Mail

• Mexico has an established postal service and the U.S. Postal Service handles international mail. However, if you are sending money from the U.S. as a certified check, consider using international carriers, such as FedEx or DHL. Although the cost is generally greater to send money this way, you will have a way to track your package without as much risk of theft. If you mail money, avoid sending actual currency (e.g., dollar or peso), as you will lose all of your money if the mail is undelivered. Also realize that your mail has a greater chance of being received when sent to a large metropolitan area, such as Mexico City or San Luis Potosi. An advantage of sending by mail is that you will pay a minimal transaction fee (unlike electronic transactions). A disadvantage of sending by mail is that the risk of theft is higher than with electronic transactions.
  
  

Personal Carrier

• Consider sending money with someone who is traveling to Mexico by bus, car, plane or foot if the person is reliable---such as a close family member or friend. A benefit of this method is that you often do not have to pay for certified delivery or transaction fees. In addition, a person who travels frequently to Mexico usually knows the geography and how to deliver money. The downside is the risk of theft---either by a third party who steals from the carrier or by the carrier if he decides to keep the money. If the person is traveling by plane, customs officials often request documentation (e.g., a bank-withdrawal statement) for large amounts of money as evidence that it is not stolen.
  
  

Electronic transfer

• A convenient way to send money is electronically. The cost of sending money using a money transfer website or your bank varies. Usually, you will pay a transaction fee that is based on the amount of money you send. Currency conversion fees will be assessed up front (by charging you when you send the money) or at the back end (when the recipient obtains the money). You must provide the recipient's name and contact information (e.g., address, phone number). If you are transferring directly into the recipient's bank account, you need the bank's complete routing number and the recipient's account number. If you are sending through Western Union or MoneyGram, you can transfer money directly into a bank account or have the person pick up the money personally. Whenever you send money online, make sure to use a reliable source that encrypts your account information, especially as it is easy for thieves to set up a fraudulent website to transfer money.