Sending Money Abroad

[Maydup]

What's the best way to send money abroad to someone as a surprise gift?
Ie not transferring to their account.
A reasonably small one off amount.

[treetops68]

A cheque or a money tranfer utility like, I think it's called, Western Union, or something close?

[dzug2]

Depends on how much but cash in an envelope is often a good solution.

A cheque will cost either you or them or both of you a nasty amount.

Possibly one of those pre-paid 'credit' cards. You'd have to mail it to them - send the PIN separately

[rockyracoon]

When I send cash gifts in the post I always use a manilla envelope, never had a problem. The PO tried to strong arm me into using a money transfer service but it was bloody extortionate to send €20.

[treetops68]

While I will send birthday money in the post in this country I certainly would not risk it going abroad, plus you would need to get the currency of whichever country it's going to. A pre-paid card could pose the same problem. Whichever means you choose there will be costs involved in converting the currency.

[jomifl]

You could do a paypal transfer if you both have paypal accounts.

[rockyracoon]

I use Paypal now to send the niece and nephew in Ireland their bday money, much less hassle than any other way.

[Maydup]

Ideally I'd put something in a card and send it in the post as its a surprise gift. I'd have to ask for details if I transfer to either their account or to Paypal.

So leaving aside the cost, what are my options for a couple of hundred quid as a surprise? I'll head off and research the cash card option, sounds useful.

[rockyracoon]

No way I'd put £200 in the post, the card option seems the easiest it you don't want to do any kind of money transfer.