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You can receive international money transfers in Colombia with Efecty. Efecty operates more than 10,000 payment locations across Colombia, covering almost every municipality. This wide network lets you pick up cash quickly and easily. Many people trust Efecty for international transfers because the services use strong security steps to protect your money. With Efecty, you get a safe and reliable way to access your funds.
Efecty partners with major international money transfer services like Western Union. You can receive remittances from over 200 countries. This wide coverage means your family or friends can send you money from almost anywhere in the world. If you wonder how to enable international transfers, you only need to make sure the sender uses a supported service that works with Efecty. Many people ask, “which banks can I send money to?” With Efecty, you do not need a bank account. You can pick up cash at any Efecty location.
Tip: Always check with your sender to confirm their service partners with Efecty before they send money.
Efecty only pays out transfers in Colombian Peso (COP). No matter which currency the sender uses, you will receive the funds in COP. The exchange rate depends on the service provider and the day of the transaction. Efecty does not accept or pay out in any other currency. You will always get your money in COP at the time of pickup.
| Sender’s Currency | Received Currency at Efecty |
|---|---|
| USD, EUR, etc. | COP |
When you go to collect your money, you must bring a valid photo ID. Efecty accepts the following types of identification:
You must show the original, current document. Photocopies or expired IDs are not accepted. You also need to provide the reference number or password given to the sender. This helps Efecty confirm your identity and keep your transfers secure.
Note: Efecty does not require you to have a bank account. You only need your ID and the transaction number to receive your funds.

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You can receive international money transfers in Colombia with Efecty in a few easy steps. First, your sender visits a partner service, such as Western Union, and chooses Efecty as the payout option. The sender provides your full name and identification details. After the sender completes the transfer, you receive a reference number or password. This number is important for picking up your money.
When you want to collect your funds, visit any Efecty location. Bring your valid ID and the reference number. The staff will check your information and process the transaction. You do not need a bank account to receive cash. Efecty makes it simple for you to access your money quickly and safely.
Tip: Always double-check the details your sender uses. Mistakes can delay your transfer.
To send money to you through Efecty, your sender must provide certain information. This helps Efecty process the transaction without errors. The sender needs your full legal name, as it appears on your identification. They also need your identification number and sometimes your contact details. The sender must select Efecty as the payout location when they send remittances.
After the sender finishes the transfer, you will get a reference number. You must keep this number safe. You need it to collect your money at Efecty. If the sender enters incorrect information, the transaction may not go through. Always remind your sender to check all details before they confirm the payment.
Efecty uses the PSE system for secure online payments and payment confirmation. PSE is a trusted payment method in Colombia. It helps you confirm transactions quickly and safely. Here is how the PSE payment confirmation process works:
1. You provide the required information and select your bank.
2. The website shows you the order confirmation.
3. You complete the payment in a new window.
Payment confirmation happens instantly. This means you do not have to wait long for your transaction to finish. PSE works for bank transfers within Colombia using Colombian pesos (COP). The system does not support chargebacks or refunds, so always check your details before you confirm the payment. You do not need to sign up for recurring payments or onboarding. Each payment stands alone, making the process simple and secure.
Note: Accurate transaction details are important. If you enter the wrong information, your payment may not go through. Always review your transaction before you confirm.
Efecty’s use of PSE gives you a fast and reliable way to handle online payments. You can trust this system for your international money transfers and other transactions.

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You do not have to wait long to know when your money is ready. After your sender completes the transfer, you usually receive a notification by text message or email. This message includes the pickup code and the amount you will collect. You can also track the status of your transfer through the service provider’s website or app. Always keep your reference number safe. It helps you check the progress of your cash pickup at Efecty and makes the process smoother at the locations.
Efecty has over 9,000 locations across Colombia. You can find a point in almost every city and town. When you arrive, look for the yellow Efecty sign. The staff at these locations know how to help with international transfers. You do not need to visit Western Union for Efecty withdrawals. Go directly to an Efecty location for your cash pickup. This network gives you easy access to your funds, no matter where you live.
When you are ready for your cash pickup at Efecty, follow these steps:
The agent will check your information and give you the cash in Colombian pesos. You do not need a bank account. The process is quick and secure at all Efecty locations. If you have questions, the staff can help you understand each step.
Tip: Always bring your original ID and double-check your pickup code before you visit the location.
When you receive a transfer through Efecty, you can expect your payment to be ready within 7 calendar days. This means you do not have to wait long to collect your money. Some other services may take more or less time. For example, PuntoXpress can take up to 15 days, while Nequi often processes payments in just 24 working hours. Always check the expected time with your sender before you go to pick up your cash. If you want to send money quickly, you may want to compare different services.
Efecty uses strong security steps to protect your payment and personal information. You must show your original ID and the correct reference number for every transaction. Staff members check your details before giving you any money. This helps prevent fraud and keeps your transfer safe. If you use online payment confirmation, Efecty uses secure systems like PSE to make sure your payment is processed safely. You can trust Efecty to keep your money and information secure.
Tip: Always keep your reference number private and never share it with anyone except trusted people.
You should know about the fees and exchange rates before you send money or receive a payment. Efecty charges about 5.80% per cash transaction, which is higher than some other services. The table below shows how Efecty compares to other options:
| Service Type | Fees (approx.) | Accreditation Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Efecty (cash) | 5.80% per transaction | 7 calendar days | Higher fees compared to other cash options |
| PuntoXpress (cash) | 1.00% + 0.85 USD | 15 calendar days | Lower fees but longer accreditation time |
| PagoEfectivo (cash) | 3.60% + 1 USD | N/A | Mid-range fees |
| Nequi (digital) | 3.00% | 24 working hours | Lower fees and faster accreditation |
| Bank transfers (PSE) | 1.50% + 0.30 USD | 5 calendar days | Lower fees and moderate accreditation time |

Efecty always pays out in Colombian Peso (COP), using the current exchange rate at the time of your transaction. The exchange rate is transparent, but it may not always be the best available. Some digital services like Wise or Remitly may offer better rates and lower fees. Always compare your options before you send money or receive a payment.
Sometimes, you may face delays when you try to receive money through efecty. These delays can happen for several reasons. The sender might have entered the wrong details, or the transfer service could need extra time to process your payment. You should always check the status of your transfer using the reference number. If you do not get a notification after a reasonable time, contact the sender to confirm the transaction. You can also visit the efecty location and ask the staff to help you track your payment.
Tip: Keep your reference number and ID ready when you ask for help. This makes it easier for staff to find your transaction.
Incorrect information can cause problems with your international transfer. If the sender uses the wrong name, ID number, or payout location, efecty cannot release your payment. Always double-check the details before the sender completes the transfer. If you notice a mistake, ask the sender to contact the transfer service right away. Some services allow you to correct errors before the payment is picked up. You should never share your reference number with anyone except trusted people.
Common mistakes include:
A small error can stop you from getting your money. Careful review helps you avoid these issues.
If you have trouble with your transfer, efecty offers customer support to help you. You can call their hotline, visit a location, or use their website to get answers. The staff can help you check your payment status, fix mistakes, or explain the process. When you contact support, provide your reference number and valid ID. This helps them solve your problem faster.
| Support Option | How to Use |
|---|---|
| Phone Hotline | Call the number on the efecty site |
| In-Person | Visit any efecty location |
| Online Assistance | Use the efecty website |
Note: Always keep your payment details safe when you talk to customer support.
Efecty makes international money transfers to Colombia simple and secure. You only need your ID and reference number to collect cash at one of over 8,000 locations. Many people choose Efecty because it covers almost every municipality, offers real-time payment confirmation, and supports cash payments.
For the latest updates, check the Efecty app or their social media. You can trust Efecty for reliable and safe transfers every time.
You can receive up to the limit set by the transfer service. Most services allow up to $2,000 USD per transaction. The exact amount depends on the sender’s country and the current exchange rate to Colombian Peso (COP).
You cannot collect your money without the reference number. Ask your sender to resend it or contact the transfer service for help. Always keep your reference number safe.
Yes, you can receive money from China or Hong Kong banks if the sender uses a supported international transfer service that partners with Efecty. The funds will arrive in COP, based on the current USD to COP exchange rate.
No, you do not need a bank account. You only need your valid ID and the reference number. Efecty pays you in cash at any of its locations.
Yes, Efecty charges a fee for each transaction. The fee is about 5.80% of the total amount in USD. The exact fee may change with the exchange rate. Always check the fee before you collect your money.
Receiving international funds through Efecty’s 10,000+ locations in Colombia is convenient, but high fees (around 5.80%) and processing times of up to 7 days can be a hassle. Whether you’re collecting remittances from family abroad or managing business payments, BiyaPay offers a faster, cost-effective alternative. With the Biya EasyCard, you can make seamless payments across 190+ countries in over 40 local currencies, with transfer fees as low as 0.5%. BiyaPay supports real-time exchange rate queries and conversions for 30+ fiat and 200+ digital currencies, ensuring transparent pricing with no hidden costs. Plus, BiyaPay transfers typically arrive same-day, so you can access funds faster than traditional services. Register in minutes to simplify your international transfers, from cash pickups to digital payments. Start saving time and money—join BiyaPay today for secure, swift global transactions.
*This article is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from BiyaPay or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the contents of this publication.



