International Money: Please Help!!

always_amazed

Hey;

Can anyone help me?

I am purchasing items from the US. The total is $1000.

The vendor says he can only accept an International Money Order (or a cheque? That makes no sense to me; I didn't think you could send a normal cheque abroad and that it would work).

I offered to wire the money via my bank (RBS); they have a system where I pay the charges upfront (only £10) and the money is wired in US Dollars to their account.
However the vendor seems to think that his bank charge him £25 dollars per wire and he would prefer an IMO.

I have no idea how to get one. It's really annoying, no one seems to have any idea; not at the bank, not the post office, please please help me!


A_A
xxx

p.s. in case you are worried it's not dodgy; it's art from a very reputable dealer.

jonesMUFCforever

An IMO is just like a bank draft made out in dollars drawn on a bank in US.

Your bank can get you one for a fee.

If you have an Amex office near you they might be able to issue you with one but otherwise a bank draft is the same thing.

Rememeber to also factor in the cost of sending the draft securely as if you have to stop it or get a dupilcate the costs really kick in.

soolin

Off topic a bit but for cost comparisons you have factored in the costs of importing items of that value into the UK haven't you? I realise it is probably a dumb question but I have been surprised at how many people have posted on various threads on MSE over the past few weeks about being surprised about having to pay all sorts of VAT/Duty and handling costs on items they have bought.

always_amazed

Yep I have thank you xxx

vivatifosi

Hi always_amazed,

Quick question here as we're also looking to buy art from US. Did you get told that there's no duty to pay, just 5% VAT? Just looking to confirm the numbers that we've been given, and sorry to jump in on your thread!