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sending money abroad

There are various ways of sending money abroad, each are outlined below with their pros and cons. It's most certainly worth talking to the recipient before you choose a method as some of the options may not apply to their situation:

In this case it may be possible for a donor to pay the money into the recipient's UK bank account and for the recipient to draw the money directly out of their account from overseas. For the recipient this can be done using compatible cash point (ATM) machines (if available) or by cashing a regular UK cheque through an overseas bank (this incurs a charge of varying amounts depending on the overseas bank).
If the recipient is a full-time Christian worker and has a UK bank account, tax can be reclaimed on any donations (see OSCAR - Service zone - Finance - Tax).

Most folk overseas are able to cash a UK cheque in their name but the cheque can take anything from a few days to a couple of weeks to clear before the money can be paid and there is usually a fee charged by the overseas bank.

MoneyGram

MoneyGram have a network of 100,000 local agents across 170 countries and territories. In the UK, you can use the MoneyGram service at all Post Offices, Thomas Cook shops and anywhere you see the MoneyGram sign. You can also find the MoneyGram service at the Jersey Post in Jersey and at the IOM Post on the Isle of Man. The service claims to be a safe, fast way to send and receive money worldwide, and also claims that the money will be ready to collect at the other end just 10 minutes after payment.
Website: www.moneygram.com

Most high street banks will advise you on the different ways of sending money abroad. There are two basic services they can offer:

International Money Order (IMO) or Bank Draft

This works like an international bank cheque in the name of the recipient and needs to be sent through the post (therefore can be slow). There is a charge at the issuing bank and possibly at the overseas bank where it is cashed.

International Transfer (Wire Transfer)

This uses the universal bank-to-bank SWIFT electronic payment system. The transfer can be in any currency and is usually immediately available at the other end (no lengthy clearing process). Although the most convenient, this is often the most costly way as the typical charge for these transactions by High Street banks ranges from £8 to over £20. It's often cheaper to go online and use your bank's website. Other cheaper alternatives are available with both Girobank and the Co-operative Bank. They have a fixed-rate charge for sending money abroad regardless of the amount being sent. Girobank's Eurogiro service has a flat rate charge of £5 for its account holders and Co-op's Tipanet charges an £8 fixed fee.
For more information on this option, see www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/money/reader_guides/article3964271.ece or www.thisismoney.com/20000918/sb20762.html

For detailed advice about sending money from the UK to a number of other countries, see www.mycurrencytransfer.com or www.sendmoneyhome.org

For further advice on sending money abroad/receiving money from abroad can be found by searching on this topic at www.bba.org.uk

For some information on different options for spending money abroad, try

www.thisismoney.com/undated/ht2553.html