Taptap Send, a popular UAE remittance app, has temporarily paused transfers for a system upgrade, leaving expats worried before payday/ Image: X
Taptap Send, a mobile remittance platform popular among UAE expatriates, has temporarily paused its services for a system upgrade. The app, which allows users to send money abroad at no cost, has reportedly been unavailable for almost a week, raising concerns as many expatriates approach their next salary payday.According to a photo posted by a Reddit user, the post said that Taptap Send had not been working for a week while praising the app for being very convenient and fast. users attempting to make transfers are shown a pop-up notice that reads:“Sending temporarily unavailable. We’ve temporarily paused transfers from the UAE while we upgrade our service. We look forward to resuming our low cost, fast transfer service as quickly as possible.”
User’s Reddit Post
The pause is particularly significant given that the UAE is home to more than 80% expatriates, many of whom regularly send money back home to support their families. Instant, zero-fee transfers are considered a lifeline for expats, especially as the salary payday draws near. Founded in 2018 by Michael Faye and Paul Niehaus, Taptap Send launched in the UAE in June 2023. The app is designed to serve immigrant communities by helping them meet their most important financial needs, sending money to friends and family in Africa, Asia, and Latin America quickly, easily, and with no fees in most countries. Taptap Send has not disclosed a specific date for when UAE transfers will resume, but said customers will be notified once the upgrade is complete. Since its launch, the app has grown rapidly and become a key player in the remittance space, offering instant, low-cost mobile transfers to developing markets and becoming a preferred option for expatriates across the Gulf.
Exploring alternatives for remittances in UAE
With Taptap Send temporarily pausing its services, many expatriates in the UAE are exploring other platforms to send money to their families abroad. A variety of apps offer similar benefits, easy-to-use interfaces, low fees, fast transfers, and access to multiple countries — ensuring that expats can continue sending money home without disruption. Here are some of the leading alternatives:
| App | Fees & Rates (Approximate) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wise (formerly TransferWise) | 0.7% to 1.7% fee; uses mid-market exchange rate | Transparent pricing, typically AED 70-170 for AED 10,000 transfer |
| Remitly | Economy: 0.5%-1% total cost; Express: 1.5%-2.5% total cost | New customers get promotional rates; fast delivery options available |
| Al Ansari Exchange App | Competitive rates plus nominal service fees | Well-established in UAE; 24/7 service |
| LuLu Money | Often offers zero fees on unlimited transfers | Popular among Indian, Filipino, and Bangladeshi expats; competitive rates |
| WorldRemit | Varies by destination; generally low fees and competitive rates | Supports bank deposits, mobile wallets |
| e& money (Etisalat Group) | 0% fees to select countries; competitive exchange rates | Mobile wallet integrated with telecom services; no UAE bank account needed |
| Denarii Cash | Generally low fees; tailored for unbanked populations | Emerging UAE fintech offering remittance and bill-pay services to Asia and Africa |
These alternatives can provide continuity for expats relying on fast, low-cost transfers, particularly as the next salary cycle approaches and timely remittances remain a top priority.
