diff --git a/tipbot/commands.py b/tipbot/commands.py
index 7c160ac..e1e389d 100644
--- a/tipbot/commands.py
+++ b/tipbot/commands.py
@@ -159,7 +159,7 @@ def send(update, context):
 
     # validate amount
     try:
-        amount = Decimal(context.args[1])
+        amount = wownero.as_wownero(context.args[1])
     except:
         update.message.reply_text(f'Bad Wownero amount specified; "{context.args[1]}" is not a valid number.')
         return False