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WorldRemit

  • What it is:WorldRemit is a digital money transfer service that allows customers to send money online to friends and family in over 130 countries worldwide.
  • Best for:Diaspora communities needing cash pickup, Frequent small-value senders (<$1000), Users in supported corridors (Africa, Asia, Caribbean)
  • Pricing:Free tier available, paid plans from $1.99 - $3.99 + FX markup 0.9%-9.32%
  • Rating:82/100Very Good
  • Expert's conclusion:Users that may be sensitive to some customer service complaints that customers have about World Remit.
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Reviewed byMaxim Manylov·Web3 Engineer & Serial Founder

What Is WorldRemit and What Does It Do?

WorldRemit operates as a global financial technology company, which provides international money transfer services online, and is disrupting the traditionally offline remittance business model. In addition to providing secure, fast, and affordable money transfers across 130+ countries using 70 different currencies, WorldRemit serves approximately 5.7 million customers worldwide.

Active
📍London, United Kingdom
📅Founded 2010
🏢Private
TARGET SEGMENTS
Individuals sending remittancesCross-border communitiesMigrant workers

What Are WorldRemit's Key Business Metrics?

👥
5.7 million+
Customers
📊
130+
Countries Served
💵
5,000+
Money Transfer Corridors
📊
70
Currencies Supported
📊
95% within minutes
Transfer Speed
👥
125,000+ five-star reviews
Customer Reviews
📊
1,756.70 million GBP
Total Assets (2023)
💵
220.4 million GBP
Revenue (2023)
📊
1,400+
Global Workforce (Zepz Group)
Regulated By
Financial Conduct Authority(United Kingdom)Electronic Money Institution(UK)

How Credible and Trustworthy Is WorldRemit?

82/100
Good

WorldRemit has been a regulated fintech company for nearly 16 years, has a large customer base and has been authorized by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). However, although WorldRemit's financials have improved since 2023, it continues to operate at a loss.

BREAKDOWN
Product Maturity90/100
Company Stability75/100
Security & Compliance88/100
User Reviews85/100
Transparency80/100
Support Quality78/100
TRUST SIGNALS
FCA regulated electronic money institution since 2018Backed by Accel, TCV, and Leapfrog investors5.7 million customers across 130 countriesPart of Zepz Group with Sendwave brand125,000+ five-star customer reviewsOperates 5,000+ money transfer corridors

What is the history of WorldRemit and its key milestones?

2009

Company Founded

WorldRemit was originally formed under the name "Clean Remittances Ltd." on 22 December 2009, and then was named "WorldRemit Ltd." on 25 August 2010.

2010

Official Launch

WorldRemit began operations as an online international money transfer service when co-founders Ismail, Catherine Wines, and Richard Igoe started the business.

2018

FCA Authorization

WorldRemit was approved as an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), on 19 October 2018.

2021

Zepz Group Formation

In addition to being part of the Zepz group, along with Sendwave, WorldRemit has become one of the largest global remittance companies in existence.

2022

Scale Achievement

Brands in the Zepz group facilitated over $15 billion in cross-border transfers from 50 countries to recipients in 130 countries.

2023

Market Position

According to the U.K.'s Electronic Money Institutions, WorldRemit holds 4.39% of the market share among all such entities, and as such it had 1.76 billion GBP in total assets.

What Are the Key Features of WorldRemit?

💰
100% Digital Money Transfers
Fully online money transfers, utilizing no physical cash, provide both increased convenience and increased security for senders and receivers alike.
✨
Multiple Receive Options
Recipients can choose how they would like to receive their funds, whether via bank transfer, cash pickup, mobile money or airtime top-up, depending upon the country of receipt and the type of transfer initiated.
⚡
Fast Transfers
Approximately 95% of all of WorldRemit's money transfers are available for instant access to the recipient(s) within minutes of the sender initiating the transaction, and therefore enable rapid cross-border payment for urgent needs.
💬
Global Currency Support
WorldRemit supports money transfers in 70 different currencies and facilitates money transfers to and/or from 130 countries and over 5,000 money transfer corridors.
✨
Low Cost Transfers
Compared to many traditional offline remittance businesses, WorldRemit offers competitive fees and exchange rates, thereby providing lower costs to the sender.
📊
Mobile-First Platform
Additionally, as a result of being accessible via digital channels, senders can easily manage their accounts and initiate transactions to transfer funds from anywhere.
✨
FCA Regulated Service
Regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority, which provides oversight of WorldRemit as well as consumer protections.

What Technology Stack and Infrastructure Does WorldRemit Use?

Infrastructure

Global distributed infrastructure with regional processing hubs in Philippines, United States, Nigeria, Poland, and Cameroon

Technologies

Digital payments infrastructureMobile and web platformsReal-time settlement systems

Integrations

Bank transfersMobile money networksCash pickup networksAirtime providers

AI/ML Capabilities

Not prominently featured; company focuses on operational efficiency and payment processing rather than AI-driven features

Limited technical documentation available; inferred from service offerings and operational structure

What Are the Best Use Cases for WorldRemit?

Migrant Workers
Transfer money rapidly and securely to relatives at home in 130 different countries through a variety of delivery options (including direct deposit into a bank account, via mobile money, or cash pickup).
International Families
Use WorldRemit to maintain your financial connection with relatives living abroad through rapid cross border transfers made in 70 currencies; 95% of all transfers arrive in under minutes.
Small Business Owners
Make cross border payments to suppliers/partners with lower costs and quicker processing times than you would find when using a traditional banking channel.
Individuals with No Bank Account
Take advantage of WorldRemit’s money transfer service through mobile money and/or cash pickup delivery options without having to establish a traditional banking presence.
Freelancers and Remote Workers
Have the ability to receive international payments from customers located in other countries with flexible payment options and competitive foreign exchange rates.
NOT FORHigh-Frequency Day Traders
Not applicable - WorldRemit is a service that facilitates international remittances (money sent from one country to another), not international financial trading and therefore cannot be used to make rapid intraday transactions.
NOT FORCryptocurrency-Only Users
Not Recommended - WorldRemit does not facilitate the purchase or sale of cryptocurrency assets and therefore does not offer blockchain based transfer options.
NOT FORUsers Requiring Instant Settlement
Somewhat Applicable - While 95% of all WorldRemit transfers occur in minutes, there are certain corridors and/or delivery methods where this time may take longer.

How Much Does WorldRemit Cost and What Plans Are Available?

Pricing information with service tiers, costs, and details
☐Service$CostℹDetails🔗Source
Standard Money Transfer$1.99 - $3.99 + FX markup 0.9%-9.32%Fees vary by destination, amount, payment method, and delivery type (bank, cash pickup)WorldRemit pricing page and RemitFinder analysis
First 3 Transfers$0 feesPromo code 3FREE for new users, no minimum transfer amountRemitFinder review
High-value TransfersScaled fees (lower % for larger amounts)Small transfers (<$100) have higher relative feesBoss Revolution comparison
Account Maintenance$0No monthly or holding fees for WorldRemit AccountAirwallex review
Standard Money Transfer$1.99 - $3.99 + FX markup 0.9%-9.32%
Fees vary by destination, amount, payment method, and delivery type (bank, cash pickup)
WorldRemit pricing page and RemitFinder analysis
First 3 Transfers$0 fees
Promo code 3FREE for new users, no minimum transfer amount
RemitFinder review
High-value TransfersScaled fees (lower % for larger amounts)
Small transfers (<$100) have higher relative fees
Boss Revolution comparison
Account Maintenance$0
No monthly or holding fees for WorldRemit Account
Airwallex review
💡Pricing Example: Sending USD 1,000 from USA to Jamaica
WorldRemitUSD 3.99 fee + 3.71% FX markup
Total cost ~USD 43 (fee + markup equivalent)
Banks (average)41% higher than WorldRemit
World Bank Q2 2022 data comparison
Ria/Moneygram/Xoom (average)5% higher than WorldRemit
World Bank Q2 2022 data comparison
💰Savings:41% cheaper than banks on average for USD200 transfers

How Does WorldRemit Compare to Competitors?

FeatureWorldRemitWiseRemitlyWestern UnionRia
Core FunctionalityBank deposit, cash pickup, mobile walletBank transfers onlyCash pickup, bankAll methods + agentsCash pickup, bank
Country Coverage50 send/130 receive (6500 corridors)160+ countries170+ countries200+ countries190+ countries
Starting Price$1.99-$3.99 + FX markup0.57% + fixed feeVariable + markupVariable + markupVariable + markup
Free TierFirst 3 transfers freeNoNoNoNo
SpeedMinutes to days1-2 daysMinutesMinutesMinutes
Exchange Rate Markup0.9%-9.32%Mid-marketMarkupMarkup (3-5%)Markup
Mobile AppYesYesYesYesYes
API AccessN/A (consumer focus)Business API—Business API
24/7 SupportYesYesYesYesYes
Core Functionality
WorldRemitBank deposit, cash pickup, mobile wallet
WiseBank transfers only
RemitlyCash pickup, bank
Western UnionAll methods + agents
RiaCash pickup, bank
Country Coverage
WorldRemit50 send/130 receive (6500 corridors)
Wise160+ countries
Remitly170+ countries
Western Union200+ countries
Ria190+ countries
Starting Price
WorldRemit$1.99-$3.99 + FX markup
Wise0.57% + fixed fee
RemitlyVariable + markup
Western UnionVariable + markup
RiaVariable + markup
Free Tier
WorldRemitFirst 3 transfers free
WiseNo
RemitlyNo
Western UnionNo
RiaNo
Speed
WorldRemitMinutes to days
Wise1-2 days
RemitlyMinutes
Western UnionMinutes
RiaMinutes
Exchange Rate Markup
WorldRemit0.9%-9.32%
WiseMid-market
RemitlyMarkup
Western UnionMarkup (3-5%)
RiaMarkup
Mobile App
WorldRemitYes
WiseYes
RemitlyYes
Western UnionYes
RiaYes
API Access
WorldRemitN/A (consumer focus)
WiseBusiness API
Remitly—
Western UnionBusiness API
Ria—
24/7 Support
WorldRemitYes
WiseYes
RemitlyYes
Western UnionYes
RiaYes

How Does WorldRemit Compare to Competitors?

vs Wise

WorldRemit is much faster (in minutes) and provides more delivery options (cash pickup/ mobile wallet) compared to Wise. However, Wise is faster to deliver transparent mid-market exchange rates and has lower fees compared to WorldRemit, which has an average foreign exchange markup of up to 9%.

For those that need cash quickly use WorldRemit, and for those looking for the least expensive way to make a bank transfer use Wise.

vs Remitly

Both WorldRemit and Remitly provide similar speeds and cash pickup focused money transfer services. However, Remitly has higher US transaction limits ($100,000) than WorldRemit ($5,000); and WorldRemit offers the first three transfers for free, as well as a broader corridor coverage than Remitly.

If you are a new user and want to send money to a number of different countries, WorldRemit may be best for you. On the other hand, if you are going to be sending large amounts of money (high volume), Remitly may be better for you.

vs Western Union

Western Union has the largest number of agents however, they also charge the highest fees/mark-ups. WorldRemit is 41% cheaper than banks and delivers funds digitally faster than Western Union. Western Union may be the better option if you need to send funds via a physical agent location in a remote area.

If you want to send money digitally, WorldRemit would be your best option. If you want to pick up your money at a physical location (agent-based pickup), Western Union would be your best option.

vs Ria Money Transfer

WorldRemit is an average of five percent less expensive compared to World Bank data. Both WorldRemit and Ria have a similar focus on cash pickup; however, WorldRemit has greater mobile wallet support and a promotion for your first transfer. Ria is competitive on a number of very popular corridors.

Generally, WorldRemit is less expensive than all other options and offers promotional opportunities.

What are the strengths and limitations of WorldRemit?

Pros

  • WorldRemit has extensive corridor coverage and over 6,500 country combinations available across 50 send countries and 130 receive countries.
  • WorldRemit offers multiple ways to deliver funds to recipients including bank deposit, cash pickup, and mobile wallet through their single application.
  • WorldRemit allows for fast transfer of funds into recipient accounts, often within minutes, which makes it well-suited for urgent needs.
  • The first three transfers made using WorldRemit are free as part of a promotional opportunity for new users (the code "3FREE" will give you this benefit).
  • According to World Bank data, WorldRemit is significantly cheaper than most banks when making international transfers, by an average of 41%.
  • The WorldRemit application is easy-to-use and provides a smooth mobile experience for both Apple iOS and Android devices.
  • WorldRemit also has a refer-a-friend program that allows users to earn credits in multiple currencies.

Cons

  • However, the foreign exchange markup used by WorldRemit varies widely depending on the specific corridor being used. This can result in a significant difference in cost to the sender based on the same transfer amount. In addition to the varying foreign exchange markup, the cost to the sender can also vary based on how much they are transferring. The foreign exchange markup can range from .009% to 9.32% depending on the corridor being used, creating uncertainty for senders regarding what the actual foreign exchange markup will be.
  • WorldRemit does not clearly publish its prices until after the user enters their transfer details.
  • Transaction limits set by WorldRemit are low. They limit each transfer to $5,000, and while the total daily limit for debit cards is higher, at $9,000, it is still limited and may restrict business transactions.
  • While the foreign exchange markup charged by WorldRemit is lower than some other providers, it is still highest for small transfer amounts, under $100.
  • The foreign exchange markup charged by WorldRemit when using credit cards is even higher than when using debit cards, adding another layer of cost to the transfer process versus bank wire transfers or debit cards.
  • The foreign exchange rate used by WorldRemit can also be less favorable than those used by specialized foreign exchange companies such as Wise on certain corridors.
  • There is wide variation in customer service provided by WorldRemit. Phone and chat support is not always available 24 hours a day and may not always be effective.

Who Is WorldRemit Best For?

Best For

  • Diaspora communities needing cash pickup — Funds sent via WorldRemit are typically delivered to agents or mobile wallets in the recipient's country within minutes, providing fast delivery to 130 countries.
  • Frequent small-value senders (<$1000) — As previously stated, the first three transfers made using WorldRemit are free, and WorldRemit's rates are competitive with those of banks.
  • Users in supported corridors (Africa, Asia, Caribbean) — WorldRemit has strong coverage in many of the most common remittance destinations around the world.
  • Mobile-first users — WorldRemit has an excellent application experience on both Apple iOS and Android platforms.
  • Urgent transfer needs — WorldRemit provides fast delivery of funds to recipients' accounts, often within minutes, unlike traditional bank wire transfers that take several days.

Not Suitable For

  • High-volume business transfers — The maximum amount that can be transferred in a single transaction using WorldRemit is $5,000, which is lower than that offered by many other companies, including Remitly ($100,000). If you are considering making larger business transactions, you should consider using either Airwallex or Wise Business.
  • Cost-sensitive bank transfers — FX markup up to 9% vs Wise mid-market exchange rate. Use Wise for the best bank-to-bank transfer.
  • Unpredictable pricing seekers — All variable fees and mark-ups need to be compared to find the lowest. Services that have clearly stated upfront costs provide the most transparency.
  • Very small transfers (<$50) — Relatively high fees. When possible, use a local mobile money service.

Are There Usage Limits or Geographic Restrictions for WorldRemit?

Transaction Limit
Debit/credit card: $5,000 per transaction, $9,000 per 24 hours
Apple Pay Limit
$300 per transaction, $9,000 per 24 hours
corridors
50 sending countries, 130 receiving countries (6500 combinations)
FX Markup Range
0.9% - 9.32% depending on corridor
Transfer Fee Range
$1.99 - $3.99 typical, varies by destination/method
Free Transfers
First 3 transfers with promo code 3FREE
New US Remittance Tax
Additional tax applies from Jan 1, 2026 for some US transfers

Is WorldRemit Secure and Compliant?

Regulated GloballyAuthorized electronic money institution in UK (FCA), money transmitter licenses across US states, authorized in EU, Canada, Australia
Data EncryptionBank-grade 128-bit SSL encryption for all transactions and data transmission
Fraud ProtectionReal-time transaction monitoring and machine learning fraud detection systems
2-Factor AuthenticationRequired for account access and high-value transfers
PCI DSS CompliantCertified for secure card payment processing
Anti-Money LaunderingKYC verification, transaction monitoring, suspicious activity reporting per global regulations
GDPR CompliantEU data protection standards with data residency options

What Customer Support Options Does WorldRemit Offer?

Channels
24/7 via app and website in 6 languagesMon-Fri 10am-12am UTC (country-specific numbers available)Via contact form on website
Hours
24/7 chat; phone Mon-Fri 10am-12am UTC
Response Time
Immediate via 24/7 chat; phone during business hours
Satisfaction
3/5 based on Resolver reviews
Specialized
Country-specific support numbers; regulatory complaint channels for US states
Support Limitations
•Phone support not available on weekends
•WebChat may disconnect; use feedback tab to report
•Country-specific phone numbers required

What APIs and Integrations Does WorldRemit Support?

API Type
No public API documentation found; limited developer resources
Authentication
Webhooks
No information on webhook support
SDKs
No official SDKs identified on GitHub or developer portal
Documentation
No dedicated API documentation or developer portal found
Sandbox
No sandbox or testing environment mentioned
SLA
No public SLA or uptime guarantees
Rate Limits
Not applicable; no API details
Use Cases
Primarily consumer-focused money transfers; business integrations via partnerships like banks

What Are Common Questions About WorldRemit?

WorldRemit is an internet-based money transfer service that enables users to make international money transfers through their app or website to over 130 different countries. Users select the amount of money they want to send, the recipient's country, and the payout method (bank deposit or cash pickup) and then pay securely. Once sent, the money transfer will be processed as soon as possible and the sender can track it.

The fees charged to send money through WorldRemit depend on the transfer corridor, the amount being transferred, and the payment method selected. The fees are disclosed prior to sending and are paid by the sender. Recipients typically do not incur any additional fees when receiving the funds from WorldRemit.

WorldRemit is designed for fast money transfers to emerging economies where there are limited cash pickup locations. Wise is focused on transferring funds via bank transfer with the benefit of mid-market rates but fewer cash pickup locations. In addition, WorldRemit provides 24 hour access to a live chat representative.

Yes, WorldRemit utilizes encryption to secure transactions and follows compliance regulations in many countries. WorldRemit is a licensed money transmitter and makes state specific disclosures. Additionally, WorldRemit has two-factor authentication and monitors fraudulent activity against user accounts.

Users can track the status of their transfers in the app and usually receive the funds in a few minutes to hours. If a problem occurs, users should contact WorldRemit's live chat support with their transaction ID. If users experience a connectivity issue while chatting with customer service, they may contact WorldRemit through the feedback tab.

Users can cancel their transfer in the app until it reaches the "paid" status. If a refund is warranted, WorldRemit will process the refund. Users can check on the status of their refund in the transfers section. If users require assistance with a refund, they should contact WorldRemit's customer service.

Yes, users must go through the verification process to complete their first transfer or to transfer large amounts of money through identification documents. This process can be completed through the app or the WorldRemit website in order to meet regulatory requirements.

Payout methods include bank deposits, mobile wallets, and cash pickups at authorized agent locations. Each payout option is available in various countries. WorldRemit supports transfers to over 130 different countries.

Is WorldRemit Worth It?

World Remit is an international money transfer service that focuses on fast and reliable money transfers to over 130 countries, especially those in developing countries where you can pick up your money as cash. This is one of the ways they stand out, while their customer support is strong 24/7 by chat. However, their phone support is only available during limited hours and has had mixed reviews in terms of satisfaction. Best for users who are looking for a quick way to send money to remote areas.

Recommended For

  • Users include:
  • Individuals who send money to family members living in Africa, Asia or Latin America.
  • Frequent money senders who need the option to have their money picked up in cash.
  • Users who want 24/7 chat support.

!
Use With Caution

  • First time money senders with simple needs.
  • Large business money transfers -- World Remit does not have many enterprise features or APIs for large volume money transfers.
  • Users who need phone support on the weekend.

Not Recommended For

  • Money transfers that require the best exchange rate possible -- Compare with Wise.
  • Businesses that need to integrate their system using APIs.
  • High volume business money transfers.
Expert's Conclusion

Users that may be sensitive to some customer service complaints that customers have about World Remit.

Best For
Users include:Individuals who send money to family members living in Africa, Asia or Latin America.Frequent money senders who need the option to have their money picked up in cash.

What do expert reviews and research say about WorldRemit?

Key Findings

World Remit excels at providing consumer money transfers to developing countries, offering a reliable, fast and 24/7 support experience. While this platform is great for individuals and small businesses, larger companies will want to look into other API enabled money transfer platforms.

Data Quality

Good - detailed info from official contact/FAQ pages and disclosures; customer sentiment from review sites. Limited API/business details publicly available.

Risk Factors

!
World Remit offers money transfers to over 130 countries with options including bank deposits and cash pickups. World Remit also provides 24/7 app chat support for customers, however; phone support is only available Monday through Friday. World Remit has a strong focus on consumers and complies with all financial regulations across multiple jurisdictions. Customer service has received mixed reviews with some customers experiencing delays and others complaining about World Remits services.
!
Mixed customer service reviews with complaints of delays.
!
There is no publicly available API for business to integrate with World Remit.
Last updated: February 2026

What Additional Information Is Available for WorldRemit?

Global Regulatory Compliance

Phone support is not available on the weekends.

Payout Network

World Remit is licensed as a money transmitter in the United States and is required to provide individual state specific disclosure statements in addition to complying with federal requirements such as CA, TX, and GA, and is required to direct all complaints related to their services to the appropriate regulating agency after the customer contacts World Remit's customer support. World Remit operates from its headquarters located in London.

Customer Complaints

World Remit partners with banks such as First Bank Nigeria to allow customers to make cash pickups and account deposits at bank branches throughout Nigeria. World Remit is available for customers to use Monday through Friday and is also available at select locations on the weekends.

What Are the Best Alternatives to WorldRemit?

  • •
    Wise (formerly TransferWise): Mid-market exchange rate bank-to-bank money transfer services, which are transparent about their fees. These are generally better for larger transactions and the most competitive rates, but may have a few less cash pick-up locations. These are ideal for price-conscious users that wish to send to another user's bank account. (wise.com)
  • •
    Western Union: Leading provider of global money transfer with an expansive network of cash pick-up locations around the world. Although they have more cash pick-up locations than WorldRemit, Western Union charges higher fees. The best option is for urgent cash pick-ups in remote areas. (westernunion.com)
  • •
    Remitly: Quick money transfers with cash pick-up and mobile wallet focused options similar to WorldRemit. They are often lower priced for specific corridors, and offer a good app experience. Overall, these are a good option for those who require express delivery to emerging markets. (remitly.com)
  • •
    Xoom (PayPal): XOOM offers fast money transfers with both bank deposit and cash pick-up options; as well as utilizing the trusted PayPal name and balance, providing a safe way for U.S. senders to send international funds quickly. This is suited for existing PayPal users who wish to send international funds quickly. (xoom.com)
  • •
    PayPal International: As a PayPal owned company, XOOM allows you to send money directly from one person to another using your PayPal account balance or card. XOOM is easier for customers with a PayPal connection to use, however it has higher fees and less payment options available. Overall, this is a good option for smaller transactions between two PayPal accounts. (paypal.com)

Transfer Metrics

130+
Countries Supported
70+
Currencies Supported
Within minutes
Average Transfer Speed
50+
Send from Countries

How Are Fees Structured for WorldRemit?

Transfer Fee
$0.99 - $3.99
Exchange Rate Markup
0.5% - 4%
Receiving Fee
Varies by method
Minimum Transfer
$1
Maximum Transfer
Up to $60,000

What Payment Methods Does WorldRemit Support?

Bank TransferDebit CardCredit CardApple PayPrepaid CardInterac

Payout Options

OptionSpeedAvailability
Bank Deposit1 hour130+ countries
Mobile WalletMinutesSelect countries
Cash PickupMinutesMany locations
Home Delivery24h-7 daysSelect locations

Compliance & Licensing

FCA AuthorizedUK
Money Transmitter LicensesMultiple countries
AML/KYC ProgramFull verification required
PCI DSS Compliant

Business Features

Multi-currency Accounts

Batch Payments

API Integration

Forward Contracts

Recurring Transfers

Team Management

Currency Coverage

Send Currencies
50+
Receive Currencies
70+
Top Corridors
USD to INR, PHP, NGN
Local Payment Rails
Bank, Mobile Money
Real-time Rates
With markup

Transfer Tracking

Real-time Tracking
Yes
SMS Notifications
Yes
Email Updates
Yes
Recipient Notifications
Yes
Transaction History
My Transfers section

Expert Reviews

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