Best Way to Send Money from Netherlands to Australia
Because banks shouldn't hide your money in spreads.
We expose the real cost of every transfer — the spread, the fees, the delivery time — and rank providers by what actually lands in your recipient's account. No sponsored ordering. Ever.
Which provider is cheapest to send money from Netherlands to Australia in 2026?
Hover any card to see exactly what it costs you.
How has the EUR/AUD exchange rate changed recently?
vs Traditional Banks
You save up to AUD 120
on a EUR 900 transfer
Wise
BEST RATEBank of America
+5% markup + $35 wire fee
Wells Fargo
+4.5% markup + $25 wire fee
Sending euros from the Netherlands to Australia is straightforward once you know where banks hide their fees. This step-by-step guide shows you how to compare providers, pick the right speed, and get the most AUD into your recipient's account.
In Australia, recipients can access funds directly at Commonwealth Bank of Australia, the country's largest financial institution. By using Wise instead of a traditional bank wire, your recipient gets approximately 70 AUD more on a $1,000 transfer — because digital providers pass the real exchange rate directly. Worth knowing about the local currency: Australia's $10 polymer note features a transparent window with a diffractive image — a world first when introduced in 1992.
Our verdict: Use a digital provider like Wise or Revolut with an economy SEPA transfer mid-week — you'll save 3% to 8% versus your Dutch bank.
Step 1: Understand the EUR to AUD Corridor
Before you transfer, get a clear picture of who uses this route and why it matters. The Netherlands-to-Australia corridor is busy with Dutch expats supporting family Down Under, parents funding their kids' working-holiday visas, retirees buying property in Queensland, and businesses paying Australian suppliers or contractors. Remittances play an important role in Australia's economy, supporting households, students, and small businesses across the country. Knowing this helps you set realistic expectations: this is a well-served route with plenty of competition, which means you have leverage to find a good deal.
Step 2: Spot the Hidden Fees Before You Pay
Every transfer has two costs, and beginners almost always miss the bigger one. Follow these checks in order:
- Look at the flat fee first — it's the obvious number, usually €0 to €25.
- Then compare the provider's exchange rate to the mid-market rate on Google or XE. The gap is the "markup" and it's where banks quietly take 3% to 8% of your money.
- Multiply the markup by your transfer amount. On €5,000, a 4% markup costs you €200 — far more than any flat fee.
- Always ask: "How many AUD will actually land in the recipient's account?" That single number tells you everything.
Step 3: Choose a Digital Provider Over Your Bank
This is the single biggest decision you'll make. Dutch banks like ING, ABN AMRO, and Rabobank typically charge 3% to 8% above the mid-market rate on EUR-to-AUD transfers, plus SWIFT fees of €5 to €15. Digital specialists almost always beat them. Compare these four:
- Wise — uses the real mid-market rate with a transparent flat fee, usually the cheapest for amounts above €1,000.
- Remitly — strong promotional rates on first transfers and competitive on smaller amounts under €1,000.
- Revolut — excellent if you already hold a multi-currency account; free transfers up to a monthly limit on standard plans.
- WorldRemit — flexible delivery options including cash pickup, useful when the recipient lacks a bank account.
Step 4: Pick Your Speed — Instant or Economy
Speed costs money, so match it to your need. Instant transfers (under 10 minutes via debit card funding) are best for emergencies, time-sensitive deposits, or rent payments — expect a slightly worse rate or higher fee. Economy transfers (1 to 3 business days, funded by SEPA bank transfer from your Dutch IBAN) cost the least and are right for non-urgent transfers like savings, investments, or property deposits planned in advance. For routine monthly support payments, schedule economy transfers two days early and pocket the savings.
Step 5: Choose the Right Delivery Method
For 95% of cases, deliver straight to an Australian bank account — it's the fastest and cheapest option. The two largest receiving banks in Australia are Commonwealth Bank and ANZ, and most digital providers can deliver directly to accounts at these banks, often within hours. You'll need the recipient's BSB number (a 6-digit branch code) and account number. If your recipient banks elsewhere — Westpac, NAB, or a smaller credit union — the same providers still deliver smoothly. Cash pickup or mobile wallet delivery are available through WorldRemit if needed.
Step 6: Know the Rules and Stay Compliant
Standard banking regulations apply for sending from Netherlands to Australia, which means both ends will run anti-money-laundering checks. Be prepared to verify your identity (passport or Dutch ID), and for transfers above €10,000 expect to document the source of funds — payslips, sale contracts, or a tax return usually suffice. Australian recipients receiving over AUD 10,000 may have the transfer reported to AUSTRAC, but this is routine and not a tax event for normal personal transfers.
Step 7: Time Your Transfer and Use Smart Tools
A few habits will save you serious money over time:
- Transfer mid-week (Tuesday to Thursday) when EUR/AUD liquidity is highest and spreads are tightest.
- Avoid sending during major economic announcements like ECB or RBA rate decisions — rates whip around.
- Set rate alerts in Wise or Revolut and trigger your transfer when EUR/AUD moves 1% to 2% in your favor.
- For amounts above €10,000, ask providers about tiered pricing — fees often drop sharply at that threshold.
- Send larger, less frequent transfers rather than many small ones to minimize cumulative flat fees.