Send Money Russia Cheapest?

[foche911]

Need Advices on lowest cost, reliable way to send funds to Russia. It is Seversk, Tomsk Region if that matters.  We have used MoneyGram so far.  I thought someone here might have knowledge, suggestions.....Thanks 

[Faux Pas]

I have not yet used moneygram but I heard it was 10 bucks to send. Is that true? If so that would be the cheapest I've seen

[ECOCKS]

I have not yet used moneygram but I heard it was 10 bucks to send. Is that true? If so that would be the cheapest I've seen

Up to what amount?

I would also gauge/experiment as to what level of confidence you have as to chosen exchange rate.

[Turboguy]

eMoneyGram is $ 11.00 to send up to $ 500.00 and $ 16.00 to send up to $ 1000.00

[Gator]

If you trust the people in Seversk (in laws, fiancee, etc.), use a debit card.  Otherwise use Moneygram.   

Inexplicably, Moneygram's fees for online services are much higher than going to a Moneygram office and completing the transfer in person and completing the forms manually.  Plus you can send more money in person.

[BC]

Forget about finding the cheapest way.. just get on a plane and deliver it yourself.

[I/O]

Send money to me, I'll refund all fees up to 99.5 cents per dollar.

[CanadaMan]

Inexplicably, Moneygram's fees for online services are much higher than going to a Moneygram office and completing the transfer in person and completing the forms manually.  Plus you can send more money in person.

 Ditto for Western Onion.

[foche911]

Agree MoneyGram is $11.00 for online quick delivery. There is from bank account withdraw supposedly 3-4 day delivery for $9.50. That was for $50-100 amounts, I didn't look other.  I didn't see in person (Walmart is agent) was cheaper..not much. 

[foche911]

If you trust the people in Seversk (in laws, fiancee, etc.), use a debit card.  Otherwise use Moneygram.   

Inexplicably, Moneygram's fees for online services are much higher than going to a Moneygram office and completing the transfer in person and completing the forms manually.  Plus you can send more money in person.

How would one use debit card? Sorry I am ignorant this subject so please explain carefully...........Also, Lena is trying to tell me Rosbank is telling her there is way thru banks, low cost.  She emailed copy letter about Bank of New York, Correspondent bank of beneficiary bank.  I am trying to get my mind around what they tell her.  I explained wire transfer is expensive.  She says is not wire..could it be like electronic check? 

[I/O]

You have met this lady?

[FredC]

I have found that Money Gram is cheaper than debit/ATM cards for cash transfers. By the time that you add up the fees on a small cash withdrawal. Each bank will charges a fee on each transaction. By the time that my Tatyana takes out 1000 rubles it cost me an extra $8.00. So I always send her money lump sum with Money Gram each month.

To explain the process, on my last visit, I left Tatyana an extra debit card and told her the pin. I told her that she could use it for emergencies and the expenses in our contacts.

[foche911]

I did some more checking since last post. From what I think I know, MoneyGram is best without a big hassle and possible risk. 

[CanadaMan]

I did some more checking since last post. From what I think I know, MoneyGram is best without a big hassle and possible risk. 

It all depends where you live.
I just checked the MoneyGram website and learned that there are no MG outlets in my city. Their quoted prices online were much more expensive than Western Onion's.

[Tim22]

I have always used Western Union - I think because I just trust it. Also there always seem to be outlets of Western Union all over the world.

[Chicagoguy]

Bank wire transfers are secure but probably the most expensive. She might not know all the details but there is only one way I know of through a bank.

[Al_C]

Has anyone tried PayPal to send money?

I need to help my fiance with visa expenses, and Western Union is a little pricey.  I will pay it if I have to but would like to find a better deal.

BTW the money would be going to Ekaterinburg.

[Jack]

I "think" the answer to Pay-pal is probably no.  At least once that see, find out, money is going to or coming from Ukraine or Russia.  The reason I say this is due to an expat in Ukraine who was conducting his business, an i-net business, and started out using Pay-pal.  Thought all was fine but only took a few transactions before Pay-pal shut him down, would not send or receive funds from his Ukraine isp address.   As long as they did not know he was in Ukraine, all was fine, but when someone noticed a Ukraine isp, no more.

[GQBlues]

Has anyone tried PayPal to send money?

I need to help my fiance with visa expenses, and Western Union is a little pricey.  I will pay it if I have to but would like to find a better deal.

BTW the money would be going to Ekaterinburg.

Al_C-

I/we've done both, although just once with Pay Pal.

I'm not sure how much money you're talking about (no need to tell me) but IMO, the difference is hardly significant considering the reason why the money is being sent. I can only suggest you use whatever is both convenient to you and also make you feel more secured using.

Personally for me, it's WU.

[ECOCKS]

Still seems to me that the ATM/Debit cards are the way to go on this. Take her a card (good excuse for a trip) and give her the PIN. My effective exchange rate through Wells-Fargo is 7.75 for Ukraine counting fees and the bank exchange. That's the number that matters. Maybe I could do a bit better with one of the WU or MG systems but the convenience just cannot be beat IMO.

[Turboguy]

If you are in the USA moneygram is half the price of WU and every bit as reliable.  You can do it online or go to Walmart.  If you are in Canada it is a different situation.  They don't have as many outlets as WU but they have a lot of outlets.  

[Faux Pas]

If you are in the USA moneygram is half the price of WU and every bit as reliable.  You can do it online or go to Walmart.  If you are in Canada it is a different situation.  They don't have as many outlets as WU but they have a lot of outlets.  

Ditto

just sent some to Russia and it cost 10 bucks. However, do not use a middle name to the receiver