transferring money to Croatia

[joannie10]

I asked this in finance also but perhaps people using 'Travel' may have experienced this problem:
I am trying to transfer a small amount of money to a private accommodation provider in Croatia. This is for a deposit for accommodation for a summer holiday. The deposit is 153 euros. He asked for money transferred to his bank account or would accept a cheque. I went to my bank here in the UK and they said best and cheapest way was a currency draft and this would cost me �10. Went yesterday to arrange this and because they put for it to be sent in euros the correct country it was being sent to would not come up on their list (or so they thought). I double checked with receiver that he would accept Kuna and then went back to bank - problem is they wont sent to Croatia because 'dont often get asked for there so have removed from our list'. My only option seems to be to send Western Union and this cost extra �21 ( i am only sending �105). Does anyone know if there is any other way - he cannot accept payment by card. My bank is A*bey, maybe someone knows another bank that can help me? many thanks I thought this would have been easy thing to do.

[Buenchico]

If you can persuade the accommodation provider to take a slightly reduced deposit, so that the amount comes to �100 or less, it will only cost you �12 with MoneyGram. Otherwise, the charge would be �18:
http://www.postoffice.co.uk/portal/po/content2 ?catId=19400180&mediaId=19700176

If you've got a PayPal account, you could ask if the recipient also has one. If so, just get him to invoice you through PayPal.

I send money to Russia and the Czech Republic using Ikobo. If you sent US$210 to Croatia, the recipient would receive a Visa debit card pre-loaded with HRK1135.86 (which is roughly the required amount). The fee would be US$11.30 (under �6).

Posting cash by 'International Signed For', would cost you �3.98.

Chris

[Buenchico]

Oops!
I omitted this link:
http://www.ikobo.com/

Chris

[joannie10]

thanks I will discuss with him the ikobo idea that seems good. I knew about moneygram/western union but seems a hefty fee for not sending a large amount of money. With regards to the international posting of cash I had discussed this with the mailroom manager in our office and he has told me that as we cannot actually track where it goes after it leaves the country it is not a safe option for cash so wont try that. I have a couple of friends checking if their banks can provide a better service than mine. Thanks for your advice.

[joannie10]

just incase anyone refers to this thread in future - i went to 3 major banks and they could not transfer money to Croatia(as was not on their lists!) and also could not raise currency cheque. Was leaving me with the other options mentioned for example Moneygram or Western Union which was costing a fair bit of extra money. One bank suggested I just send a UK cheque as they accept other currency cheques and this is what I did and all has worked out ok. thanks though.