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Carnival in Brazil is one of the most famous celebrations in the world – a spectacular mix of music, dance, tradition and community spirit. Held every year in the days leading up to Lent, Carnival is a moment when streets fill with vibrant parades, dazzling costumes and the infectious energy of samba.<\/p>
Whether in Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, São Paulo or Recife, each region of Brazil brings its unique style to the festival, making it a deeply rooted cultural tradition. For those living abroad, staying connected to family and friends during Carnival is essential. With Paysend, you can support your loved ones back home, helping them make the most of this unforgettable celebration.<\/p>
The history behind Brazil’s Carnival<\/h2>
Carnival’s origins trace back to European festivals brought to Brazil by Portuguese settlers in the 17th century. These celebrations were inspired by Catholic traditions, marking the last days of indulgence before Lent’s fasting period.<\/p>
Over time, African, Indigenous and Portuguese influences merged to create the unique Brazilian Carnival we know today. The introduction of samba – a music and dance style with deep African roots – became a defining feature, turning Carnival into the spectacular, rhythmic event it is today.<\/p>
Key Carnival celebrations across Brazil<\/h2>
Rio de Janeiro:<\/strong> Home to the world-famous Sambadrome parades, where top samba schools compete in elaborate floats and performances.<\/li>
Salvador:<\/strong> Known for its electric street parties, with massive crowds following live music trucks.<\/li>
Recife & Olinda: <\/strong>Famous for frevo dancing and massive street parades, featuring the iconic giant puppets.<\/li>
São Paulo: <\/strong>Hosts Sambadrome parades similar to Rio but with its own distinct flair and local traditions.<\/li><\/ul>
Carnival is more than just a party – it’s a cultural showcase that brings communities together, honoring Brazil’s history, music and artistic flair.<\/p>
Why sending money home matters during Carnival<\/h2>
For many, Carnival is a time of family, unity and celebration, but it can also bring extra costs. If you have loved ones in Brazil, a little financial support can help them enjoy the festivities to the fullest.<\/p>
How your transfer can make a difference:<\/strong><\/p>
Costumes and accessories<\/strong> – Help family members join in parades with dazzling outfits and decorations.<\/li>
Food and celebrations<\/strong> – Support loved ones in preparing traditional Carnival feasts for family and friends.<\/li>
Travel and experiences <\/strong>– Some travel to major Carnival cities like Rio, Salvador or Recife — your support can help cover transport and accommodation. <\/li><\/ul>
Whether it’s helping with a small expense or a bigger celebration, your support means they can enjoy Carnival without worry.<\/p>
How to send money to Brazil with Paysend<\/h2>
Paysend makes it easy to stay connected to your loved ones during Carnival. Here’s how you can send money to Brazil in just a few taps<\/p>
All ArticlesHow to send money abroad with Barclays
How to send money abroad with Barclays
2020-07-11
Money Transfer Guides
All articles
Digital Money
Barclays is a British bank whose history dates back to the 17th century! They have around 4,750 branches around the world, and as a bank they offer a number of services. You can get a mortgage with Barclays, manage an investment portfolio, do your day-to-day banking and, if you want to move funds to someone internationally with Barclays, send money abroad.
This blog will give you some essential information about international money transfers with Barclays, including some of the pros and cons of using Barclays to send money abroad, so that you can decide whether Barclays is right for you!
How to send money abroad with Barclays
With Barclays, you can choose to either go in-branch to make an offline international transfer, or use Barclays’ online banking service to transfer the funds. You should bear in mind that in order to send money abroad with Barclays you’ll need to have a bank account with them.
If you choose to go in-store, you'll need to fill out a money transfer form, and you’ll be guided through the process by the cashier. Alternatively, if you choose the online service, you can do it independently from the Barclays smartphone app or web browser platform.
What are the pros and cons of sending money with Barclays?
There are lots of different options when you come to choose a service for your international transfers, and they vary on cost, speed and simplicity.
Here are some of the pros and cons of using Barclays for your money transfers:
Pros:
Can be useful if you already bank with Barclays - you won’t need to set up a new account
Low transfer fees when you send money using Barclays’ online service
Wide international reach - you can send money to over 200 countries globally
Cons:
Transfer fees are higher when you go in-branch - they start from £15
You can’t send money directly to a card, only a bank account
There’s a £25 base fee for sending to countries outside of Europe and the USA when sending over the phone or in-branch
Barclays’ exchange rates may not be as good as with other money transfer providers
Overseas payments may cost £6 to receive
You need to be a Barclays bank account holder to use the service
Is there another option to Barclays?
When sending money internationally, Barclays may not be the best option if you’re looking to reduce fees for both yourself and your recipient. For this reason, it’s wise to look at other money transfer options to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Paysendis a fast and simple money transfer platform that lets users send money directly to bank accounts or straight to cards - all you need is the recipient’s name and card number!
Money transfers to bank accounts with Paysend have zero transfer fees, and to cards cost just £1, €1.5 or $2 (or equivalent amount). Paysend uses excellent, competitive exchange rates, so if you send money with Paysend you might save yourself some money!
On the Paysend homepage you can find a useful tool to help you find out if your money transfers with Paysend are cheaper than with Barclays. Click here to visit the homepage and get started.