How to Wire Emergency Money to Travelers

Money emergencies come up. For travelers in foreign countries, these types of emergencies can be particularly stressful. If you need to wire emergency money to travelers as soon as possible, read the following tips to learn how.

Instructions

1. Use Western Union if you need the money transferred instantly and if the traveler is already familiar with using the service. The traveler should pick up the money at a nearby Western Union. If you want to use Western Union and send the money through the State Department, send it to: Overseas Citizens Services (OCS), Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520 with a message. Make sure to include the code "overseasemergency" and details about the traveler, including his name, location and anything else the State Department requires.

2. Try a bank wiring service. Go to your bank and request a wiring of money to: Bank of America, Department of State Branch, 2201 C St. NW, Washington, DC 20520; ABA Number: 114000653; Account Number: 7476363838; Account Name: PUPID State Department. You must include the travelers' name as the OCS/trust recipient and the Embassy and Consulate information including the city and country.

3. Try cashier's checks and money orders as a last resort, as this is often the slowest option. Checks or money orders should be made out to "Department of State" and sent to: Department of State, CA/OCS, Room 4811, 2201 C St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20520.

4. Think about using the State Department to transfer your money only in emergencies. The State Department can assist you in setting up a trust and transferring the money to the traveler, but this service may take longer than using private businesses. The traveler will have to make arrangements with the Embassy or Consulate to pick up the money.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact the State Department to be aware of any associated fees with transferring money through it. You may have to pay these fees before transferring money to travelers. You also need to ask the State Department about required information to include with your money transfer. Not including all the necessary information may result in a long delay.

• Consider using a credit card advance.

• You may be required to pay high service fees if you use Western Union.

• If you choose to use cashier's checks or money orders, be aware that even overnight delivery can take 3 days to get to the State Department.