What is the best way to send money to someone in Thailand?
• Bank wire: Safe, but slow, inconvenient, and costly. Normally you have to make a trip to the bank (inconvenient). The banks in the U.S. charge a sizable fee (costly) and banks everywhere give a very poor exchange rate (doubly costly). The funds are usually posted to the recipient’s account within 3 banking days (slow). This is really the worst method, to be used if you have no other choice. • Western Union: Safe, fast, convenient for U.S. residents, somewhat costly. U.S. residents can send Western Union money online. Others must visit a Western Union outlet. The exchange rate is ok. And it is very fast. The recipient can claim the money within minutes of you sending it at any of the Western Union offices throughout Thailand, most convenient within greater Bangkok, may be less convenient up-country. • ATM Card: Safe, fast (once established), convenient, inexpensive. This is a good method for sending money regularly to someone in Thailand. For just a few payments it is not worth it – u
