Transfering money abroad

Grouchy

Hello, I'm not sure if this is the right section, but I couldn't find anything more appropriate so hope someone can help or move this to a better section.

I want to transfer £5000 to two different people, one in canada and one in the US. The easiest way seemed to be to me was to get their bank details and do it via my bank. However, the problem is I don't know the bank details of the two people and I doubt they would provide them. It is really a gift I am thinking of giving to family members and I'd like it to be a surprise.

Can anyone advise about the best, safest and cheapest way of doing this transfer?

Thanks in advance.

x.jones.x

you need someones bank details to do a bank transfer

benjus

There are services like Skrill/Moneybookers that don't require direct knowledge of their bank details, but they would have to open a Skrill account to receive money. The exchange rates aren't the best either.

There's always cash pickup services like Western Union or http://www.riamoneytransfer.com/ where the recipient can collect the cash, but exchange rates and fees will make it cost a lot more than a direct bank account transfer.

As a last resort you could look at opening a US dollar account yourself and writing a cheque... too much hassle if it's just a one-off though. Also worth asking your UK bank how much they would charge to issue a US dollar cheque, but it's unlikely to be cheap.

Grouchy

Thanks for those replies. Think I will have to think of something else.