Advice required

I'd seen in a couple of situations the aforementioned cluelessness. Maybe they are getting better... or sense money.....

Bret

Aside from the fees, also look out for jaw-dropping exchange rate spreads versus the relevant Visa rates; although results will vary by counterparty country, as an experiment it might be worth trying to send your daughter equal sterling amounts electronically and via a cheque her Irish bank can negotiate directly into euros with Lloyds, and comparing the net proceeds. In my experience the latter method can produce significant exchange rate savings, and the delay is on par with standard clearing periods in the UK. And of course the best way to minimise fixed costs is to send your daughter the largest amounts possible.

If you - or indeed your daughter - find any of these tips helpful you might like to support vital work fighting banker rip-off merchants; please send cheques in any currency made payable to the “Campaign Against Scandalous Handling-fees” (CASH for short) marked for my attention c/o First Bank of Lagos, Cayman Islands.