Ria · Western Union · MoneyGram
Sending & receiving money
At CITY KIOSK you can send and receive money worldwide with Ria, Western Union and MoneyGram. Here you will find what you should bring – with links to the official information from the providers.
Important first
- In person at the counter: Money transfers generally require the person who sends or receives the money to be present in person – with their own valid, original ID document.
- It depends on the individual case: Which details and documents are needed depends on the provider, the country, the amount and the specific transaction. The provider’s requirements at the counter are always binding.
- No documents via our website: Please do not send us copies of ID documents, bank statements or other financial documents by form or e-mail. If needed, bring them with you in person.
Sending money
Ria
- valid official ID document
- details of the recipient: at least name, phone number and destination country – further details depend on the transfer
Western Union
- ID document
- fill in the “Send money” form (including the recipient’s name and address)
- you pay the amount and the fees in cash at the counter
MoneyGram
- valid ID document
- details of the recipient
- transfer amount and fees
After sending, you receive a receipt with the number that the recipient needs to collect the money. Give this number only to the person you are sending the money to.
Receiving money (collecting cash)
Ria
- valid official photo ID
- Transfer PIN
- minimum age for collecting cash: 18 years
Western Union
- official photo ID
- transaction number (MTCN, 10 digits, shown on the sender’s receipt)
- full name of the sender, country and city of the sender, expected amount
- fill in the form for receiving money
MoneyGram
- valid photo ID – e.g. passport, national identity card or residence permit
- transaction reference number
- your name must match the name on your official ID document
Which ID documents are accepted?
Bring a valid, official photo ID in the original. Which ID documents are accepted is decided by each provider – this can differ depending on the country and the transaction:
- Western Union: Which ID documents are accepted for collection depends on the country and the agent. Passports and national identity cards are usually accepted; a driving licence may not be.
- MoneyGram lists for collection, for example, a passport, national identity card or residence permit.
- Ria requires a valid official (photo) ID document.
Additional security checks
Under the German Anti-Money Laundering Act (Geldwäschegesetz), money transfer providers must verify the identity of their customers and must not allow money to be used for illegal purposes. For this reason – depending on the amount, the destination country and the transaction – additional questions or documents may be required, for example:
- proof of the source of the money and of the purpose of the transfer (Ria),
- proof of identity and address, e.g. proof of residence (Ria, Western Union),
- answers to questions from the provider or a call from the provider (Western Union),
- further documents, depending on the country and location (MoneyGram).
According to Western Union, money cannot be sent or received without the additional information requested. This is not a decision of the kiosk, but a legal obligation of the providers.
Fees and exchange rates
Fees and exchange rates are set by each provider; they depend, among other things, on the amount and the destination country. With Western Union, you pay the fees in cash in addition to the amount sent; estimated fees and exchange rates are shown by the price calculator on the Western Union website. Ask about the costs at the counter before sending.
Protection against fraud
- Never send money to people you do not know personally.
- Give the collection number (PIN, MTCN, reference number) only to the person you are sending the money to.
- Be suspicious of promised winnings, supposed authorities, online purchases or acquaintances who ask for money.
More information: Western Union fraud awareness.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone else send or collect the money for me?
At the counter, it is always the person who sends or receives who acts – in person and with their own ID document. With MoneyGram, the recipient’s name must match the name on their official ID document.
I do not have the collection number – what now?
The number is on the sender’s receipt; ask the person who sent you the money. With Western Union, the sender can also search for a transfer online without the MTCN (with their phone number or the names of the sender and the recipient).
How long does it take until the money is ready for collection?
With Western Union, according to the provider, from a few minutes up to two working days – depending on the recipient’s country, the service and the amount. For Ria and MoneyGram, please ask the sender or the provider.
Why am I asked questions about the source of the money?
Because the providers are obliged to do so under the German Anti-Money Laundering Act (Geldwäschegesetz) (see “Additional security checks”). The questions are not directed against you personally.
Can I send documents in advance by e-mail or via the website?
No, please do not. Bring your ID document and other documents with you in person, in the original. Some providers have their own official ways for documents – use only these.
How high are the fees and maximum amounts?
This is set by the provider and depends on the amount, the destination country and the transaction. We deliberately do not state any amounts here – ask at the counter or the provider.
Official information from the providers
Ria
Western Union
The links lead to the providers’ websites; your browser only connects to them when you click. Information from the providers, as of 29 October 2026. The current terms of each provider always apply.