Wondering how to send living expenses to Dubai from India safely, affordably, and legally? This comprehensive 2025 guide provides the best methods, cost-saving tips, and compliance insights so you can confidently remit funds to your loved ones in Dubai without hidden charges or delays.
The Ultimate Breakdown of Dubai Living Costs for Indians
Living in Dubai is significantly more expensive than in India. According to Numbeo, Dubai’s cost of living index is 128.42 compared to India’s 40.52. That means you’ll spend over three times more on essentials in Dubai than in most Indian cities.
Here’s what typical monthly expenses in Dubai look like for an Indian resident:
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost in AED | Monthly Cost in INR (Approx.) |
| Rent (1 BHK Apartment) | 4000 – 6000 | 90,000 – 1,35,000 |
| Groceries & Food | 1200 – 2000 | 27,000 – 45,000 |
| Utilities & Internet | 500 – 700 | 11,000 – 15,500 |
| Transport | 300 – 500 | 6,500 – 11,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | 6000 – 9200 | 1.35 lakh – 2.1 lakh |
These figures emphasize the need to send living expenses to Dubai from India using a method that ensures value and speed.
Wondering how far ₹1,00,000 can stretch in Dubai?
Here’s a snapshot of how students typically spend their monthly allowance abroad.
Need to pay your university fees and living expenses abroad?
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Why Do Indians Relocate to Dubai?
Dubai attracts Indian professionals, students, and families for many reasons:
- High-income job opportunities across sectors like finance, healthcare, hospitality, and IT
- Tax-free salaries and stable currency
- Advanced healthcare, infrastructure, and public transport
- Presence of Indian community and cultural familiarity
- Safety, legal protection, and clean urban living
Learn more: How to Transfer Money from Dubai to India in 2025: Fast, Secure & Cost-Effective Options
What to Evaluate Before You Send Living Expenses to Dubai from India?
Before initiating your transfer, make sure to check:
- Exchange Rate: Even a 1% difference can impact thousands over time
- Transfer Fees: Check if charges are fixed or percentage-based
- Processing Time: Urgency can determine the best method
- Service Security: Use RBI-compliant platforms only
- Documentation: Ensure clarity on required personal and beneficiary proofs
Best Legal Methods to Send Living Expenses to Dubai from India in 2025
1. HOP Remit by moneyHOP
A digital-first platform tailored for Indians, HOP Remit is one of the most recommended ways to send living expenses to Dubai from India. Here’s why:
- Competitive exchange rates updated in real-time
- No hidden charges, full price transparency
- Option to freeze rates for 24 hours
- Processed within 24–48 hours
- Fully compliant with Indian remittance regulations
HOP Remit’s easy onboarding, secure processing, and real-time tracking make it the top choice for students and frequent remitters.
2. Bank Transfers
Traditional and secure, but often:
- Slower (3 to 5 business days)
- More expensive in terms of fees and conversion rates
- Lacking in transparency and customer support responsiveness
Check out: SBI Bank Charges for International Transactions
3. Forex Cards
- Useful for short-term travel
- High issuance charges and limited utility for monthly remittances
4. Debit and Credit Cards
Convenient, but expensive due to markup fees and interest charges
5. Demand Drafts
Safe but outdated and time-consuming
Learn more: Forex Card vs International Debit Card: 7 Key Differences Every Smart Traveler Should Know
Comparison of Cross-Border Remittance Methods
| Parameter | Bank Transfers | HOP Remit | Debit/Credit Cards | Forex Card | Demand Draft |
| Transfer Speed | 3–5 days | 24–48 hours | 1–3 days | 1–3 days | 5–10 days |
| Exchange Rate | Moderate | Low (Best) | High | High | Moderate |
| Fees | High | Low | Moderate to High | Moderate | Low |
| Convenience | Moderate | High | High | High | Low |
| Security | High | High | Moderate | High | High |
| Customer Support | Moderate | High | High | Moderate | Low |
Required Documents to Send Living Expenses to Dubai from India
- Government-issued ID: Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, or Driving License
- Your Bank Details
- Beneficiary’s ID and Bank Details
- Proof of Relationship (Marriage/Birth Certificate)
- Purpose Declaration: Maintenance, education, treatment, etc.
TCS Rates on Remittances to Dubai
| Type of Remittance Abroad | TCS Rate & Threshold |
| Education via Loan | 0% – No TCS applicable, regardless of amount, if funded through an education loan from a specified financial institution. |
| Education (Self-Funded) | 5% on amounts exceeding ₹10 lakh per financial year. |
| Medical Treatment | 5% on amounts exceeding ₹10 lakh per financial year. |
| Overseas Tour Packages | 5% on amounts up to ₹10 lakh; 20% on amounts exceeding ₹10 lakh. |
| Other Purposes (e.g., Gifts, Investments) | 20% on amounts exceeding ₹10 lakh per financial year. |
You can remit up to USD 250,000 in a financial year under RBI’s LRS. Ensure that the total transfer amount, including gifts and maintenance, stays within the prescribed limits.
Check out: How to avoid 20% TCS on foreign remittances?
Who Is Considered a Close Relative?
- Spouse
- Parents (including step-parents)
- Children (including stepchildren)
- Son’s/Daughter’s spouses
- Siblings (including step-siblings)
- HUF members
Use Cases: Who Needs to Send Living Expenses to Dubai from India?
| Customer Type | Reason |
| Parents of students | Cover monthly maintenance or tuition |
| Working professionals | Support dependents in Dubai |
| Travellers | Pay for long stays or rentals in advance |
| Medical patients | Pay for overseas treatments and recovery accommodations |
| Business executives | Fund prolonged travel or temporary stays |
Check our live exchange rates here
Step-by-Step Guide: Send Living Expenses to Dubai from India Using HOP Remit
- Create Account: Sign up with phone and email
- Enter Amount & Purpose: Choose currency and select purpose as “Maintenance of close relative”
- Verify KYC: Upload a valid ID
- Add Beneficiary: Input name, bank details, and relationship proof
- Make Payment: Use UPI, Net Banking, or Card to complete the transfer
You can track the transaction in real time via the HOP Remit platform.
Layered Advice Based on Sender Type
Parents sending to children: Keep tuition receipts and maintain regular documentation for ease of LRS audit.
Professionals sending to spouse: Freeze exchange rates to save during volatile currency periods.
Frequent flyers: Consider scheduled recurring transfers to save on one-time fees and lock in better rates.
Why pay more for international money transfers when moneyHOP is here?
- NO hidden fees
- ZERO convenience fees
- Real-time updates
- Lowest exchange rates
Final Thoughts
To effectively send living expenses to Dubai from India, choose platforms that combine legal compliance, cost efficiency, and transparency. HOP Remit checks all these boxes, making it the smartest option for a wide range of users. Whether you are sending for education, maintenance, or travel, HOP Remit helps you move your money confidently and securely.
Start your next transfer with HOP Remit by moneyHOP and experience the difference.
Looking to send gift money instead? Check our in-depth guide to remitting gift money to Dubai.
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