Western Union and MoneyGram Western Union and MoneyGram are two companies that send international money transfers. You pay up front via cash or credit card, and the transfer is sent in the local foreign currency. Your options include sending the transfer at an actual storefront or, in Western Union's case, using their online service. As with other wire transfers, you'll need to know the receiver's name and location. The receiver can pick up the transfer at another Western Union or MoneyGram location with appropriate identification.
Transfers normally take just a few days, but can vary based on the country.
Each company offers additional services some at a cost, and some free of charge like direct delivery or a phone call to tell the receiver that the transfer has come through. Check their Web sites for further details. These companies are convenient because neither you nor the receiver needs to have a bank account, and Western Union's online service is easy to use. This route can, however, be more expensive than using a bank.