iwaterski

Money-gram and Western Union are the most expensive way to send. Large fees and bad exchange rates. Over time that can add up. That's why I'm not considering them. My bank doesn't change me anything to transfer money into her account. After that it's only exchange rate fees on her account witch is not to bad. I don't keep a high balance in the account and  it has no over draft protection. So if something happens on the account it's no big deal they are not going to get much and the account can't be overdrawn. You can't spend what not in there.  She is only suppose to go to the ATM and pull the money out, that I just put in. It's just the hassle of vacation notice every month. She does have a Bank account in Brazil but I didn't even try doing a transfer to her account there, cause I was afraid of getting hit with transfer fees with every transaction. Exchange rate is bad enough. I have just paid for a few thing straight to what ever bill needs it. But even then I have to put my card on vacation notice. I'm pretty much just trying to crowd source options. Someone out there has bound to have figured out something better. Money-gram and Western Union are the most expensive way to send. Large fees and bad exchange rates. Over time that can add up. That's why I'm not considering them. My bank doesn't change me anything to transfer money into her account. After that it's only exchange rate fees on her account witch is not to bad. I don't keep a high balance in the account and  it has no over draft protection. So if something happens on the account it's no big deal they are not going to get much and the account can't be overdrawn. You can't spend what not in there.  She is only suppose to go to the ATM and pull the money out, that I just put in. It's just the hassle of vacation notice every month. She does have a Bank account in Brazil but I didn't even try doing a transfer to her account there, cause I was afraid of getting hit with transfer fees with every transaction. Exchange rate is bad enough. I have just paid for a few thing straight to what ever bill needs it. But even then I have to put my card on vacation notice. I'm pretty much just trying to crowd source options. Someone out there has bound to have figured out something better. 

I've looked into paypal and the only thing I was worried about was the technical aspects of it. I'm dealing with a mother-in-law that is in her upper 60's and not very technology friendly. I figured a credit card in her name using her own account at my bank, (that I'm on) would be the simplest solution. I could transfer money to her account free and she could use the card. All we get hit with was conversion fees. When I travel there using my own card the fees weren't that bad. It's mostly extra money for her to help pay condo fees. She has a job but just doesn't quite pay enough to pay all the bills. When my wife was living there they shared the bills. Right now as it stands, I have to call the bank before she goes to use the card and put in vacation mode for a length of time. 

Hi people, Now that I'm married, I'm having to help my mother-in-law with money from time to time. I set up an account with my bank here in the US and got her a US credit card and was told as long as her address is from Brazil she should be able to use the card in Brazil no problem. Ya right… Fraud protect went off the first time she used it and caused problems. Now before she uses her US card I have to call the bank and have them put it in vacation mode. I also had to work out Chip and pin modes. 

So I'm wondering if there any one has come up with more creative solution for getting money to relatives?

Keep in mind I know about Wester Union and some of the online transfer company's and so called global banks. They are expensive and can be a lot of trouble in time it takes. I want creative way's that short circuit the system.   

Thanks, I already had all the support information together and sent a whole package of stuff to her last week cause I knew it would be soon. Now when you say originals. I have originals of the forms and stuff from the bank, plus some support info. But I only included a copies of my bank statement and check stubs. Will they need originals of them too?

We have most of the process finished and I received the conformation email that the Consulate in Rio received the K-1 packet. My fiance lives just outside of Sao Paulo. I'm not sure if Rio is the only place they process these packets or not? Can the process be forwarded to Sao Paulo or can she just go to the interview on Sao Paulo?

Rio right now with the Olympics, is very expensive to travel to and a night mare for travel in general. Not to mention they are saying there are extended wait time with the Olympics for the Rio Consulate. There is also the time to travel to get there she would have to take a few days off work. Any help with how this process works would be greatly appreciated.