Best way to get $ from Canadian friend?

[nickifan]

For some reason I'm having a complete brain lock....a dear old friend who lives in Canada is willing to send me $500 to help retain an attorney.

An American friend bought a U.S. Post Office money order, which I was able to cash AT the post office. I imagine Canadian post offices have money orders too -- but I'm guessing a U.S. post office would not cash it, which means I'd have to deposit it in my credit union checking account. (Good old Chase bank now has a $0 balance in checking, and $1.05 in savings...they don't know yet the bomb that is going to drop on the Chase Visa....)

If she sends a check on her Canadian checking account, are there any problems other than, I'm assuming, an extra-long time for it to clear?

How else do people send $ across international borders?

Thanks!

[newbie2]

Western Union would be the easiest way to do it. When one of my sons was out of the country that is what I used for him.

[forgotten]

Lots of ways... but to make it simple, if your friend buys a Canadian Money Order, drawn in US dollars (just needs to ask) you will be able to cash it at the US post office.

[nickifan]

Lots of ways... but to make it simple, if your friend buys a Canadian Money Order, drawn in US dollars (just needs to ask) you will be able to cash it at the US post office.

Is that a Canadian money order from her bank, or her post office?

She said she does not have a U.S. checking account and thinks that she can't write me a check on her Canadian account...I guess I need to call my CU and ask if they wouldn't even accept it for deposit.

As for the U.S. post office MO I got...what they don't tell you on the USPS website is what a HASSLE it is to cash!!! I had to wait THIRTY MINUTES while a supervisor was kept on hold on some post office national "hotline" to check the numbers or whatever on the MO to make sure it was legit!! They kept telling me there are "fake" post office money orders. I will have to do that every time. It made no difference that I pointed out that money orders have to be paid in CASH at the other end...they still had to check.
Huge aggravation...but at least I did finally get the money. She told me next time it could take 10 minutes or 45 -- but they always have to call.

[forgotten]

Is that a Canadian money order from her bank, or her post office?

Sorry, a canadian money order from the canadian post office. It can be cashed at the US post office (which as you said, can be a hassle) or presented to your bank for deposit. Just ask for it in US funds (canada will issues them in candian dollars, us dollars, or euros)

I realize you may find it odd you can cash a money order from canada at the US post office, but the USPS accepts the following countries MO and we accept theirs:
Albania
Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Bolivia
British Virgin Islands
Canada
Cape Verde
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador ($500 limit)
Grenada
Guinea
Guyana ($500 limit)
Honduras
Jamaica
Japan
Mali
Mexico
Montserrat
Peru
St. Christopher (St. Kitts) and Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Sierra Leone
Trinidad and Tobago

[nickifan]

Sorry, a canadian money order from the canadian post office. It can be cashed at the US post office (which as you said, can be a hassle) or presented to your bank for deposit. Just ask for it in US funds (canada will issues them in candian dollars, us dollars, or euros)

I realize you may find it odd you can cash a money order from canada at the US post office, but the USPS accepts the following countries MO and we accept theirs:
Albania
Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Bolivia
British Virgin Islands
Canada
Cape Verde
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador ($500 limit)
Grenada
Guinea
Guyana ($500 limit)
Honduras
Jamaica
Japan
Mali
Mexico
Montserrat
Peru
St. Christopher (St. Kitts) and Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Sierra Leone
Trinidad and Tobago

Forgotten, you truly are a "value added" member of this forum! Mali and Sierra Leone...who knew? <g>

I want to keep things hassle-free for my generous friend, so I don't mind the hassle at my P.O. end if I just remember to allow for the wait time.

Now, however...to get me $500 she has to GIVE more than that when she buys it, right? I assume the exchange rate varies daily, but I think I will get a shortfall any day. Or maybe I shouldn't push my luck ....

And congratulations on your confirmation of two days ago!!!