Western union alternatives

[sukhumvitpoler]

Ok, im thinking of sending my thai gf some cash instead of a birthday present because i know she wouldnt like it lol and thais love cash lol

I was just looking at the western union website and i nearly soiled myself when i saw the fees.

Is there any cheapo way of doing it??? i was hoping for something like paypal but she doesnt have an account and i cant be arsed trying to translate how to set one up.

i might consider sending her my left over hol cash in the post but i dont trust those gypos at the post office.

please help lads

champagne, champagne for everyone.

[sukhumvitpoler]

Any of you guys had experiences of posting cash to thailand? it will only be a small amount, not like a big bundle.

[paultain]

dont send cash by post she wont get it

[sukhumvitpoler]

how do they know whats inside? do they scan it or something?

[rxpharm]

If you wire her directly into her bank account the charges are much less than WU. The other option is to set her up with a Visa debit card you can recharge and then she can withdraw from ATM - but since this is an infrequent event, then the wire transfer is a good option.

You could also try to send her a postal money order - in USD, she could cash that at her bank.

I agree with paultain, don't send cash by post - envelope can be held up to a bright light and they can see inside.

[sukhumvitpoler]

is that the postal test they do? hold it up to a bright light?

[sukhumvitpoler]

do you think i could put a couple of thousand wrapped up in a couple of pages of letter? i dont know if the light would get through that

[Stogie]

FFS

[sukhumvitpoler]

whats up stogie?

[Tomcat]

2K baht
The FEDEX charge will be more than the money. unless you send by snail mail and it will get there around the same time as the London Olympics opening ceremony.

[rxpharm]

sending cash by snail mail is risky, unlikely to reach the addressee, even if wrapped once or twice in paper. For such a small amount check if you can send a postal money order to her, in USD. She should be able to deposit/cash it at her bank.

[sukhumvitpoler]

Thanks for your help everyone, and stogie

[manarak]

moneygram has lesser fees.

If you are serious about making a present, send a small package with some chocolate "tablets" (I don't know what the rectangular blocks are called in english), unglue the packaging and slip in a couple of banknotes and glue it back shut.
They wont't be able to see through the aluminium.

Funny you are asking the question about the birthday right now.
Is it on the 25th nov?

[daveduke007]

(sukhumvitpoler @ Nov. 20 2008,15:54) Thanks for your help everyone, and stogie  

I think Stogie was being helpful    

[katoeylover]

Post (snail mail) takes about 10 days.
wrap up well, or send it in a book or something.

I have sent letters and parcels without problem.

Cheapest way. can also do a signed for service which is good and cheaper than fedex or dhl