Sending money from the UK to Sierra Leone is easier today than ever before—but the costs and speed vary greatly depending on how you send it.
This guide breaks down all your options, the pros and cons, and the best method for speed, affordability, and convenience.
1. Why People Send Money to Sierra Leone
The Sierra Leone diaspora in the UK continues to grow, and remittances support:
Family Expenses
Daily living costs, food, and household needs
Healthcare & Emergencies
Medical bills and urgent family situations
School Fees
Education expenses for children and youth
Building Projects
Property investment and construction
Business Investment
Startup capital and business support
💡 Because of this, choosing the right transfer method is important—every pound counts.
2. The Main Ways to Send Money from the UK to Sierra Leone
A. Banks (Most Expensive & Slowest)
❌ Not RecommendedTraditional banks charge:
Best only for: Large business transfers where speed isn't critical.
B. Cash Transfer Companies
⚠️ AverageExamples: Western Union, MoneyGram
✓ Pros:
- • Cash pick-up available
- • Widely known brand names
- • Many agent locations
✗ Cons:
- • Often expensive fees
- • Requires travel to physical location
- • Slower than digital transfers
C. Online Remittance Services (Best for Speed + Cost)
⭐ RECOMMENDEDDigital platforms like SendHome offer:
Instant mobile money payout to any phone number in Sierra Leone
No bank account needed for recipient
Lower fees
Up to 80% cheaper than banks
Higher exchange rates
Better GBP to SLE rates mean more money for your family
Transfers delivered in 1–3 minutes
Not days or hours—minutes!
🎯 This is now the preferred option for the UK diaspora.
3. Why Mobile Money Is the Future
of Sierra Leoneans have access to mobile phones
Mobile money is transforming financial services in Sierra Leone because it's:
⚡ Instant
Money arrives in 1-3 minutes, not days. Perfect for emergencies.
🔒 Safe
No need to carry cash or visit agents. Secure digital transactions.
📱 Convenient
Recipients can use money immediately for purchases or withdraw cash.
🌍 Available Everywhere
Works in urban and rural areas. No bank branch required.
SendHome pays out directly to Afrimoney & Orange Money — the most popular mobile money providers in Sierra Leone.
4. Step-by-Step: How to Send Money with SendHome
⏱️ Sending money takes less than 2 minutes:
Create your SendHome account
Quick signup with your UK phone number and email
Add your recipient's Sierra Leone phone number
Works with any mobile money number
Enter the amount you want to send
See exact GBP to SLE conversion in real-time
Pay securely with card or bank
UK debit and credit cards accepted
Money is delivered instantly
Track in real-time until your family receives it
5. How Much Does It Cost?
SendHome fees start from 2.9%, and exchange rates are updated in real-time.
Unlike banks, you always see the exact amount your recipient will receive before you send.
💡 No Hidden Fees
What you see is what you pay. No surprise charges or hidden exchange rate markups.
Pro Tip: Compare the total amount your recipient receives, not just the fee. A low fee with a bad exchange rate costs you more.
6. Final Tips
✓ Compare the total cost, not just fees
Calculate how much your recipient actually receives after all fees and exchange rates.
✓ Check the exchange rate before sending
GBP to SLE rates fluctuate. Use services that show real-time rates.
✓ Use a service with instant delivery
Mobile money transfers arrive in minutes, not days. Perfect for emergencies.
✓ Avoid unnecessary cash pick-ups
Mobile money is safer and more convenient than cash pick-up locations.
Ready to Send Money to Sierra Leone?
👉 Send money to Sierra Leone instantly with SendHome today — fast, secure, and affordable.
Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to send money from UK to Sierra Leone?
Transfers are typically completed in 1-3 minutes. Your recipient receives a mobile money payout to their phone number instantly once payment is confirmed.
What is the GBP to SLE exchange rate?
Our current rate is 1 GBP = 30.57 SLE. Exchange rates are updated in real-time and you'll see the exact amount your recipient will receive before you send.
Can I send money to any phone number in Sierra Leone?
Yes! Fast mobile money payout to any phone number in Sierra Leone. We support all major mobile money providers including Orange Money, Afrimoney, and QMoney.
Are there any fees for sending from UK?
We charge transparent, competitive fees with no hidden charges. You'll see the total cost including all fees before confirming your transfer.
Is it safe to send money from UK to Sierra Leone online?
Absolutely. We use bank-grade security with military-grade encryption to protect your money and personal data. All transactions are secure and monitored 24/7.