Anything can happen when travelling overseas. You could lose your wallet, you could run out of cash. That’s why it pays to have a back-up plan.
If you’re thinking about travelling at any time in the near future, it’s best to orientate yourself with Western Union now. We’ll explain exactly how it works and how it can help you when you need it most.
There’s a real sense of freedom in the world we live in today. Technology allows more and more of us to live and work from anywhere on Earth – or even space.
Then sometimes, even with our best laid plans, things can go wrong. Well, technology can help with that, too. Obviously.
Western Union is a name that’s been around for years, but its been sure to keep up with the times. You’ve seen the iconic logo in the windows of agents, you already know its a brand that is safe and secure. But did you know you can access a whole range of Western Union’s services right from your phone?
Yep, this is one app to keep installed on your phone in case you ever get stuck – you’ll have access to fast, reliable transfers, wherever you are, 24/7.
The first thing to do, is to get it downloaded. iOS users head here, Android lovers here.
As you’d expect, the app is packed with features – you can send and receive money (of course), but you can also get an estimate of your transfer fees, track your transfers and manage your personalised profile.
Using touch ID, you can get your transfer sorted in seconds. And if there’s someone that transfers to you on the reg, they can set up repeat transfers, too.
The money doesn’t have to come from a bank account (although it can), you can use a credit or debit card. There might be a card issuer cash advance fee and interest charges with a credit card – if you’d rather avoid these, debit card is your best bet. For another option, cash can be transferred. Cash through app, you ask? Yep – but hear me out!
The person doing the sending will need to visit an agent in person to use the cash option, but starting the transaction on the app can save you precious time – and it’ll even tell you where the closest agent is located. Too easy.
Once the money has been sent, you can keep track of it using the tracking number in the Western Union app – it’ll tell you exactly what’s happening at every stage in the process.
It takes just minutes for the transfer to be completed and it can be picked up from any Western Union agent – which you can find in over 200 countries and territories globally. And, of course, it can go straight to your bank account too.
There might be a delay or services might be unavailable in some exceptional circumstances, depending on the amount sent, destination country, currency availability, regulatory and foreign exchange issues, required receiver action, identification requirements, Agent location hours, differences in time zones – you get it. But overall, and in most situations, you’re looking at mere minutes until you’re spending again.
It’s also worth noting that Western Union makes money from currency exchange. When you’re choosing a money transmitter, carefully compare both transfer fees and exchange rates. Fees and foreign exchange rates may vary by brand, channel, and location based on a number of factors. Fees and rates subject to change without notice, and are subject to applicable taxes.
So that’s the lowdown, folks – pop a travel sim and the Western union app in your phone, and you’re ready for anything.
Happy travels!
For fast, reliable transfers, wherever you are, 24/7, download Western Union’s free Money Transfer App and get started today.