Fw: [CR]Paying in Euros

Stevan wrote:
> > Paying in Euros: There is no easy way. Banks charge huge fees these
> > days. And even within Europe, you cannot send checks across borders.
> > So I have friends and family in various countries who keep little
> > accounts for me. When the money is gone, I send a lump-sum, making
> > the bank fees more tolerable.
> >
>
> I've been wiring US$ to Italy for a $42 fee (at Wells Fargo). Today someone
> told me I could wire Euros for a $22 fee. The exchange rate was 1.0934. I
> haven't checked to see if I got screwed on the rate or not. I'll find out
> tomorrow if the $22 was the only fee.

To find the euro/dollar exchange rate, go to http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic and you will see that the 1.0934 is almost a 4% charge above and beyond the the straight wiring fee. I can promise you that any Italian bank will charge less to cash a US dollar check. The only problem is the time needed to clear.

Steven Maasland Moorestown, NJ

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