There are several different ways to send money overseas from the United States to Austria. The most popular ways to send money oversea are through bank drafts, transfers and money orders.
Western Union is possibly the quickest way to transfer money from the United States to Austria. Senders can transfer money online, over the phone or through a local transfer agent. The recipient can pick up the transferred funds usually within the hour depending on time zone changes and hours of operation. For current Western Union rates and a list of local agents, call 800-325-6000.
A second option to send money to Austria is for the individual sending money to transfer money from their personal bank to the receiving bank. There are several ways to do this, and it will probably be a little more costly than the Western Union option.
Customers can mail a check written on their American bank, but the receiving party will be charged fees for depositing a foreign check and converting the currency. The funds may also be placed on a hold until the check clears. (This could take several weeks.)
Wire transfers are also available through local banks, but fees will probably be in the $40 to $50 range. The sending customer must know the routing number, account number and address of the receiving bank as well.
U.S. Postal Service money orders and travelers checks are also accepted in Austrian banks. It takes five to seven days for mail from the United States to be delivered to Austria, but the cost of a USPS Money Order or American Express Travelers Check will be between $3 and $10.
