- Thread starter franco1111
- Start date
Banco Popular ATM withdrawal foreign debit card
xoom.com, it's a Paypal service. I use it to send money from my US bank (US Bank) to my DR bank (Banco Santa Cruz), but it can be used to send money to any DR bank. You'll find better exchange rates than you'll get through Xoom, but I'm willing to give a little on exchange rate in exchange for customer service.
To each his own. I've used it for 3+ years, and when my DR bank changed some validations (without any notice) Xoom customer service was very helpful in helping me debug what BSC had done.
I’ve been using xoom for years to send money to my brother-in-law to pay our house expenses in DR. Exchange rate isn’t great but it’s fast and secure, email updates on both ends, etc.
Just curious where you found these reviews. A quick search came up with a website called Trustpilot, and yes, the reviews are horrible (average 1.7 stars) After reading a few, I wonder if the problems are mostly for new users. I haven't used them in several years, but had no complaints at that time as best I recall
My query was on "Google", stating "Reviews on Xoom". In any event I'm out on the thought of using it based on the reviews I read.
Based on this thread, it did get me looking at other options that are out there. I'm intrigued by Xe....giving that a test with a smaller dollar amount just to see how it goes.
Also curious, has anyone else had issues withdrawing cash from (against a US Bank) from Banco Popular? I've used this same card for 3+ years, but starting a few days ago, it gets to the screen where I enter amount, it asks if i want a receipt, and then takes me back to the amount screen. A few people I've run into a Popular in Sosua are getting the same thing.
Also curious, has anyone else had issues withdrawing cash from (against a US Bank) from Banco Popular? I've used this same card for 3+ years, but starting a few days ago, it gets to the screen where I enter amount, it asks if i want a receipt, and then takes me back to the amount screen. A few people I've run into a Popular in Sosua are getting the same thing.
@trspencer , A couple years ago I used XE a number of times, maybe once a month or so, and they cancelled my account and would not say why, So, if you do use them, maybe spread out your usage more. Not sure what flag I tripped, just saying.
Good to know.....thank you. I generally only use it once a month, just to cover bills/HOA that I pay out of Banco Santa Cruz. So my pattern is pretty regular. Looks like Xe is going to be a day slower than Xoom, but it was otherwise pretty easy to set up and appears to be cheaper.
I checked out all these transfer services a while ago. I thought maybe they might have changed. XOOM still has by far the worst exchange rate - about 3 pesos less than you can get at, say, CaribeExpress. That amounts to about $20 USD if you send $500 USD. Expensive!
Some people go by the charge and don't realize what you just pointed out. It is the bottom line of all charges or no charges combined with the exchange rate that tells the story.............
Seriously, no one looks into the historical of these threads. All the answers are there. How many times have we explained how to send money to yourself as long as you're not unbanked or wanted by the FBI or IRS. Who would wire transfer? Who would use a crap network like Xoom? Who needs an ATM withdrawal, thus exposing yourself to all the on the ground ATM fraud and charges on both ends? We've discussed the benefits and ease of both WU and Remitly ad nauseam. This isn't forensic accounting. Some folks are simply not prepared to leave their homes, let alone move to a foreign country where the extent of their Epany is grassy ass and pol favol
Is the condescension really necessary? Xoom isn't your thing....that's fine, doesn't mean you're an idiot if it works for your particular situation. Do I need an ATM sometimes? Sure. And when I do, it's helpful to know which ones are favorable/secure. Not everyone who asks a question that may have already been answered elsewhere is a moron. Not everyone's use case is the same, and there's going to be more nuance for some people's needs than maybe what you're particular needs are.
Search is your friend. Nothing personal. Yes, I am also aware that fundamental life situations are very difficult for many. For example, the folks that wear pajamas and crocs to fly.
This topic has been discussed many, many times on DR1 over the years. Personally, each time there is a new thread I learn about another way to send money. Thankfully I have not had to send money in years. Back then we used WU, at that time it was probably the only way to send money.
I remember those days. Then along came Moneygram to provide some competition. Now it's lots of folks.
You need to go at it a little differently with Xoom. Set the transfer to receive in USD rather than RD then you will get the exchange rate in effect when you pick it up and you don't lose that 3 peso difference. A Xoom transfer can also be picked up at CaribeExpress as well. Another nice thing about Xoom is that the money does not leave your bank account until it has been picked up. I also find Xoom to be way less hassle than WU or Moneygram to use.
I looked at that and, compared to other options, it's more expensive that way also. I think it was $12.99 for $500 whereas I pay $6.99 with W.U.. If you're not sending much money, it's not that big of a deal. A transfer with W.U. takes me less than 30 seconds with the app and the money is available for pickup in minutes.