One of the main reasons why OFWs leave the country is to give their family a better life, amidst the challenges of living at a home away from home. TFT Lifestyle TV outlines several tips that OFWs can follow to ensure that their remittance gets to their loved ones safe and just at the right time.
Opt for one trustworthy exchange center
Filipinos often go for exchange centers that have already earned their trust. “Usually pag nagpapadala mas maganda kung magpapadala ka sa isang exchange (center) lang na subok mo pa,” shares John Paul. One of the popular remittance centers for Filipinos here in the UAE is Sharaf Exchange having several locations at key areas of the UAE.
“Sharaf Exchange is a mid-sized, new generation exchange company. We have around 30 very comfortable branches in the key locations and most of the important landmarks in the UAE. We cover the Airport, Times Square, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta Mall, I would say one of the most favorite joints of the Filipinos is at Deira,” shares Sharaf Exchange Chief Executive Officer Rajesh GK.
High exchange rate, Low transaction fee
Being the thrifty, wise spenders that they are, Filipinos will usually opt to send money only during the most optimal times. “Dapat mataas yung exchange rate at mababa ang transaction fee para sa pamilya,” said Rachel.
Tested, fast transaction
An OFW who frequents Sharaf Exchange praised their services as their remittances arrive on time. “Ako sa Sharaf ako nagpapadala kasi tested na to e. Mabilis yung transaction nya at sure na mapapadala sa Pinas.”
Usrati Rewards Program
Another thing that separates Sharaf Exchange from other remittance centers is their Usrati program that rewards OFWs especially those who frequently send remittances: “Nagavail ako ng Usrati program at bawat transaction may points, pwede i-exchange sa deals, discounts sa pagpapadala, may raffle, may mga offers,” said the OFW.
How does the Usrati Rewards Program work?
Usrati is an Arabic word which means ‘My Family’. Sharaf Exchange Chief Executive Officer Rajesh GK explains that the rewards program that branches into two main benefits:
Participate in an open ended program. Usrati enables their participants to extend the value of their remittances beyond sending for their family – it also empowers the sender to participate in exclusive promotions, deals and offers not only within Sharaf Exchange but for other stores too! “You have lots of promotions and offers in the market which today allows you to spend in their only stall. The good thing about Usrati is you can use the Usrati program, spend money in Sharaf Exchange and also outside Sharaf Exchange. If you want to go to a mall and buy a movie ticket, you can do it there also. If you want to buy a good dress, you can do it there also. If you want to take a car on rent, you can do it there also,” said Rajesh.
Care for the family. True to its name, ‘Usrati’ aids their participants and their families especially in cases of emergencies. “If there’s an emergency at home and you have to rush back to the Philippines, the cost of the ticket will be nothing less than Dh 3000 because it is an emergency. To go back, come back, look after your relatives, something happened… Usrati will take back that cost, will reimburse that cost to you so that is a real good benefit,” said Rajesh
How do you apply for Usrati?
All that is needed is for the sender to come to any Sharaf Exchange branch with their Emirates ID, documents and pay only Dh 10 for their gold card to be part of their rewards program.
Rajesh wishes Filipinos a pleasant New Year ahead as he plans to surprise the growing OFW community here in the UAE with festive events for the coming year and continue to reward them through the Usrati program for their sacrifices and hard work for their family. “Happy New Year to the Filipino community! I hope you join us in the Usrati program. Usrati means ‘My Family’. Please become part of our family,” said Rajesh.
Sharaf Exchange has more than 30 locations in key areas of Dubai and the UAE including the Dubai International Airport, Times Square, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta Mall, and more.
TFT Lifestyle TV is a weekly show that tells the life stories and shares the lifestyle of OFWs based in the UAE. A new episode is shown every Friday so be sure to check the Facebook page of The Filipino Times to stay updated with each episode.
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