I’ve done wire transfers for >$28K to pay off some of my African bills…wire transfer fee of $25 on my side…a 2-3%+ CC fee or more is not insignificant.
Good luck on using a CC anywhere for any amount in Zim. Not saying it can’t be done or isn’t done but it’s always been cash only in my experience, USD preferred.
For South Africa, I’ve paid off my debt (KMG) with a CC. If I remember, one wouldn’t process and ended up pulling out a different company (MC vs VISA vs AMEX), don’t rely on just one.
Some of our cards don’t charge international fees on our side but there is a charge on the vendor side. For example, I have paid dip and pack fees in South Africa with a CC, but they also charged me for the fee they incurred on their end. Wire transfer was cheaper.
Join a credit union, fees are much lower and simple to process a wire transfer either in person or over the phone, I’ve done it both ways. Processing another wire Monday for a hunt in Spain in December.
They know me too well @ my Credit Union. I do like to go in person, I’ve had to help some of the more inexperienced agents through the process including converting USD to Euro, not kidding!
