Wiring Money

In case of disaster, you might be able to have money “wired” from home in a matter of hours, if you’re in a big town or city. Wiring money is simple - someone hands over a wad of cash or a credit card in one office, the company takes a whopping fee, and you get the remainder paid to you in another company office. The fees for doing so are outrageous - as much as five to ten percent, for what amounts, in this modern age, to a phone call.

Western Union is the most famous company that offers this service. Their number in the US and Canada is ©1-800/325-6000. If Western Union can’t help you, try Moneygram at ©1-800/926-9400, which offers a similar service at similar fees. They might serve locations that Western Union can’t, and vice versa.

The State Department Citizens Center for Emergency Services may also be able to help Americans get money while abroad or help out in an emergency. Be advised, however, that this office provided me with the worst phone service of any organization I contacted in writing this book. The most incompetent of the tourist offices I spoke with was light years ahead of the State Department of the United States of America in terms of professionalism and service. How sad. Their number, for what it’s worth, is ©202/647-5225. Other nationalities should contact their embassies and hope for the best.