I have purchased bikes and items from Europe and more specifically the UK. I also have sold many items to the the UK in particular. Money transfer is always tricky but I found a method that is pretty good but does cost a bit. It is now more popularly called Bid Pay but many old timers know it as Western Union money transfers. If you check their web site you can find a local WU outlet probably very near your home. There are about 5 in my neighborhood alone. The nice thing is that WU does all the work on both ends. When I sell I just drop by the local center, give them my authorization number from the transaction and some ID and they drop cash right in my hand. On the buying side I can do this with a credit card and the site. WU has been in the money transferring business far longer than most.
As for Pay Pal, well I am still a skeptic. Many swear by them but rarely a week goes by when I hear about another hack into their system where names and identities are compromised. Many I know just keep a few bucks in the account just in case this happens but then you are right back to over managing the system. Just my 2 cents.
As for those of you lamenting the tax burden, remember that feeling the next time you vote. If you elect a taxaholic then smile and bend over, your complaints fall on deaf ears.
Ray Homiski
Elizabeth, NJ