Updated for 2026
New York has one of the largest Colombian immigrant communities in the U.S., concentrated heavily in Queens neighborhoods like Jackson Heights and Elmhurst — which shapes which remittance options actually make sense if you’re sending from the city specifically.
Why New York’s Colombian Community Shapes Your Options
Dense immigrant communities like NYC’s Colombian population in Queens mean remittance providers compete harder for your business here than in areas with less concentrated demand — often translating into more promotional rates and denser local cash-pickup networks specifically for the Colombia corridor.
Best Apps for Sending From New York to Colombia
| App | Best for | Delivery to Colombia |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Bank deposit, zero rate markup | Direct deposit to Colombian bank accounts |
| Remitly | Cash pickup network | Extensive Colombian retail and bank partner network |
| Xoom (PayPal) | Simple interface, wide reach | Bank deposit and cash pickup |
| Western Union | Widest physical presence | Strong storefront presence in NYC’s Colombian neighborhoods |
The Remittance Tax Applies Here Too
The same federal 1% remittance tax that affects Mexico-bound transfers applies equally to transfers sent to Colombia, if funded with cash, a money order, or a cashier’s check. Funding your transfer with a bank account, debit card, or credit card avoids the tax entirely — this matters especially in NYC, where in-person storefronts are common given the density of local pickup locations.
Where to Send From — Neighborhood Matters in NYC
If you’re sending in person rather than digitally, provider density varies significantly by neighborhood:
- Jackson Heights and Elmhurst (Queens) — the highest concentration of remittance storefronts specifically serving the Colombian community
- Other boroughs — coverage exists but with fewer specialized Colombia-corridor options; confirm your specific provider has a convenient location before assuming citywide availability
Step-by-Step: Sending Efficiently From NYC
- Decide bank deposit vs. cash pickup based on your recipient’s situation in Colombia — most major Colombian banks (Bancolombia, Davivienda, BBVA Colombia) are supported by the apps above for direct deposit.
- Fund digitally to avoid the remittance tax, regardless of whether your recipient gets cash or a bank deposit — the tax depends on your funding method, not theirs.
- Compare rates across at least two providers before committing, since NYC’s competitive market means promotional rates shift frequently.
- Use first-transfer promotions strategically — several major providers waive fees entirely on a first send, worth timing for a larger transfer if you’re choosing a new app for the first time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Defaulting to whichever storefront is physically closest without comparing rates — Jackson Heights alone has multiple competing providers within a few blocks of each other.
- Paying in cash out of habit, triggering the 1% tax unnecessarily when a debit card would exempt the transfer entirely.
- Not confirming which Colombian banks are supported before choosing a bank-deposit option — coverage varies by app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to send from New York specifically compared to other states?
Not due to any special New York policy — but the dense competition among providers in areas like Jackson Heights can mean more frequent promotions than in less-served areas.
Do I need to visit Jackson Heights to send money to Colombia?
No — digital apps like Wise and Remitly work from anywhere in the city (or country) with the same rates, regardless of your specific neighborhood. Physical location density mainly matters if you specifically want an in-person cash transaction.
Does the remittance tax reduce how much my family in Colombia receives?
No — the tax is charged to you as the sender based on your funding method, not deducted from your recipient’s payout.
Which Colombian banks can receive direct deposits from these apps?
Major banks including Bancolombia, Davivienda, and BBVA Colombia are commonly supported — always confirm your recipient’s specific bank is covered by your chosen app before sending.
Written by the Hugo Reyes — based on 2026 remittance industry research and federal tax regulations. Provider coverage and rates change; always confirm current details before sending.