An international money transfer moves money electronically from your account in Australia to an overseas account. Common reasons you might do this include sending money to your own overseas account, to a family member or friend, or to make an international purchase.
You can send money overseas using one of several methods:
- International money transfer. Set up an account (through a provider you find on our website, for example) and make an international payment online. This method is typically cheaper and has a shorter transfer time than the other options on this list.
- Bank transfer. Use your existing bank account to transfer the funds to the destination country. While convenient, you may attract some significant fees and an unappealing exchange rate, depending on the bank.
- International Money Order. Send an international cheque, which can be cashed in at the recipient’s bank of choice overseas. While safe and practical, it may have some higher costs associated with the send, as well as being slower than an electronic transfer.