This is by far the most convenient method for the sender, and most inexpensive too. But for the receiver, it is the worst. Personal checks drawn on a U.S. bank are treated as a collection item in India, and they normally take 45-90 days for realization , and would cost a few dollars, depending on how many banks were involved in the collection process. Draft in Rupees SBI and other banks offer a convenient service for sending money to India. Call them up and tell them you want to send a rupee draft to India.
Service charge varies.
You can mail the draft to India - and it can be cashed immediately in India. Chase Manhattan Drafts from Bank of Baroda. Service charge present. Leave the check-book with your relatives. Arrange so that your folks in India could write checks and withdraw money.