How to Send an International Bank Transfer

When money needs to be sent from a domestic bank account to a foreign bank account, an international money transfer will move the funds. Many banks and money transfer companies send international money transfers. It can take up to a week for the money to be available in the recipients account.

1. Talk with a bank teller to determine whether your bank can and will handle international money transfers. If not, you need to locate a money transfer service such as Western Union. Many grocery stores and department stores can send international money transfers through Western Union or a similar service.


2. Know the routing number and account number for the account you are transferring the money to and from. If you are sending money from your personal bank account, you can contact your bank to obtain your account and routing numbers. The recipient of the transfer will need to do the same with his bank and then pass the information to you.


3. Fill out the transfer form. The form will ask for the routing and account numbers as well as the sender's and recipient's name and contact information. You will also need to write out the amount of money you would like to transfer to the foreign account. The bank teller or cashier takes this information and enters it into the computer or money transfer service program. The money transfer will then be made electronically. You will receive a receipt for the transfer. It can take several days for the transferred money to appear in the account.