Governments, intergovernmental organizations and community-based organizations are currently involved in efforts to lower the cost of remittance transfers. As more banks and credit unions become involved and extend their services to migrant communities and their rural communities of origin, costs will most likely continue to decrease. However, it is important that migrants and recipient communities gain a better understanding of the various options for remitting and receiving. In particular, migrants and recipient communities need access to local financial institutions, not only because of the lower remittance costs, but also because of the greater opportunities to initiate or increase their savings and their access to other financial services such as housing loans. New technologies may also help lower.
