For most people sending from Canada, Remitly is the best overall option. It combines low fees, a choice of Express or Economy speeds, flexible payout, a delivery promise, and a promotional rate for new customers. And when your family chooses Purpl as the cash out option, they withdraw USD with zero fees at 450+ locations across Lebanon.
paysend 
There are more ways than ever to send money from Canada to Lebanon, and they are not created equal. Two transfers of the same CAD 500 can put noticeably different amounts of cash in your family's hands once fees, exchange rate markups, and receiving costs are counted.
We compared the main options the Lebanese diaspora in Canada actually uses. Here is how they stack up, and why Remitly comes out on top for most senders.
1.Every option, side by side
Figures are illustrative for a typical small transfer and change daily. Always confirm the live recipient gets amount in each app before sending.
| Method | Typical fee | Speed | Payout in Lebanon | Free cash out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our pick | ~CAD 2 to 8 + small FX margin | Minutes (Express) or hours to 2 days (Economy) | Cash pickup / wallet / bank | Yes, via Purpl |
| Paysend | CAD 0 (promo) · normally CAD 3 | Same day | Card / bank / cash pickup | Yes, via Purpl |
| Taptap Send | No flat fee, FX margin only | Minutes to same day | Cash pickup via agents | No |
| Western Union | ~CAD 5 to 12 + FX margin | Minutes to days | Cash pickup / bank | No |
| Ria | Variable fee + higher FX margin | Minutes to days | Cash pickup | Yes, via Purpl |
| Bank wire | ~CAD 30 to 50 | 2 to 5 days | Bank account only | No |
Illustrative figures based on publicly published fees and a mid market CAD to USD rate of roughly 0.72 at the time of writing. Check each provider's app for current rates before sending.
2.The options, one by one
Our pickThe best overall combination of cost, speed, flexibility, and reliability on this corridor. No competitor matches all four at once.
PaysendThe strongest runner up: zero sending fees right now, same day delivery, and it also pairs with Purpl for free cash out.
A low cost app with no flat fee, but the receiving experience depends on agent availability and there is no free cash out network.
The classic agent network. Reliable and widely known, but you usually pay for it in fees and exchange rate markups.
An established transfer service, but on this corridor it tends to be one of the most expensive once fees and rates are counted.
Only worth considering for large transfers between bank accounts. For everyday family support it is slow and expensive.
3.What CAD 500 actually delivers
Our pick4.The receiving side is half the story
Whichever app you send with, the question that matters in Lebanon is the same: how does your family turn that transfer into cash they can actually use, without losing part of it to receiving fees or long trips to an agent?
That is where Purpl completes the picture. Purpl is a Lebanese fintech app, licensed by the Central Bank of Lebanon (Banque du Liban). When you send with Remitly, your family chooses Purpl as the cash out option and then:
- Withdraws USD for free at 450+ locations across Lebanon, with no withdrawal fee.
- Skips the bank account. No account and no card needed. Just the Purpl app and an ID.
- Gets it fast. Funds are ready to access quickly, so there is no waiting around.
The Purpl cash out network covers the whole country through two trusted partners:
Banque Libano-Française ATMs Cash out fresh USD at BLF ATMs across Lebanon, with no bank account and no card needed. Visit eblf.com → 
MTM locations Pick up your money in cash at MTM agent locations nationwide, licensed by the Central Bank of Lebanon. Visit mtm.com.lb → 5.How to send with Remitly, step by step
- Download Remitly and create an account, then verify your identity once.
- Choose Lebanon as the destination and pick a delivery method.
- Pay in Canadian dollars with your bank account, debit card, or credit card. Review the recipient gets amount before confirming.
- Have your family cash out with Purpl for free USD at 450+ locations.
Every dollar counts. Make sure all of it arrives.
Tell your family to download Purpl, then send through Remitly and choose Purpl as the cash out option.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to send money from Canada to Lebanon?
For most senders, Remitly is the best overall option. It combines competitive fees, Express or Economy speeds, flexible payout, a delivery promise, and a promotional rate for new customers. Recipients can cash out USD for free with Purpl at 450+ Banque Libano-Française ATMs and MTM locations.
How much does it cost to send CAD 500 to Lebanon?
At a mid market rate of roughly 0.72, CAD 500 is about USD 360. With Remitly Economy your family receives approximately USD 351 to 357 depending on promos, while Western Union and Ria typically deliver less once fees and markups are counted. Always check the live recipient gets amount in each app.
Is Remitly cheaper than Western Union for Lebanon?
In most cases yes. Remitly's fees on this corridor are typically lower than Western Union's, and its exchange rate markup is usually smaller, so the recipient receives more. Remitly also offers a promotional rate for new customers.
How does my family receive the money in Lebanon?
With Remitly they can receive via cash pickup, mobile wallet, or bank deposit. The best option is choosing Purpl as the cash out method: free USD withdrawals at 450+ locations, including Banque Libano-Française ATMs and MTM locations, with no bank account and no card required.
Is sending money to Lebanon this way safe?
Yes. Remitly is a regulated transfer service with a delivery promise, and Purpl is licensed by the Central Bank of Lebanon with encrypted transactions, so your family receives their money securely.