Italian Phrase
Devo mandare soldi all'estero.
Meaning
The speaker is stating an obligation to send money to another country. It can refer to supporting family, paying a bill, or conducting a business transaction abroad.
When to use
Use this sentence when you need to talk about financial transfers that cross national borders—whether for personal remittances, paying tuition, or moving funds for work.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Devomandaresoldiall'estero
Dovere (devo)
‘Devo’ is the first‑person singular present of the modal verb ‘dovere’, expressing obligation or necessity.
Infinitive after ‘dovere’
When ‘dovere’ is followed by another verb, that verb stays in the infinitive (mandare).
Plural noun ‘soldi’
‘Soldi’ is the plural of ‘soldo’; it is used for money in a general sense.
Prepositional contraction ‘all’estero’
‘a + il + estero’ contracts to ‘all’estero’, meaning ‘abroad’ or ‘overseas’.
🗨In Conversation
Devo mandare soldi all'estero per la mia famiglia.
I have to send money abroad for my family.
Hai provato il nuovo servizio di trasferimento online?
Have you tried the new online transfer service?
✕Common Mistakes
Devo mandare soldi a l'estero.
The preposition ‘a’ contracts with ‘il’ to form ‘all’’, so write ‘all’estero’ as one word.
Devo mandare soldi fuori.
‘Fuori’ means ‘outside’ in a physical sense, not ‘abroad’; use ‘all’estero’.
Devo mandare soldi all' estero.
There should be no space after the apostrophe.
↔Alternatives
Devo inviare denaro all'estero.
I have to send money abroad.
Ho bisogno di trasferire soldi all'estero.
I need to transfer money abroad.
Devo spedire soldi all'estero.
I have to ship money abroad.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, sending money abroad is often done through banks, but many people now prefer digital platforms like Wise (formerly TransferWise) or Revolut because they are faster and cheaper. Remember to use the formal register when speaking with bank staff or officials, and be aware that large transfers may require a declaration for tax purposes.