money transfer advice from uk to usa sought

[kotatsuneko]

soz not really japan related, but could someone tell me the cheapest and safe way to send brit pounds to someone in america?

not sure whether to go for bankers draft, direct bank transfer or net payment ie paypal etc

thats all really, erm, cheers!

[GridReaper]

Paypal works well for my friends.

[FeLingHi]

Western Union or MoneyGram will work.

Both have fees and WU is higher than MG.

[kami gaijin]

I would suggest MoneyGram over Western Union. Right now Western Union has a class action lawsuit against them for making profit off of inaccurate exchange rates. You could get around that by telling your friend to make the pick-up in pounds and then exchange them at a respectable bank, but that's a hassle.

[kotatsuneko]

ta 4 the ideas/info guys!

[samuraiwig]

Slightly different question.

I need to get a banker's draft in GBP for something from the UK that apparently can't be paid for any other way.

I hear that Citibank can do these, but their opening hours are a mystery to me - always seem to be closed.

Anyone know any other options in Tokyo? Somewhere open on weekends or evenings would be great.

[Greji]

Slightly different question.

I need to get a banker's draft in GBP for something from the UK that apparently can't be paid for any other way.

I hear that Citibank can do these, but their opening hours are a mystery to me - always seem to be closed.

Anyone know any other options in Tokyo? Somewhere open on weekends or evenings would be great.

Depends on the area. MUFJ near Toranomon kosaten has the service, but like most banks, you have to pick it up the following day. Most also are only open Mon-Fri and the windows very from 1600 to 1700. What is your bank? They might offer that service at their main office, or a larger shiten. In that case, they can sent it in for you and you pick it up one to two days later.

[samuraiwig]

Thanks Greji.

UFJ is my bank, and although Toranomon isn't my branch it is easy for me to get to. Will drop by next week. Much better than arsing around with Citi.

[Greji]

Thanks Greji.

UFJ is my bank, and although Toranomon isn't my branch it is easy for me to get to. Will drop by next week. Much better than arsing around with Citi.

It's about 100 yards down Sotobori on the right, going from Toranomon Kosaten toward Shimbashi. You actually go into an alley on the side of the bank and there is an enterance with elevators. I believe it is on the third floor (possibly the fourth). You come out of the elevator and it is a right and nanamei. It is a pretty busy foreign exchange and the best service I've found for International bank transfers and drafts. But bear in mind, you give them the funds and you'll have to pick up the draft the following days. I have been lucky and got there early and was able to receive the draft in the afternoon. But, that was one exception occasion, so I wouldn't plan on that.