It will soon be easier for many Qatar residents to send money home, as Western Union rolls out 80 self-service kiosks around the country.

In a statement, the company said the machines are the first of their kind in Qatar. They will be placed in malls, banks and hospitals over the next two weeks.

The kiosks will also be located at government offices, petrol stations, supermarkets, residential areas and staff accommodation.

The machines will operate 24/7 in conjunction with Alfardan Exchange. They offer cash-to-cash delivery services, as well as direct to bank or send to mobile.

In a statement, Fahad Alfardan, president of Alfardan Exchange, said:

“The launch of the new kiosks provides our customers, most of whom are expatriates who have the recurring need to send money back home, with a new avenue for money transfer that is extremely simple, easy to use, always accessible and at a convenient location close to their home or workplace.”

Caveats

However, to use the kiosks, customers must first register (for free) at any Alfardan Exchange branch.

Additionally, the machines only accept Qatari riyals, as per Central Bank regulations.

That said, the machines will likely serve as a convenient alternative to waiting in line to send money home, as many exchange houses become especially crowded around pay day.

To find your nearest kiosk, call Western Union toll-free at 00800100609.

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