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[Mr Skrunts]

Helped a friend out earlier with a small cash transfer to them  to help solve a problem.

Money will return to me soon no issues there.

But with one thing a another we used PayPal.  Fee was £2.99

I sent £100 they revived $118+

When I checked the exchange rate £100 = $124.96 so PayPal skimmed a % as well as a charge.

So with this in mind and knowing the wealth of knowledge on here I ask for advice.

Banks versus Apps etc

Banks wont do anything for nothing.
Comparison sites say no fees

I have never heard of any of these and therefore wont trust what I dont know

I may never transfer cash abroad ever again and this is my 1st one ever.

Any advice is much appreciated.T.I.A.

[TheBoy]

You expected PayPal to do it for free?

They have staff to pay, and very, very expensive computing infrastructure to run….

[Mr Skrunts]

Not at all, meant to add it in my post,  No issue with that all

It's costing me nothing I get the money plus a pressie for saving the day. so I am happy

[LC0112G]

I use WISE to transfer cash to relatives in Australia - for things like birthday and Christmas presents.

If you are already in the country where the person lives, then a Halifax Clarity credit card (or similar) is best. You take the cash out of an ATM, and then pay the bill immediately it shows on your statement (typically a day or two). No FOREX loading, no charge, and interest of a few pennies as long as you pay off immediately.

[Doctor Gollum]

If it's a regular thing then having a Chase account apparently negates the issue.

Considering opening an account with them given the amount of time I spend there.

PayPal give a better rate than Travelex give us... It's that bad it's actually cheaper to get cash from an ATM in a bar.

And if you need to pay a fine in the US remotely, then unless you are paying with a US registered card, forget it. You have to take cash to the appropriate office as they categorically will not accept a foreign card.

[STEMO]

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/foreign-currency-exchange/