Sending money to a German bank account

[whoopsfallenoveragain]

Does anyone know the cheapest & easiest way of doing this as I bought something from a german ebayer that doesn't use Paypal!

TIA

To be quite honest, the cost of doing an international bank transfer is so high I would be tempted to simply mail some euros in cash to this person! (Depending on how much the item is worth).

Alternatively you could maybe wire some funds via Western Union or similar, but I think then the ebayer would have to go to a branch and get the dosh that way.

That's what I was wondering!
I think I may suggest that he signs up for paypal!!

I transferred money to Oz recently and it cost me £20. The receiving bank then took a cut. As far as I know once it's out of the UK it's classed as international, unless it's a very high value item I think I'd be inclined to send cash recorded delivery as well.

You could do Western Union over the phone if it's from your registered landline (provided you don't block your number.)

It's easier than getting all the relevant numbers you need to transfer via the bank. (IBAN/ Swift Code etc.)

It's pretty costly though (similar to bank charges), so if it's only for a small amount, I would go with cash too.

Or send a UK cheque and agree in advance how much you will send in sterling. He can still lodge it to his acct. You can get rates at xe.com

Post office - American Express Euro Traveller cheques and he can then cash them in bank in Germany. This way your money is protected for if they go missing you can claim them back and they're commission free in the Post Office. I did this for transfer of Euros to Holland. Loads cheaper than using a bank or anything else that involves wire transfer.

Western Union v expensive. I do transfers the other way often. From Germany, it is a standard Eurotransfer, costs 3 pounds. Dont UK banks offer the same?

Why do UK banks make this so difficult? I can do a European transfer from my Belgian bank a/c from the hole in the wall in belgium or from the comfort of my sitting room via the internet. Try and send money the other way from UK and you get the Spanish Inquisition and a large fee.

I don't get it.