Overview
NALA is a mobile-first money transfer platform designed to help the African diaspora and international users send money from the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union to Africa and Asia. The service supports transfers to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Senegal, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Pakistan, the Philippines, India, Bangladesh, Gabon, and Congo Brazzaville.
The platform prioritizes speed and convenience, with 95% of transactions delivered in seconds to major mobile money wallets and bank accounts. NALA operates exclusively through its mobile application, available on both iOS and Android devices, making it accessible for users who prefer managing finances on the go. The service is particularly popular among individuals sending remittances to family members in East Africa and beyond.
Key Features
Multi-Country Support
Send money to 17+ countries across Africa and Asia from the US, UK, and EU
Instant Transfers
95% of mobile money transfers are completed within seconds
Competitive Exchange Rates
Real-time rate comparison within the app before sending
NALA Friends
Send and receive money between UK and EU users quickly
24/7 Customer Support
In-app chat support available around the clock
Repeat Transfers
Save recipient details for quick, recurring payments
Real-Time Tracking
Monitor your transfer status with live updates
Multiple Payment Methods
Bank transfers, debit cards, and Open Banking are supported
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Fast transfer speeds with 95% delivered in seconds
- No transfer fees for mobile money payments
- User-friendly mobile app interface
- 24/7 customer support availability
- Transparent fee structure and real-time updates
Limitations
- Limited to transfers to specific African and Asian countries
- Bank transfer fees can be high ($5.99 for some countries)
- Exchange rate markup of approximately 1.52%
- Customer service response times can vary
- Account closures reported by some users without clear explanations
Security Features
End-to-end encryption for all transactions
Bank-grade fraud detection systems
Secure authentication protocols
PIN protection for transaction authorization
Real-time transaction monitoring
Compliance with data protection regulations
Pricing & Fees
| Service | Fee | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Money Transfers (All Countries) | Free | 1.52% average exchange rate markup applied |
| Bank Transfers to Kenya (US) | $0.99 | Fixed fee per transaction |
| Bank Transfers to Kenya (UK) | £0.00 | No fee |
| Bank Transfers to Kenya (EU) | €1.99 | Fixed fee per transaction |
| Bank Transfers to Uganda (US/UK/EU) | $5.99 / £5.99 / €5.99 | Fixed fee per transaction |
| Bank Transfers to Tanzania (US/UK/EU) | $5.99 / £5.99 / €5.99 | Fixed fee per transaction |
Getting Started
Detailed Ratings
Final Verdict
NALA is a solid choice for diaspora communities sending money to Africa and select Asian countries, particularly for mobile money transfers where fees are waived. The platform’s instant delivery speed and user-friendly interface make it convenient for regular remittances. However, high bank transfer fees to some countries and the embedded exchange rate markup may make it less competitive than alternatives for larger transfers.