kitkat2

I just found out that we'll have to wire money to Zanzibar for our hotel reservations. What is the cheapest way to do this? Has anyone had problems with this process that I should be aware of?
Thanks!
KitKat2

Leely

I've done this a few times. I've never had any problems. The cost is generally what your bank charges you; I pay a $30 fee.

Just make sure you get all the names/numbers you need (beneficiary, correspondent bank and recipient bank, I believe) but the hotel or travel agent you're using in Zanzibar will provide you with this information.

Good luck.

Patty

My bank also charges $30 for online wire transfers (it's higher from a branch) and I haven't had any problems. Like Leely said, just make sure you input the correct information provided by your operator.

kitkat2

Thank you for the info! It sounds like going through my bank will be the easiest way.
Karen

99mkw

My bank (Wachovia) charged a whopping $40 at a branch. If you have Washington Mutual they have been running ads for their free checking account, and one of the perks is free wire transfers. I've contemplated opening account there largely for that purpose but it came along a bit late to be useful for my Aug trip.

-Matt

Patty

I didn't realize Wamu offered free wire transfers. I have an account there too. Is this a promotion for new accounts or it is always free? I could've saved myself $120 already

Patty

I called Wamu. They said I would need to convert my account to the new free checking account to take advantage of free wire transfers, but my account number would remain the same. However, they don't have online wire transfer capability, so I would need to go into the branch to initiate a wire

jasher

Hello,

Thanks for the tip, Patty -- I also have a Wamu account, though obviously going into a branch is a bit problematic...however their international service has been improving so perhaps they will do online transfers in the near future.

Cheers,
Julian

Patty

Just to update this thread. Converting my account at Wamu was a breeze and I've sent 3 wire transfers through the account since then, all fee free.

The downside is that you must do it at a branch and I've found that the employees at my local branch have a highly variable degree of familiarity with setting up international wires.

I sent one a few weeks ago and that was done relatively quickly. Yesterday I went in to send two more and it took 3 employees 1 hour to figure out how to input my two transfers correctly. As a result, I'm now intimately familiar with Wamu's computer system and can walk the next employee through the process step by step if need be!

jasher

Hi Patty,

I've had a similar experience at my WaMu branch -- there's one person who knows how to do the transfers quickly and easily, and several who act as if I'm sending the money to Mars rather than to Africa.

Cheers,
Julian

Patty

Welcome back, Julian! Can't wait to hear more about your Tanzania trip.

jasher

Thanks Patty! I'll try to post some of it this weekend.

Cheers,
Julian