TransferWise app

I used it to pay for three apartments/zimmers in Germany last year. Very easy to use and about 1/10 the cost of doing a transfer at a bank.

Thanks, that helps me feel better about going this route.

Do you have any idea how they compare to Paypal, costwise, for the sender and for the recipient? I thought the TransferWise fee in their example looked high, but then again I've never done a bank wire that involves 2 currencies.

Just for comparison, we had to do a wire transfer last spring for Italy. It cost $40 at my bank and I believe it was 25 euros to the recipient in Italy. (This is the first time I've ever agreed to a bank transfer, but the place we wanted to stay was so reasonably priced I agreed to it!)

I just used TransferWise for a chalet in Switzerland as well as a Bike Tour in Barcelona. I normally use my credit union but decided to take a chance on this new money transfer service. I was a bit apprehensive but now that it's all complete I can say that it worked wonderfully well. Much cheaper in fees and the exchange rate was right on the target with xe.com

I would think two or three times about using any payment process that bypasses your credit card! When thing goes well, fine. But if there is a problem you don't have the protections provided by your credit card. I include PayPal as one of the potential problem areas. If it cost a few dollars more to use a credit I consider the cost as insurance.

Old dog, new trick.

Michael, While I understand (and share) the concerns/preferences, not all individual hosts can accept a credit card charge, hence PayPal or something like TransferWise. Typically, they ask for a % upfront and the balance in cash (local currency) upon arrival.

In this case, we have dealt with this host before so there is a degree of trust on both sides (e.g., he's not charging us a deposit nor is he asking for payment far in advance of holding our dates). But, yes, when cc is an option that's what we prefer.