I'm seeking suggestions on what are the best ways to send money from India to abroad. While I'd be sending money to France, I want to have suggestions on most generic service that works in the United States, European countries, Australia and South-East asian countries. I've traditionally used PayPal and it works perfectly fine and fast. I'd also like to know if anyone has experience with Western Union money transfers - are they safe and how are their commission rates?

I'd also welcome any other suggestions. Please share your first hand experience with any of these services.

Update:

The best ways to send money abroad from India are - Paypal, International Bank Transfers, Remittance Service Providers and Western Union. Please check the details below-

1. PayPal: PayPal is a widely used and convenient option for sending money internationally. It allows you to transfer funds securely to various countries, including the United States, European countries, Australia, and Southeast Asian countries. PayPal offers fast transfers and is generally reliable. However, keep in mind that PayPal charges transaction fees, and the exchange rates they offer might not always be the most favourable.

2. International Bank Transfers: Most banks in India offer international wire transfer services. This method allows you to send money directly from your bank account to an overseas bank account. However, international bank transfers can be relatively expensive, with high fees and less competitive exchange rates. It is advisable to compare the fees and exchange rates offered by different banks before choosing this option.

3. Remittance Service Providers: There are various remittance service providers like TransferWise (now called Wise), Remitly, and WorldRemit that specialise in international money transfers. These companies often offer competitive exchange rates and lower fees compared to traditional banks. They provide convenient online platforms or mobile apps to send money abroad. It's worth comparing the fees and rates of different service providers to find the best option for your specific destination country.

4. Western Union: Western Union is a well-known and widely used service for international money transfers. It has an extensive network of agent locations across the globe, including the countries you mentioned. Western Union allows you to send money online or through their agents. While Western Union is generally safe, it's always important to be cautious and verify the recipient's details before making a transfer. Western Union charges both transfer fees and currency exchange fees, so it's advisable to check their rates before proceeding.

5. Cryptocurrency Transfers: Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum have gained popularity as an alternative method for international money transfers. Cryptocurrency transfers can be relatively fast and may offer lower fees compared to traditional methods. However, using cryptocurrencies for international transfers requires both the sender and the recipient to have cryptocurrency wallets and some understanding of how cryptocurrencies work.

Before choosing any particular service, it's essential to consider factors such as fees, exchange rates, transfer speed, convenience, and the reputation of the service provider. It can be helpful to read reviews, compare different options, and consider the specific requirements of your transfer.