Sending euros to Greece? Western Union?

Frances63

We have booked our holiday independently this year, rather than a package holiday.

I have booked a studio for us in a small apartment block on a greek island, and have asked the lady owner how she would like to accept payment. The total cost is 420 euros.

She has emailed that we could pay by Western Union, giving us her details and saying we just need to send her the 'code'. I've never used this service before, so this is all new to me. Do I do it on-line? or at a post office?

Our holiday is in 4 weeks time, so I'm wondering, should I be paying the full amount now, or would it be normal to pay just a deposit and give the balance in cash on arrival? I've also heard that Western Union is 'untraceable' so would it be unwise to send the full amount for this reason, or am I being over cautious?

I understand that there are fees and also a loading on the exchange rate with Western Union, so perhaps not the best idea to send all of the money this way?

I actually get a good deal on the exchange rate at uk airports as I work at Heathrow and have an airport ID. This means I get a slightly better rate, (not much in it though). Is there a way I can buy the euros first, then transfer them via Western Union to our lady as euros, thus avoiding Western Unions exchange rate at least?

Sorry, it's a lot of questions. Any advice greatly appreciated.

bengal-stripe

Western Union is easily abused. Anyone with the code an cash the money anywhere in the world.

It might be a good method to send money to some relative stranded on vacation somewhere, but never use it to pay people you do not know very well. If you’ve come across that that apartment on some web-site, there is a possibility it might not exist (or the “owner” is not the owner).

A bank transfer might be preferable. Although you will not get your money back if the owner does not come up with the service, at least it can be traced, as the account will be registered to an individual in a particular bank, and if the worst was come to the worst, you can go to the police.

As I said, Western Union can be cashed be anyone with the code anywhere in the world. If you have only a hotmail/google e-mail address, the “owner” might be located anywhere else, but not in Greece.