Learn how to Save Money and Time on International Currency Transfers

Although international travel is, obviously, one of the most enjoyable and exciting adventures available for many us, current logistical hassles can transform what should otherwise be a carefree and thrilling experience into an annoying and cumbersome series of trials and blunders. International currency transfer remains one of the most important and yet annoying and time-intensive elements of traveling abroad. It’s not uncommon for travelers who have little experience with international money transfer to lose a large part of their initial travel fund on transfer fees and poor exchange rates.

It’s often tempting to approach one of the major high street banks when you first begin pursuing international money exchange services. That being said, these institutions often do not offer customers the best possible exchange rates. A variety of independent money exchange services are available for travelers across the United Kingdom that provide competitive exchange and allow you to spend more of your money on your vacation as opposed to exchange fees.

Due to the fact that foreign currency exchange rates often change on a second-to-second basis, it’s highly important that individuals who may be new to international exchange seek expert advice from those who make foreign exchange their primary business. Fortunately, a growing number of independent services do offer consultation services in addition to standard exchange services. Instead of wasting time and money at the major high street banks, we highly recommend that you explore the numerous advantages offered by independent services in business in virtually every major city in the UK.

For those whose interests fall more in line with long-term international adventures, including buying property in a foreign country, independent currency exchange / transfer services can also be particularly helpful. These businesses can help you establish a regular payment plan which ensures that you won’t miss any important milestones in your payment schedule.

As you can see, there are numerous reasons why an independent exchange service may be helpful for those interested in pursuing cost-effective, budget-friendly money transfers. While the fine details of any transfer or exchange-related endeavour will, obviously, have to be settled between the independent exchange service and the individual seeking to transfer money, it is likely that these issues will not present any long-term difficulties which would impede future plans. Ultimately, using an independent exchange service allows you to invest more of your money into your long-term goals and, simultaneously, prepare for a more exciting future! There’s never been a better time to explore international money transfers and exchange rate services. Contact your nearest independent exchange service today, and learn more about the wide variety of services that may currently be available for you, your friends or your family. Good luck!

Bitcoin Software is the future for money exchange

For many investors who have spent the last six months of their life proclaiming loudly that Bitcoin is the way of the future, the current price fluctuations that have led to the lowest price points for the currency since 2013 may be causing cold sweats, nightmares and vigorous bouts of rage/denial. That being said, taking to the time to breathe deeply and think about the history of Bitcoin may provide a more realistic and, hopefully, optimistic feeling of where this currency may be headed.

When Bitcoin first arrived on the internet, early adopters proclaimed that this currency would rattle the foundations of the current marketplace and, to be honest, it did. With values absolutely skyrocketing prior to the Mt. Gox catastrophe, many investors were swept into thinking that Bitcoin truly had revolutionized currency. That assumption, really, isn’t too far off the mark. Regardless of what the future of Bitcoin as a single cryptocurrency may be, the technology powering it and the ideas it has generated will live on long past this particular payment vehicle.

That being said, for those who are committed to gaining the most clear picture of the coin itself, the news is going to feel demoralizing. For a currency as young and volatile as Bitcoin, “first” impressions are everything. Given the absolute plunge of the currency in recent months, there’s virtually no way that an experienced investor looking to tuck away millions in a promising opportunity will give Bitcoin a second thought. The less transactions that occur, the fewer opportunities that Bitcoin has to reach new segments of the population who may find it a valuable tool. The fewer people who find the currency useful, the less credibility it is able to hold on to. And this, of course, is how the currency could die.

The idea of Bitcoin, however, will likely stay alive for decades to come, due in large part to the revolutionary nature of the blockchain, a system of reinforced anonymity and security which, due to its inherent flexibility, will likely become a ubiquitous element of the online arena.

Therefore, Bitcoin enthusiasts really have two choices when it comes to thinking about their favorite currency. They can acknowledge that the coin itself was bound to face a turbulent period of growth and change that may lead to its demise, or they can think of the bigger picture, i.e. the blockchain, and revel in the fact that Bitcoin truly is just the beginning of something much larger and more revolutionary than they could have ever imagined.

Shanghai Stock Exchange Rates are booming

The interest rate on overnight loans on the Shanghai Stock Exchange experienced some of the largest gains in nearly seven weeks as new market subscribers rushed to borrow cash in order to finance new share sales. According to experts, it is estimated that the initial public offerings on the Shanghai Stock Exchange will amount to nearly 2 trillion yuan.

Following this flurry of activity, the seven-day repurchase rate, which is commonly con-sidered to be an accurate gauge of interbank liquidity levels, rose two base points, top-ping out at 3.83 percent. According to Frank Sun, an analyst at Shanghai CFETS-ICAP International Money Brokering Co., the activity related to the IPO’s, while exciting, did little to rattle the more stable foundation of the interbank marketplace. This, of course, implies that interbank liquidity remains quite high.

According to the most recent reports, aggregate financing levels, the most broad level of credit available, reached nearly 1.69 trillion yuan in the month of December, which is almost 500 million higher than the initial estimate offered by a current Bloomberg survey. Analytics reports have also revealed that the volume of new currency loans has also fallen significantly to 697.3 billion yuan, down from 852.7 billion yuan in November of last year.

The price of one-year interest rate swaps, the fixed sum that must be paid in order to receive the current floating seven-day repo rate, was increased by nearly three basis points. Experts believe that the PBOC will most likely remain somewhat sedate on policy enactment as long as financial data does not begin to show signs of worsening. As the volume of loans continues to grow, it is likely that the economy will further stabilize.

Currently, the yield on government bonds which are slated to be due on December 2024 are unchanged. The yield remains fixed at 3.54 percent. This figure is the lowest closing that has been observed since December 1st of last year.

Given the large spate of activity that has currently been undertaken, it is likely that the marketplace will remain somewhat volatile for the coming weeks. It will be very interesting to observe how investors respond and reshape their strategies in the wake of such a substantial IPO for the Shanghai Stock Exchange. As always, it is likely that numerous opportunities will present themselves for those who are following the dynamics of this situation closely.

International Money Transfer Trends Revealed

Given the fact that the 21st century continues to become increasingly interconnected thanks to digital and internet-based technologies, it should come as no surprise that the rate of international money transfer has expanded in kind. The international money transfer industry has blossomed as both professional and personal use of these particular services has experienced healthy growth over the last decade.

That being said, very little attention has been devoted to developing a comprehensive survey of international transfer trends until now. Recently, researchers from Azimo, a popular money transfer service, compiled a series of data points and metrics related to the contemporary world of international money transfer for presentation at the upcoming World Money Transfer day. While some of the information presented will most likely be expected, readers may be surprised by particular snippets of data included in this survey.

Take, for example, the current trends amongst individuals between the ages of 18-34 when engaging the help of a money transfer organisation. Although this generation is commonly considered to be the most “plugged-in” in all of history, the majority of those polled stated that they would first approach a bank for their international money transfer needs before using an online service.

It was also discovered that 85% of those polled believed that anything higher than a 2.4% commission fee was “unfair”, sentiments that seem rather curious considering the fact that the vast majority of global corporations engaging in international money transfer currently charge between 8-10% commissions on all exchanges.

Perhaps a more expected observation could be the fact that the number of money transfer transactions requested through mobile devices in 2015 more than doubled over the previous year. This, of course, coincides directly with the rise in e-commerce and mobile web browsing that is fast replacing desktop computers and other bulkier devices.

Ultimately, curious individuals who are eager to learn more about the current state of international money transfer will likely find that this new report is truly comprehensive. Those who make it their business to stay abreast of international money transfer news would do well to peruse a copy at their earliest convenience.

How to save money on currency transfers

International money transfers are an essential element of daily living for a large number of foreign nationals and migrant workers living outside of their native country. In the United Kingdom, for example, there exists a sizeable population of individuals who have arrived here from a kaleidoscopic array of international destinations, ranging from Africa to Asia. These individuals regularly engage in international money transfers with friends and family abroad. That being said, these services can prove to be quite expensive for those who have yet to discover optimal methods for transferring currency at minimal cost.

Although banks are often considered a “go-to” resource for money transfers, these institutions are often guilty of charging lofty service fees on international currency deliveries. Because of this, individuals who are planning on scheduling international currency transfers on regular basis are strongly advised to seek out alternative opportunities to do so.

One of the more popular international money transfer services available to UK citizens is the Telegraph International Money Transfer Service, offered in collaboration with moneycorp. Thanks to affordable transfer rates and an outstanding reputation for service, the Telegraph International Money Transfer Service has quickly been elevated to start status amongst those who engage in international transfers regularly.

The amount of money spent on transfer fees and service charges related to international money transfer on an annual basis is staggering. The issue has become charged enough for accusations of predatory business practices to be levied against some institutions, particularly those who have been found to prey on otherwise unknowing migrants and foreign nationals.

Ultimately, those who are in the process of seeking out an international money transfer service for their next transaction are highly advised to spend the time needed to research all available options before committing to a specific service provider. The chances are good that,with a small amount of time, a more rewarding and cost-efficient offer can be found which will ensure that international money transfers remain beneficial to both sender and receiver. More information about the Telegraph International Money Transfer Service, as well as other affordable, highly successful international money transfer companies can be found on the websites of the companies in question.

12 Ways how mobile money can go further

As mobile phone coverage continues its inevitable crawl across the world’s continents, experts are largely in agreement that mobile payment platforms will soon become the de facto “bank” for individuals living in areas which are either underserved or have a historical precedent for shaky financial infrastructures.

That being said, mobile payment systems cannot simply be established over night. These programs require extensive development, planning, and, most importantly, strategization in order to ensure that the “next best thing” won’t be replaced when a newly minted payment platform jumps online.

After a series of conversations amongst tech innovators regarding what exactly should be happening in the world of mobile payment systems, 12 strategies emerged which all parties agreed are quite integral on the path towards seamless mobile integration. They are as follows:

Trust must be established, particularly in areas of the world where corruption and crime are rampant.
The need must exist. Not every individual in the world needs the service offered by an international money transfer service.
The real world is just as important. In the event of questions or conflicts, individuals must be able to speak with a real-world representative.
Education is everything. In order for these systems to flourish, individuals must first understand how to use them properly.
Every country is unique, and every country presents its own sets of challenges and opportunities.
Regulations limit progress, particular in situations where oversight is slowing the path of development.
Agents are essential, particularly when spreading the message about new services in less developed regions.
Financial services are only the beginning. Utilities and other resources may soon follow.
The customers needs must clearly be defined in order for a system to truly flourish.
Advertising and marketing remain critically important tools, regardless of where you are currently expanding your services to.
The sign-up process has to be incredibly easy.
Interoperations are a must, particularly in areas of the world that are culturally and ethnically diverse

With these ideas in mind, business owners seeking to expand their money transfer operations into new regions of the world may be able to find success at a faster rate than they would have previously.

Why Facebook has entered the money transfer market

For both casual and serious Facebook users, it’s common knowledge that this particular social media platform has a habit of changing design and user interface elements on a regular basis. Recently, Facebook launched one of the most significant evolutions of its platform to date – the introduction of a money transfer service which allows individuals to quickly send cash to one another at the touch of a button.

Experts have engaged in intense speculation as to what exactly Facebook’s motives may be. After all, money transfer has become a highly competitive domain which is already populated by industry heavyweights such as PayPal. Perhaps anticipating the statements that critics would be quick to make, Facebook has stated that their new transfer services are highly secure, featuring some of the most state-of-the-art encryption and security protocols in existence today.

Believe it or not, this is not Facebook’s first experience with online payments. The company has long provided users with the ability to store their credit card information on file in the event they wished to purchase a game or other “perk” within the social media platform. Essentially, the new money transfer system is simply an evolution of what already exists. Facebook is not alone in their attempt to secure a piece of the highly lucrative e-payment marketplace. Over the past year, Apple and Google have also launched their own payment systems which feature similar functionality and transfer-related features.

It remains to be seen as to whether or not this new system will make a serious impact on the current money transfer industry. Given the fact that Facebook remains one of the world’s most profitable and in-demand companies, it is likely that Facebook’s newest addition to their platform will be given the financial and technical support it needs to flourish. It’s also important to note that Facebook’s money transfer systems could also be quickly implemented into the WhatsApp platform, considering the former now owns the latter after a recent $22bn purchase.

Those who are interested in learning more about this particular development can read more on Facebook’s official website. It will be quite interesting to observe how this system develops in upcoming months.

‘Rip off’ money transfer companies under threat in the UK

It is estimated that nearly 10% of the world’s population currently sends money to relatives and loved ones in other countries. Knowing this, it is perhaps easy to understand why so many money transfer companies have sprung up in cosmopolitan cities such as London, and why so many individuals have become outraged by the prices they are being charged to send this money.

According to recent statistics, the annual sum of remittances sent from the UK to locations around the world totals in excess of 15 billion pounds. Over 66% of these funds are sent to developing countries. According to the World Bank, the total sum of remittances in 2014 will equate to well over 278 billion pounds.

The lofty fees that many of these money transfer companies are charging for the arrangement of currency delivery has sparked outrage amongst citizens and politicians alike. Labour MP Tessa Jowell has recently launched an investigation into several of these predatory establishments, stating, “Many people who are trying to support friends and family abroad are being ripped off. Instead of their hard-earned money going towards medical bills, books or to cover the cost of failing crops, huge amounts are being creamed off by the giant money transfer companies who have cornered the market.”

Jowell is hoping to gain support for new legislation which, if enacted, would force local money transfer services to cut their fees by half during the months leading up to Christmas, as this is typically the peak time for individuals to send money to loved ones abroad. It will be interesting to observe how the target companies respond, as this is typically one of the most profitable times of the year for them.

According to Scott Paul, a senior humanitarian advisor for Oxfam, the need for new reforms in this particular market are absolutely necessary. “People all around the world depend on help they receive,” Paul stated, “and remittances are a critical part of their efforts to overcome poverty.” Whether or not these desired changes will be enacted has yet to be seen. What can be certain, however, is that awareness of this particular issue has increased dramatically.

Making the most of your money through multi-currency cards

The world of international travel and business has changed dramatically in recent years. Whereas, in previous decades, business owners could expect to engage in a few, if any, international money transfer transactions or exchanges throughout the year, this particular service has become an integral element of small, medium and large-sized enterprises across the globe.

In fact, a growing number of businesses are now dealing in multiple currencies simultaneously, largely due to opportunities for outsourcing and global collaboration, all made possible through the touch of a button. A multi-currency card is an excellent resource for those seeking to either hold or distribute a large number of currencies simultaneously without having to first enlist the help of a high street bank or private service.

One of the popular “perks” of the multi-currency card is the fact that individuals can buy the currency of their choice at a fixed exchange rate. Instead of worrying about price increases or reductions, a currency card allows individuals to “hold” money at the value they originally paid for it, thus enabling them to engage in business transactions and money transfer at a more sustained pace.

For travelers, a multi-currency card may be particularly useful, as it reduces the need for international ATM use which often results in substantial financial penalties. Additionally, it helps reduce the likelihood of identity theft and stolen cash while abroad.

A number of services are now beginning to spring up which are directly related to the multi-currency phenomenon taking the world by storm. Caxton FX, for example, is now offering users the ability to hold up to 24 different currencies at any one time. A new prepaid Mastercard is also available which allows for stockpiling of 15 different currencies as well as topping up via your preferred bank account. Moneycorp has also begun to offer a new prepaid card, dubbed the Explore, which allows customers to load up to 14 different currencies before and during use.

As can be seen, there are no shortage of options when it comes to selecting a multi-currency card. Hopefully, these products will become an integral element of international business and travel in upcoming years.

World’s First Wearable Money Transfer Watch

As the idea of the “smart watch” quickly begins to take hold of consumers’ imaginations, a number of entrepreneurial-minded companies and individuals have become to find new and innovative ways in which these products can further facilitate daily professional and personal needs.

International money transfer has long been considered one of the most cumbersome elements of traveling or multinational business, due in large part to the lack of a convenient and powerful transfer system outside of real-world, brick and mortar banking institutions. All of that is about to change, however.

Recently, the global money transfer firm World First announced that they would soon be marketing the a new app which they are billing as “the world’s first international payments app for a wearable device”. According to the developers, this new app will allow for seamless and near-instantaneous transfer of funds for both professional and personal use across multiple currencies.

Featuring a number of flashy voice commands and innovative swiping features, the new app developed by World First allows customers to buy and sell international currency, as well as engage in transfers of all sizes, in less than 60 seconds, all from the comfort of their own wrist.

This, of course, will serve as a welcome addition to the arsenal of on-the-go business professionals around the world, many of whom simply do not have the time to stop in and engage in person-to-person transactions with banking institutions. Given the fact that many of these organisations also levy hefty commission fees against customers, the attractive rates offered by World First will likely be very appealing to those who have not yet been acquainted with them.

This all assumes, of course, that wearable technology will truly become the next “hot” item on the marketplace. The public still appears relatively divided on whether or not these products should be popularized. According to a recent UK survey, more than a third of those polled stated that they would be embarrassed to wear this particular type of technology in public. Opinions are likely to change substantially over time, however, and the new wearables being developed by major software companies around the world should withstand the test of time. For customers of World First, this will definitely be welcome news. More information about World First’s revolutionary new app can be found by visiting their official website. The company has stated they are currently in the process of developing a similar app for the Apple watch.

Category: Money Exchange