Paying deposit on apartment from UK to Spanish Bank in Euro

[sws97sdg]

I assume it will be cash on arrival, this is how it worked with the Spanish owners we have used, bank transfer for the deposit then rest on on arrival, fairly common practice.
Found this on Halifax regarding swift numbers, BTW Halifax only charge £9.50 when using online banking for international transfers!

For payments to countries in the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or to Bahrain, Monaco, Switzerland and United Arab Emirates (UAE), you'll also need the BIC/SWIFT code and IBAN (this replaces the account number).

 

[mike_dublin]

... BTW Halifax only charge £9.50 when using online banking for international transfers! ...

One advantage living in a Euro country - non-urgent international Euro transfers don't cost more than domestic money transfers.

 

[mike_dublin]

Not sure if it helps OP, but found this on the Postoffice UK website -
International Payments - International Money Transfer | Post Office

It says: "Our International Payments service is a fee free, easy way to transfer money between UK bank accounts and those abroad. It features a dedicated customer service team, no fees and competitive exchange rates."

Might be worth looking into it.

 

[sws97sdg]

One advantage living in a Euro country - non-urgent international Euro transfers don't cost more than domestic money transfers.

Of cause I meant only £9.50 as apposed to the £40 mentioned, It would be great if there was no charge! perhaps people would use it more

 

[mike_dublin]

The £9.50 are a rip-off, the £40 are day-light robbery...

The lower fees in Euro countries certainly make it a lot easier.

 

[Gommar Goffer]

Check out Smart Currency - I use them all the time for personal and business euro transfers. No charges but you will need the recipients bank SWIFT and IBAN codes. They should easily be able to give you these.

 

[cumberland8]

Just a word do not use Pay Pal under any circumstances for anything, without going in to detail my cousin works for them in a senior position, or just Google Pay Pal problems, all will become evident & that's just the tip of the iceberg.

 

[eleanor]

We have used paypal for years and have never had a problem. I suppose it is the same story that only negative comments are posted on google.

I think with anything you just need to be careful and be aware. Our transactions have always been straight forward so have had no problems. - yet!

 

[lollipop]

If all else fails,could you send the cash by recorded delivery?? I know its not the best option but might resolve your problem.

 

[Juren]

Hi

I am paying the balance in cash when I get there. Thanks for your suggestion.
Juren

 

[Juren]

Hi Mike,
yes I saw this when I was doing my google homework yesterday. The Post Office and other similar options look like just the ticket until you read more closely to find they don't do transactions of under £250. I want to send only 100 Euro.

But thanks!

Juren

 

[Juren]

Thanks Lollipop. If all else fails...

Juren

 

[Juren]

I have used paypal many times for eBay transactions and never encountered any problems.

 

[Juren]

Cumberland,
Oh dear! Doesn't sound good. I have used PayPal and never had a problem - well, not one that I know about.

Juren

 

[Juren]

Thanks Gommar

I'll have a look.

Juren

 

[mike_dublin]

... The Post Office and other similar options look like just the ticket until you read more closely to find they don't do transactions of under £250. ...

Hi Juren
Sorry, I missed the minimum amount ...


If you'd send a £250 deposit you'd have to pay less on arrival

 

[mike_dublin]

There are a number of services that show up on
- Top 10 Money Transfers to Europe - Cheapest Send From UK Transfers
and
- Compare International Money Transfer Services | moneysupermarket.com

Transferwise - Transfer Money Online | Send Money Abroad with TransferWise - seems to be an option for £100 transfer?

 

[Juren]

Mike,
yes! This is true. I am waiting for the owner to get back to me re paying by Paypal, but yes, I could certainly go with the transfer £250 and less to pay on arrival. Thanks for that idea. Seems so obvious now!

 

[kcdc230]

I also have used Paypal for many years - I once had a problem where I used Paypal to pay for an item which never arrived, when I emailed Paypal about it, they paid the money back to me straight away and said that they would then take it up with the seller. I always thought that that was the main point of Paypal, that it gives you more security. Slightly OT I realise.

 

[Juren]

Dear Mike Dublin

Success!
I used your good idea of using the Post Office on-line international payments to transfer more than the requested 100 Euro deposit and enough for the minimum transaction the Post Office will handle. So I sent 300 Euro to the owner - straightforward - easy as pie - no hassle - job done! God bless the old Postie! And God bless Mike.

I owe you a pint if I ever see you in the port.

Juren