If you have a friend or family member who lives in Canada, the time may arise when you need to send him or her money. Although you could send a check through the mail, wiring the money is a much quicker way to get the recipient the money they need. This guide will introduce you to different wiring methods and teach you how to wire money to Canada.

Wiring money internationally, whether to Canada or elsewhere, can be tricky. You'll need to find out all the specifics before you proceed. For instance, if there is a currency exchange rate involved you might have some hefty fees to pay to wire the cash.

• There are several different ways by which you can wire money to someone in Canada. You may be able to wire money directly through your bank, using an Internet money transfer service or through a company, such as Western Union, that specializes in money transfers. Since there will be variances between different companies' fees and procedures, you may want to do some research before you decide on which method to use.
• Some questions you may want to ask include:

1. How fast will the transfer be completed?
2. What exchange rate does each company offer?
3. What are the charges for transfer services?
4. How will the money be delivered?
5. What methods of payment do they accept?

(Creative Commons photo by Tracy O)

• If both you and the person you are transferring money to have bank accounts with major banks, you may be able to transfer the money directly from your account to theirs. This may be the most secure and cheapest way to transfer money, since your bank may offer free transfer services and will likely give you the current exchange rate. To transfer using this method, you will likely need both your and your recipient's bank account and branch numbers.

• If both you and your recipient have PayPal accounts, this is another option to quickly wire money to another country. Sending money through PayPal takes only a few steps and can be completed within a matter of minutes. However, if neither you nor your recipient have established accounts with PayPal, the process may take a bit longer than other money transferring methods.

• There are several companies that offer wire transfer services, either online, via telephone, or in person through an agency. Western Union is an example of one such company. You can either visit the Western Union website, call their toll-free number, or walk into your local Western Union branch to arrange a transfer. Western Union transfers can often be completed within a few minutes. Depending on their location and circumstances, your recipient may be able to receive the funds directly into their bank account, or may have to visit a Western Union branch to pick up the money.

• Another example of a specialized wire transfer service is Xoom, which operates solely online. Xoom advertises that their rates are significantly cheaper than Western Union's. Again, you may be able to deposit money directly to your recipient's account, or they can go to an authorized agency to pick up the funds. Xoom also offers delivery services, through which you can arrange to have a money order delivered directly to your recipient's home.

• Using one of several services, you can wire money to Canada quickly and easily. Before you select a money transfer service, do some research to ensure that they are reputable and secure. You may also want to do some research into what different companies charge for services, what exchange rates they offer and how quickly the money will reach your recipient.

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• Introduction
• Through the Bank
• Via PayPal
• Using a Wire Transfer Service
• Conclusion