Sending Money to Family and Friends

Sending money to family and friends in the mail is not safe. You should use a money transfer service instead. There are two ways to wire money; through a bank or through a money transfer service company.

1. Banks
   If you and the person you are sending the money to both have bank accounts, then you can easily have your bank send money from your account to theirs. Banks usually charge a flat fee for this service. Most banks can send money to other countries. One downside to wiring money through a bank is that the transfer can take anywhere from 2 to 5 business days, depending on your bank.
2. Money Transfer Companies
   Wiring money through a money transfer company is faster than wiring money through a bank but in some cases it can cost more. Ask your friends and family about the money transfer services they use and try to find the lowest price.
   
   You can transfer money locally or abroad using companies such as: Safaricom M-Pesa, Western Union and Money Gram.