Not too long ago I followed a tip from a friend in Uganda, and discovered a fast, easy way to give via World Remit LTD.
Even though I didn't have a smart phone myself, I was able to send my friend a test gift of $5.00 in a matter of moments. I just needed to know his phone number and service provider, and I made the gift from my MasterCard. In just moments I had an email from him that he had received it and was able to cash it immediately!
Studying their website, I learned that one cannot use WorldRemit for online purchases, but one can send money as a gift to just about any country, including those that PayPal and other payment processors don't want to touch. The founders have especially set it up for the benefit of those who wish to send money easily and quickly just about anywhere in the world.
For years I've had to withdraw cash from my account, go to the post office and buy a MoneyGram for cash only. Then go home and email the recipient with the claim number. It would sometimes take two or three days for them to get to their local agent to actually get the money in hand.
Now I am excited about WorldRemit!
And guess what; their fees are lower than MoneyGram's too. (I've tried to avoid Western Union as their fees are even higher). If you have a friend, or relatives, or know of a needy contact, and have their smart phone number and know the carrier they use, you can bless them with a gift very quickly!
I believe the story is that a foreign student from a poorer country was studying in Europe, and as soon as he was able to earn a bit on the side he wanted to send money home to his family. But he found it hard to do so. Ultimately, he was able to design this transfer service as WorldRemit.
The fees are quite minimal. Usually just $.99 in my Canadian currency, and every so often they have a special rate where if I send an amount over a certain level, there are no fees whatsoever!
It is possible to send money to 130 countries in the following ways; ~ Cash pickup ~ Bank transfer ~ Mobile money ~ Airtime top-up. If you tell a friend about WorldRemit, and if they send up to $150 to someone else, you will get a $30 voucher you can use. The other friend will also get one! So it pays to spread the word.
See the link below in RED TEXT to go learn more about WorldRemit. It is so easy to sign up with your email, and confirm that email by clicking the link inside their first email to you. Then you are ready to start sending money with WorldRemit.
Let me know your thoughts and questions on giving in response to these articles.
Please Contact Ruth for permission to reprint this article