Thread: Sending $$$ to Africa

My 2c.

Checkout sites like this, then cross check.

Best way to send money to Uganda from Australia | finder.com.au

Then check with your bank

I wouldn't have any qualms about Western Union in these circumstances, and it's fast. Not sure if Paypal would be an option.

I have used xe.com to send money to New Zealand. Not sure its possible to send money to Uganda

Just put money in an envelope and post it at the post office.

Originally Posted by Wongo

Just put money in an envelope and post it at the post office.

What currency would you suggest he sends?

Originally Posted by aldav

What currency would you suggest he sends?

They want USD

If you send it in a envelope don't expect it to arrive

Am I missing why a simple bank transfer wouldn't work?

Not Uganda but quite a few of us have heard of a certain Nigerian Prince.

Originally Posted by China

If you send it in a envelope don't expect it to arrive

Yup... I sent some music books early Feb via express email, according to Aust Post these are still in Coventry UK since 3 March...they did arrive in Uruguay first though.

Originally Posted by LanceC

Am I missing why a simple bank transfer wouldn't work?

You're assuming that the Ugandan banking system is reliable, such an assumption can be a fatal error when dealing with third world countries. If the recipient has a local bank account the process may be a little safer, but we don't know that this is the case. By comparison Western Union is well established in these countries and is fast and reliable. Refugees use Western Union extensively to send money 'back home'.

I got an account with transferwise recently: Transfer Money Online | Send Money Abroad with TransferWise Main reason it is cheaper than most other options.
I don't know if Uganda is on their list though.

Paypal is good. All you need is an email for you and the recipient.
They charge a fee but so does everyone else.
Almost instant too.

Originally Posted by redminch

Paypal is good. All you need is an email for you and the recipient.
They charge a fee but so does everyone else.
Almost instant too.

That's fine if you want to purchase something where the vendor will accept Paypal payment, but if they don't, or you need cash, you then have to have a way of getting the funds out of your Paypal account. You're then back in the banking system. With Western Union you get cash over the counter.