Sending money to family abroad or paying an international bill? The exchange rate you get can vary by 5% or more depending on when you send. With Currency Pig, you can stop guessing and start sending only when the rate is right.

The Problem with Remittance

Most people send money when they need to, not when the rate is good. That leaves money on the table. A better approach: monitor rates for a period before your deadline, then execute when the rate is favorable.

How to Get the Best Rate in 4 Steps

Step 1: Choose Your Remittance Corridor

Example: Sending from USA to Mexico (USD/MXN), or from UK to Nigeria (GBP/NGN), or from Germany to Turkey (EUR/TRY).

Step 2: Set a Target Rate in Currency Pig

Look at the 30-day average. Set an alert 2-3% better than the average if you have time. If your deadline is fixed, set a realistic target just above the current rate.

Example: USD/MXN current = 17.50, 30-day range = 17.20 – 17.80. Set alert at 17.65 (better than average but achievable).

Step 3: Compare Transfer Services

When the alert triggers, do not just use your bank. Compare:

  • Wise (formerly TransferWise) – mid-market rate + small fee
  • Remitly, XE, OFX – often good for large amounts
  • Western Union – convenient but expensive for small amounts
  • Crypto stablecoins – best for some corridors (e.g., USD/USDT to local P2P)

Currency Pig does not integrate with these services, but the alert tells you when to check them.

Step 4: Send Immediately

Rates can reverse quickly. Once your alert triggers, execute the transfer within hours, not days.

Real-World Example: Remittance to the Philippines

Maria in the US sends money to her family in the Philippines (USD/PHP). She needs to send USD 1,000 every month. Instead of sending on the 1st, she monitors USD/PHP with Currency Pig. The rate typically moves between 54.00 and 56.00. She sets an alert at 55.50. When it triggers, she sends the money. Over a year, she averages 55.30 instead of 54.80 – an extra PHP 5,000 for her family.

What If Your Deadline Is Fixed?

If you must send by a specific date (e.g., rent due on the 15th), set a “deadline alert”. Currency Pig can notify you daily at 9 AM with the current rate. On the 13th, if the rate is better than the 7-day average, send. Otherwise, wait until the last day.

Avoid These Remittance Traps

  • Banks’ “zero fee” offers – they inflate the rate by 2-3%.
  • Credit card cash advances – high fees and immediate interest.
  • PayPal to PayPal – terrible exchange rates, often 4% above mid-market.

Using Currency Pig for Recurring Remittance

Set up a recurring alert that resets every month. Currency Pig supports “monthly alert” where you set a target, and after it triggers, it automatically reactivates on the next cycle.

Free vs Premium for Remittance

Free plan (3 active alerts) is fine for personal remittance. Set one alert per corridor.

Summary

Do not send money on a random day. Use Currency Pig to wait for a favorable rate. Your recipient will thank you.