Transferring Money to Costa Rica from Ohio

[irismjohnson]

I am a Costa Rican living in Ohio (US citizen now). I have family in Costa Rica to whom I need to send money on a monthly basis (not much). I am not sure what the best way to accomplish this is. I understand that I can use Western Union but their fees are too high.

I am looking for ideas and suggestions as to the best and most cost-effective way to make money available to my family from here.

Thanks for any help,

IJ

[Russ]

I believe MoneyGram (by Amex) is much less expensive than Western Union.  I sent $150 to Panama once for $5.  Another way would be to get an international debit card from your bank, it could even probably be in their name, or worst case in your name and give them the PIN.  Then you can put money into the sub account from your main account on the Internet and they can draw it from the ATM here.  Cirrus and PLUS network cards seem to work the best. 

You could also send a cashier's check drawn on a U.S. bank that they can deposit in their account.  You would have to see what bank works best, BAC holds these checks 12 business days the last  I heard, and previously Cuscatlan held them only 3 or 5 days. 

For large amounts wire transfers are the best, but they normally cost $35 when you send it and the person receiving it here has to pay $15, so definitely too expensive for small amounts.