Imo's ?????

Cosmic Skiv · Post by **Cosmic Skiv** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 9:35 am

Here's a question for the U.K. dwellers amoung us.....

Ok guys, I know I don't buy an awful lot, but when did the post office stop doing IMO's???

I know, know but I only found out yesterday!!!

Krafty do you know??

Nene · Post by **Nene** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 10:23 am

I'm not sure when they stopped but I tried to get one in either 2003 or 2004 and was told they don't exist. Very annoying on international auctions and other things when the only method of payment is money order.

Cosmic Skiv · Post by **Cosmic Skiv** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 11:21 am

Good grief!! was it that long ago I last bought one.

Mind you the post ofice (as helpful as always) did suggest cash in an envelope and sent international signed for...

Xelloss · Post by **Xelloss** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 12:14 pm

http://www.usps.com/money/sendingmoney/ ... onally.htm

According to their site they are still supported. Although, I had noticed in the past that not all post offices carry them. Maybe the people you talked to are out of the loop?

- Karen

zerospace · Post by **zerospace** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 1:38 pm

Xelloss wrote:http://www.usps.com/money/sendingmoney/ ... onally.htm

According to their site they are still supported. Although, I had noticed in the past that not all post offices carry them. Maybe the people you talked to are out of the loop?

- Karen

I think she's referring to PO's in the UK

Krafty · Post by **Krafty** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 3:48 pm

KRAFTY HERE TO THE RESCUE!

International Postal Money Orders have been phased out over the last 5-10 years. I remember looking into it in 2000 when I started using Ebay regularly and Paypal wasn't popular.

I went to 4 different Post Offices to ask about sending a IPMO abroard and everyone pretty much looked at me with a blank expression- even the managers. That suggested that this form of payment wasn't requested too often!
At the time I used Bidpay more frequently but the fees were a pest. For larger purchases I sent bank drafts in the desired currency but remember having to wait about 90mins while it was drawn up and finalised ready to be posted. The fees were about GB£15 (US$26 approx) so I didn't do that often.

The best method is definately sending cash through the post. It may be illegal but hey, what the heck! LOL It's the cheapest method and the person on the other end likes cash anyway.

The next thing to get your head around is exchange rates. Currently the US Dollar is perfoming quite well compared to the Pound so American things are costing me more than they did 9 months ago. Back then, $10.00 would cost me £5.30, now it's about £5.70

The Post Office offers comission-free currency exchange BUT what they don't tell you is that their rates are bad. If you're buying a lot of money, you can get more by going to a Travel Agents, paying their £2/£3 commission and getting more for your money- quite literally.

The simplest way online is with Paypal but that's not much use when you don't have a credit card or want your debit card hooked up to make payments in this manner. However Paypal's exchange rate is a little ropey too, they don't use the flat daily mid-market rate as used on the XE Currency Conversion site

Another thing I'd like to address with regard to foreign currencies and that's about making a direct purchase with your credit card.
If you have a Pounds Sterling account and buy something in Euro's for example, your bank will covert the funds at their daily rate AND you're charged a further 2-3% on top. Read your cards terms and conditions.
I have 1 card which charges 2.75% on foreign transactions and 1 which will charge me 2.25%. It may seem small, but these costs will add up if you buy internationally regularly.

Cosmic Skiv · Post by **Cosmic Skiv** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 4:06 pm

Ask a simple question!!

seriously Thanks for that Krafty it makes it clearer (like mud) .
No really I think it's gonna have to go the cash way as it's a private thing.

I don't usually worry about the charges I keep paypal topped up.

Will email you.

Krafty · Post by **Krafty** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 4:17 pm

I've been in a talkative mood today, don't know why. Time for my brain to rest then I'll probably be back to normal.
Tomorrow's Saturday which means that after work, it's free time!! An opportunity to watch some anime for a change

I'll keep an eye out for your email, if I can help out in any way I'll do my best.

Cosmic Skiv · Post by **Cosmic Skiv** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 4:19 pm

Thanks I know you will

My hero

Cloud · Post by **Cloud** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 4:19 pm

You are quite welcome! Interesting gossip: Cosmic Skiv said I will

your hero kiss.

Cosmic Skiv · Post by **Cosmic Skiv** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 4:20 pm

here you go one for you too cloud