The weeks around Christmas and New Year are the single busiest period for money transfers to Latin America. Families send more, and they send it when everyone else does, which drives up both delays and costs. With a little planning, you can get your money there on time and keep more of it in your loved one’s hands. Here is how to do it in 2026.

Why the holidays change everything

During December, transfer volume to countries like Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia and the Dominican Republic spikes. That surge has two effects: payout networks get congested, and exchange rates can move quickly as demand for local currency rises. Cash pickup locations also get crowded, so the “instant” transfer your family is used to may take longer to actually collect. If you are weighing cash versus a bank deposit, our guide on how long it takes to send money to Latin America explains the realistic timelines.

The best time to send

The golden rule for the holidays: send early. A transfer initiated in the first half of December almost always clears faster and with fewer surprises than one sent on the 23rd or 24th. Consider these points:

  • Avoid the final 72 hours before Christmas, when networks are most congested.
  • Mind the holidays on both ends. Banks in the receiving country may be closed on December 25 and January 1, plus local holidays, which pushes bank-deposit payouts to the next business day.
  • Weekends still matter for bank deposits even if the app says “instant,” because the underlying settlement may wait for a business day.

Sending a few days early costs you nothing and removes almost all the holiday risk.

How exchange rates move during December

Exchange rates are not fixed, and holiday demand can swing them. A small difference in the rate can matter more than the visible fee, especially on larger amounts. The smart move is to compare the total amount your family will receive, not just the advertised commission, a point we stress in our guide on how to avoid hidden fees when sending money to Latin America.

Some apps let you see the locked rate before you confirm. Watch it for a day or two in early December and send when the received amount looks strong rather than waiting until the last minute, when both rates and fees tend to work against you.

Avoiding higher fees and delays

A few habits make a big difference during peak season:

  • Pay with a bank account or debit card, not a credit card, which often carries a cash-advance fee.
  • Double-check the recipient’s details. A single wrong digit in an account number causes the worst holiday delays.
  • Use a service you already know. December is not the time to test a brand-new provider. Compare the major options in advance with our breakdown of Wise vs Remitly vs Xoom for Latin America.

Regulators such as the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau require remittance companies to disclose fees, the exchange rate and the amount to be received before you pay, so read that disclosure screen carefully.

A simple holiday checklist

Send by mid-December, compare the received amount across two providers, pay from a bank account, confirm the recipient’s name and number twice, and tell your family which day to expect it. If they plan to collect cash, remind them that pickup locations get busy, so going early in the day helps. These small steps turn a stressful holiday transfer into a routine one.

Frequently asked questions

When is the cheapest time to send money during the holidays? Earlier in December, before peak congestion. Rates and fees tend to be more favorable, and you avoid last-minute delays.

Will my transfer be delayed on Christmas Day? Bank deposits can be delayed by holiday closures on both ends. Cash pickups may still work, but locations are crowded. Send a few days ahead.

Do exchange rates really change during the holidays? Yes, rising demand for local currency can move rates. Compare the total received amount, not just the fee, before confirming.

Is cash pickup or bank deposit better in December? Bank deposits avoid crowded pickup counters but may wait for a business day. Cash is fast once available but means standing in holiday lines. Choose based on your family’s access.