Sending money home safely

Sending money home should be cheap and fast. The old way (Western Union at the corner store, or your host family's bank) is usually the most expensive.\n\n**Best for most au pairs:** Wise (formerly TransferWise). Low fees, mid-market exchange rate, arrives in 1-2 days to most countries.\n\n**Good alternative:** Remitly — sometimes better for South America and Southeast Asia, with promo rates for first transfers.\n\n**Avoid:** Your US bank's "international wire" service. Fees are $30-50 per transfer and the exchange rate is bad.\n\n**Tip:** Send larger amounts less often. A single $500 transfer costs much less than five $100 transfers.