In most cases, the employer is responsible in opening a bank account for you in the destination country especially if the salaries will only be provided through banks (i.e. no salary in cash). Get to know the terms, conditions and benefits of the bank account. Check if they have remittance facilities. If not, get more information or seek tips and guidance from friends and colleagues on which money transfer company is the most reliable, cost-friendly and convenient.
Advice your family on this remittance facility. If you or the head of your family do not yet have a bank account in the origin country, it is advised to open one before you leave so that you and your family already have the details.
If you have a bank account already and you wish to also use this while abroad, check whether it has international features; i.e. that you can transact (deposit or withdraw or others) while abroad either through partner banks or through ATM.
Please avoid the informal transfer modes such as the hundi or hawala system whereby the remittances are sent by hand or informal money changer or agent. They may be fast or convenient, but they are costly and often not reliable.
