I wanted to send some money to Cambodia - World Remit, whom I find excellent, don't go there, so I tried Western Union who could not handle a perfectly ordinary Barclay's debit card - the very same card that I used to use when I used them regularly, before my account with them was hacked (the card was not hacked) So I tried Moneygram - a complete waste of space - their website eventually worked but they wanted me to phone them on 08000321921 to verify the transaction. On three separate occasions I was told by their automated system that I would "be put through to an operator" and "the call would be recorded for quality purposes" but on each occasion I was left holding for upwards of 30 minutes. I should have known better than to telephone their complaints section - same result! My advice is - have nothing to do with these people.
Do you not think it is easier just doing a account to account transaction from online banking? I know its a little more expensive but it takes the stress out of it.
Maybeit was your bank that blocked thewestern union payment. This hspoened with Mrs M recently and we had to phone the bank and tell them it was a genuine payment. Then do it again.
When I was in the Philippines and American client I did work for tried to send money fairly regularly but after a couple of sens it got 'flagged' as suspect and someone else had to send it. As a recipient, with Moneygram the receiver end is okay but the sender gets problems. Bank to bank transfers seem to take not more than a couple of days and works out cheaqper than WU for larger amounts.