sending a money order

[stringcheeseincident]

i need to send a money order to the UK and i'm looking for the cheapest possible way. apparently the USPS doesn't do international money orders to the UK. any suggestions? its for $30.10 / £16.24 if that matters. help is appreciated.

 

[Hyudra]

I think you'll have to go to a big name bank to do that... usually community banks don't usually deal with currencies.

 

[Mo0o]

Western Union?

 

[stringcheeseincident]

western union wanted to charge $15 just for a fee of using their service. f that.

 

[Childs]

If this is for an ebay auction don't do it at all.

 

[stringcheeseincident]

not for an ebay auction. just a website i want to order from.

 

[stringcheeseincident]

these topics get bumped out fast...tons of active atot members

 

[Hyudra]

can you use your credit card?

 

[Mo0o]

Using a credit card is probably the best and safest way to go about things.

 

[McMadman]

Originally posted by: stringcheeseincident
western union wanted to charge $15 just for a fee of using their service. f that.

Last I knew WU's money orders are still international. (USPS specifically states their money orders are only for use in the us or its territories)

My local grocery store sells them for 49 cents, $15 is a ripoff.

 

[Barnaby W. Füi]

International money order at the PO? They're not much.

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: BingBongWongFooey
International money order at the PO? They're not much.

Bingo.

I work in international banking including payments, 3 options are:

1) Send GBP cash, visit a large bank in your area which has foreign currency teller services. If you send cash, make sure it is well concealed. I have done this for a few smaller UK auctions and it has always worked out great. Of course the downside is since you are sending cash, there is no paper trail (or proof that you ever sent the cash).

2) International money order in USD currency. There may be a FEE imposed by the receiving bank in the UK. The seller will have to pay this fee and most likely will pass this fee on to you. It could also negatively reflect in your eBay feedback.

3) Mail a foreign draft which is available at a large bank in your area. It's basically a bank check but in foreign currency (GBP) instead of USD. The eBay seller should have no problems cashing a GBP check in the UK.