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Original poster

Sending money to Sweden?

17 replies

oxcat1 · 27/04/2009 18:19

Hello,

Does anybody know the easiest way of doing this? I have rather stupidly bought some second-hand baby clothes from Sweden, not realising that they wouldn't accept paypal. stupid, I know.

I've been looking into international bank transfers, but it looks as though even my own bank will charge me £9. I'm getting tempted just to post some Kroner, as I can't really see any other way.

I know, I know - I really should have thought of this before I bid, but can anybody help me now?

with grateful thanks in advance, and a very red face....

OP posts:
Tinker · 27/04/2009 19:25

How much money is it? I'd be tempted to send the cash, to be honest. Break it up into lots of separate envelopes?

Original poster
oxcat1 · 28/04/2009 08:20

Thanks Tinker. I think I might too. It isn't a huge amount - c. £35-40. I wonder why she won't take paypal? Do you think it's the fees? I could offer to pay those for her. However, if it's the hassle of setting it up or something then not a lot I can do.

OP posts:
MmeLindt · 28/04/2009 08:41

I normally transfer money online when transferring from Germany to Switzerland or UK. If Sweden is taking part in SEPA (and I think they are) then it should not cost more than normal domestic transfers.

admylin · 28/04/2009 08:46

Sorry to hijack but mmelindt, can you tell me more about that? H wil have to transfer money to us in UK soon but the bank already warned me that it'll be expensive.

Original poster
oxcat1 · 28/04/2009 08:55

I've just had a reply from HSBC and apparently it will cost a minimum of £9 at this end, plus there may also be fees to pay at her end. Grrr.

admylin - please do hijack!

OP posts:
admylin · 28/04/2009 09:05

It does seem abit much doesn't it. My UK bank said the best way for me would be to get h to send money already in Sterling so it wouldn't cost anything. So he would pay at his end, and he'll have to get his bank to make out a cheque in Sterling (we're Euro at the moment)

I suppose you could try that so atleast the reciever doesn't have a fee to pay? Could you get a Kroner cheque written by your bank?

MmeLindt · 28/04/2009 09:12

Sepa

I am not sure if British banks offer SEPA transfers as you still have Sterling.

Saying that, I transfer EU from Germany to Switzerland and am not charged for that, and we have Swiss Francs not EU.

Admylin
It will depend on your bank. I am with the Sparkasse.

admylin · 28/04/2009 09:14

I'm also wondering if it'll depend on which UK bank I have. I went to LLoyds-TSB because my dad knows the bank manager to open an account before I flew back this time.

stickylittlefingers · 28/04/2009 09:22

Hi - unhelpfully I can only say that I did my research on this and found that the UK banks seem to be at one with charging that kind of amount.

Is this going to be a one off? I have kept a Euro account open in Ireland, because once in the Eurozone it costs nothing to transfer from bank to bank (I make payments to Germany quite often) - with the idea that I would just make a large transfer once in a while - but I have found that there is always someone I know in Ireland who wants to do a swap for pounds so we split the difference and it's cheaper for everyone.

You might know someone who has around £40 worth of Euro left over from a holiday or something?

Tinker · 28/04/2009 13:17

Sweden isn't in the Eurozone though, unfortunatley.

Original poster
oxcat1 · 28/04/2009 14:36

No. I'm trying to find out how much it would be to get the bank to write a cheque in kroner, but the wait was 45 minutes when I went in and couldn't face that. Apparently recorded delivery is £4.50 plus the actual postage cost, so maybe I'll send cash that way. I know it's not that much cheaper than £9, but I just couldn't guarantee that there wouldn't be fees to pay at her end too.

So complicated!

OP posts:
stickylittlefingers · 28/04/2009 15:20

oh yes - I forgot that!! D'uh

BlingDreaming · 28/04/2009 15:25

Whatever you do, don't use your bank. Along with the commission, they also give you a really bad rate for the exchange. There are various online services that offer varying rates/commission. I use 1stcontact - it's £10 charge but the exchange rate is generally pretty good.

But agree - for a relatively small amount, I'd be tempted to simply send her the cash in various envelopes.

MmeLindt · 28/04/2009 20:43

You could use my PIL's patented method of sending cash. They are totally paranoid about money getting stolen in the post that they used to wrap the money in tin foil (so that if the baddies hold the envelope up to the light or xray it, they cannot see that there is money in there) then in paper then in the envelope.

They are a bit mad, MIL refused to let me tell her our bank details over the phone as "THEY" might be listening and steal all our money.

admylin · 28/04/2009 20:53

Must admit, I've often had money sent to me through the post and never lost any but never wrapped in tinfoil!

Have your PIL already got a paper shredder? That would be a good idea for a gift in future if not as they would love it, getting rid of any information 'they' might get hold of!

MmeLindt · 28/04/2009 21:07

oooh, that is a good idea, Admylin. They would like that. They don't use their Kachelofen now so have no way of indulging their paranoia protecting themselves from criminals.

admylin · 28/04/2009 21:09

They'll love you!

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