tuition, books, and living costs for their children or relatives studying back home.
Healthcare: For emergencies or routine medical needs, remittances often help cover hospital bills and medication.
Celebrations and Religious Holidays: Remittances increase during festive seasons, such as Christmas, Diwali, Lunar New Year, or Eid.
Investments and Property: Some remit money to build homes, invest in real estate, or support local businesses.
Send Remittances from Anywhere in the World
Advances in digital platforms now allow individuals to send remittance from anywhere, whether you’re in Toronto, New York, London, or Dubai. Services like OTT Remit make international money transfers more accessible, secure, and affordable.
Top Countries Where People Send Remittance:
Philippines: One of the top remittance-receiving countries. Funds help with daily living, education, and emergencies.
India: With a massive diaspora, remittances support families and rural communities.
Mexico: Often the top recipient in Latin America.
China: Many overseas Chinese send money during Lunar New Year and national holidays.
Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria: Also among the top remittance destinations.
According to the World Bank, global remittances to low- and middle-income countries reached over $685 billion in 2024—a powerful indicator of their importance.
How Often Do People Send Remittance?
The frequency of remittances depends on income, financial commitments, and seasonal needs.
| Remittance Frequency | Typical Reasons |
|---|---|
| Monthly | Rent, groceries, tuition, allowances |
| Quarterly | Bulk payments, tuition terms, savings transfers |
| Annually | Major holidays (e.g., Christmas, Lunar New Year), investments |
| Occasionally | Emergencies, milestones (e.g., weddings, graduations) |
Services that offer recurring transfers or flexible digital payments are increasingly popular.
Best Times of the Year to Send Remittance
Now let’s explore when it’s best to send remittances. Timing can affect exchange rates, processing speed, and the emotional impact of your support.
1. December – Christmas and Holiday Season
This is peak remittance season. Millions of overseas Filipinos, Indians, Mexicans, and others send holiday cash gifts.
Benefits:
Strong emotional value
Many platforms offer promotions or discounts
Recipients use funds for Noche Buena, gifts, travel, or church donations
Tip: Send early December to avoid transfer delays.
2. January – School Reopening and Other Support
After the holidays, families often face tuition fees and utility bills.
Great time for bulk remittances to cover school and utility costs
Exchange rates often fluctuate, so monitoring is key
3. Ramadan/Eid and Diwali (Varies Annually)
For Muslim and Hindu families, these spiritual occasions drive higher remittance volumes.
Remittances are used for charity, new clothing, food, and celebrations
Ensure transfers are made one to two weeks before the festivals
4. August–September – Back to School
Back-to-school season prompts increased transfers for education.
Use this period to set up monthly educational support
OTT Remit offers better foreign exchange so you will get more from your money transfer
5. Lunar New Year (Late January or February)
For Chinese families, this is a time for gift-giving and family reunions.
Sending remittance can be a digital red envelope
Transactions spike, so early transfers are recommended
6. Exchange Rate Opportunities (Anytime)
Monitor exchange rates regularly. Even small shifts can translate into higher value for your recipient.
Use OTT Remit’s rate alerts to maximize your remittance
How to Send Remittance Securely and Swiftly
Sending money should be stress-free and fast. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned sender, here’s a refresher on how to send remittance safely and conveniently.
Step-by-Step: How to Send Remittance via OTT Remit
Sign Up at www.ottremit.com or via the mobile app
Verify Your Identity (one-time KYC requirement for security)
Enter Recipient Details (bank info, e-wallet, or cash pickup location)
Select Amount and Currency
Send Fund via Interac
- Send and Track Your Remittance
Did you know? OTT Remit supports transfers to GCash, PayMaya, and major banks in the Philippines with competitive rates and in-minutes service.
Send Remittance With Confidence Using OTT Remit
With OTT Remit, you can:
Track your remittance in real-time
Receive notifications and digital receipts
Enjoy personalized customer support
Tips to Maximize the Value of Your Remittance
1. Plan Ahead: Send before peak times to avoid delays and poor exchange rates.
2. Monitor Promotions: Look for seasonal offers like Mother’s Day Bonuses or Christmas Reward Points.
3. Compare Exchange Rates: Use services that offer transparent FX rates.
4. Avoid Rush Fees: Use regular transfers to avoid expedited charges.
5. Educate Recipients: Encourage family to use funds wisely (e.g., savings, tuition, or health insurance).
Send Remittance and Strengthen Ties With Loved Ones
Sending remittance is more than a transaction—it’s an act of love, loyalty, and responsibility. By choosing the right time of year and using trusted services like OTT Remit, you can maximize every dollar and ensure your support reaches its full potential.
Remember:
Holidays and school terms are ideal for meaningful remittances
Exchange rate timing can boost remittance value
Services like OTT Remit offer speed, security, and affordability
Thoughts: Make Every Remittance Count
Whether you’re sending money to the Philippines, India, Mexico, or China, take time to plan your remittance around the needs of your loved ones. Use OTT Remit to send remittance with ease, from anywhere, at any time.
Looking to learn more?
Check out our guide: How to send money from Canada to the Philippines
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the authors in this publication are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of OTT Remit, OTT Financial Inc., and the OTT Group of Companies. This publication is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered as exhaustive or comprehensive in covering all aspects of the discussed topics. It is not intended to replace seeking advice from a specialist or professional.
