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:
If the recipient has a UK bank account
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.
See MoneyGram in the resources below.
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 Girobankand 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.
Resources
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Topmoneycompare
Compare rates for money transfers to 70+ countries. We've taken a closer look at the industries top currency brokers, money transfer apps and remittance companies. -
GlobalWebPay
An online service allowing people in the UK to send money to bank accounts worldwide for the lowest fees possible, while avoiding any additional recipient or account fees. Our rates and low fees allow people to get the best value on money transfers when dealing in smaller amounts (below £5000).
Web: www.globalwebpay.comLocation: London -
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. 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.
Web: www.moneygram.com -
MoneyTransfers.com: Best Ways to Send Money to the UK
Enjoy fast transfers, low cost fees, the best exchange rates, and useful customer service when sending money to the UK.
Use our comparison tools & reviews to steer clear of missing out on prime deals & current rates.
Read on for concise reviews, expert guidance, and everything you need for sending money to the UK. -
No1 Currency
No.1 Currency is an accessible foreign currency specialist who provides safe and secure Worldwide Transfers and Bureau de Change services, adding real value to their affiliates and customers. Founded in 1996, No1 Currency - formally Xchange Business - is the UK's fastest growing independent foreign currency specialist.
Web: www.no1currency.com -
OFX
Formerly Tranzfers, this site charges allows you to transfer money from the UK to countries including the US, Europe, Australia and South Africa.
Web: www.ofx.comLocation: London -
PayPal
PayPal allows you to send money free to other account holders around the world in 16 currencies. Check the fees before you send any money. Charges can vary depending on where the money is going how you are transfering it.
Web: www.paypal.com -
Sendmoney.org.uk
This website compares the rates of major high street banks with that of Tor Currency Exchange Ltd, an often better value alternative.
Web: www.sendmoney.org.uk -
Skrill
Skrill (previously Moneybookers) enables any business or consumer with an email address to securely and cost-effectively send and receive payments online.
Web: www.skrill.com -
Smart Currency Exchange
This service claims to save you thousands of pounds if you're transfering large sums of money overseas. Worth investigating.
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TransferGo
TransferGo is a cheap, convenient way to send money abroad without having to pay excessive bank fees. TransferGo's innovative online money transfer system means you can quickly transfer money and the money does not have to leave the country as funds are paid in and out locally.
Web: www.transfergo.comLocation: London -
Western Union
This well known money transfer service has been operating for 150 years. One of the most convenient and fastest ways of sending money abroad, and a good option for smaller payments.
Web: www.westernunion.com -
Wise
The cheap, fast way to send money abroad. Join over 10 million people who get the real exchange rate with Wise. We’re on average 8x cheaper than leading UK high street banks.Web: wise.com -
World First
Fast, secure transfers. We'll get your money there quickly and securely - often on the same day or the next working day. Great FX rates. We take a smaller margin than most banks so you get a great rate. No fees on personal transfers either.
Web: www.worldfirst.com -
World First Foreign Exchange
We specialise in getting clients the best possible exchange rate for their international transfers. Please contact us to discuss your individual requirements and the options available to you for your transfers. -
World Remit
Send 90 currencies to 150 countries, from your smartphone or computer. They send funds direct to your mobile phone and it cost the sender 99p.Web: www.worldremit.com -
XE Send Money
Personal and corporate foreign exchange & international money transfer services. Global operations in the UK, Europe, North America and Australasia. Serving over 2,500 corporate clients worldwide, and 30,000 private clients annually.
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Xoom
We offer you fast, easy, and secure ways to send money, reload phones, and pay bills for family and friends around the world. And now we're part of PayPal, the global leader in digital payments.Web: www.xoom.com
