What an international money order is and how it works

An international money order is a paper document that lets you send money to someone in another country without using a bank account or wire transfer. You buy it at a post office, bank, or money services store, pay the amount you want to send plus a fee, and the recipient cashes it at a post office or bank in their country. The money order is safer than cash because it can be replaced if lost or stolen, and the recipient's identity is usually verified before they receive the funds.

The process is slower than a wire transfer — typically taking one to four weeks depending on the destination country — but it costs less and requires no bank account on either end. You fill in the recipient's name and address, and the money order is tracked by a control number so you can confirm it was received.

Key Takeaways

  • International money orders cost between $10 and $30 depending on the amount and destination country, plus the face value of the money order itself.
  • You can send money orders to most countries through the U.S. Postal Service, but some nations have restrictions or require special handling.
  • The recipient must present the money order in person at a post office or bank in their country and provide identification to cash it.
  • Delivery typically takes one to four weeks, making this slower than wire transfers but cheaper and usable without a bank account.
  • You need the recipient's full name and address, and you should keep your receipt and control number until the money order is cashed.

Where to buy an international money order

The U.S. Postal Service is the most common source for international money orders. You can buy them at any post office window — you do not need an account or appointment. Western Union and MoneyGram also sell international money orders at their agent locations, which include grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing shops. Banks sometimes offer them, though not all do, so call ahead if you have a bank account.

Prices vary by provider and destination. The USPS charges a flat fee (typically $10 to $15 for most countries) plus the face value of the money order. Western Union and MoneyGram often charge more, especially for larger amounts or certain countries. Compare fees before you buy, because the difference can be significant on amounts over $500.

Countries where you can send money orders and restrictions

The USPS can send money orders to roughly 140 countries, but some have limits on the amount or require extra steps. Most Western European countries, Canada, Australia, and Japan accept them without restriction. Many developing nations also accept them, though delivery may be slower and the recipient's bank may charge a fee to cash it.

A few countries do not accept U.S. money orders at all, including Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Cuba. Some nations limit the amount you can send or require the money order to be cashed only at a central bank rather than a local post office. Before you buy, check the USPS website or ask the postal clerk whether your destination country accepts money orders and whether there are any amount limits.

How much it costs to send an international money order

The total cost is the face value of the money order plus the fee. If you want to send $500, you pay $500 plus the fee. USPS fees for international money orders range from about $10 to $15 for most destinations, though some countries cost more. Western Union and MoneyGram typically charge $15 to $30 or more depending on the amount and destination.

The recipient may also face costs. Some banks charge a fee to cash a foreign money order, usually $5 to $15. In some countries, the post office cashes them for free. Ask the recipient to check with their bank or post office before you send, so they know what to expect.

The step-by-step process for sending an international money order

Start by gathering the recipient's full name, street address, city, postal code, and country. Go to a USPS location, Western Union agent, MoneyGram agent, or your bank. Tell the clerk you want to send an international money order and provide the destination country and amount.

The clerk will fill in a form with the recipient's information and your information. You will pay the face value plus the fee in cash or by card (depending on the location). The clerk will give you a receipt with a control number — keep this. The money order itself goes in the mail to the recipient's address.

The recipient receives the money order in the mail, takes it to a post office or bank in their country, and cashes it by showing identification. The process usually takes one to four weeks, though it can be longer during holidays or to remote areas. You can track the money order using the control number on your receipt.

Advantages and disadvantages compared to other methods

Money orders are cheaper than wire transfers and do not require either person to have a bank account. They are also safer than sending cash through the mail. The main drawback is speed — wire transfers arrive in one to three business days, while money orders take one to four weeks. Money orders also require the recipient to go in person to cash them, which is not possible for people in remote areas or with mobility issues.

If you need the money to arrive faster, a wire transfer through a bank or service like Western Union is better, though it costs more. If the recipient does not have a bank account and needs a cheaper option, a money order is a solid choice. For very large amounts, wire transfers are more practical because money orders often have limits (USPS limits them to $700 per order, though you can send multiple orders).

What to do if a money order is lost or not received

Keep your receipt and control number. If the recipient says they never got the money order after four weeks, contact the issuer — USPS, Western Union, or MoneyGram — with your control number. They can trace it and confirm whether it was delivered and cashed.

If it was lost in the mail, the issuer can issue a replacement or refund, though this process can take several weeks. If it was cashed by someone other than the intended recipient, the issuer will investigate, but recovery is not may provide. This is why keeping your receipt and confirming the recipient's address before you send is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send an international money order to someone without a bank account?

Yes. The recipient can cash it at a post office or bank in their country by showing identification. They do not need an account. However, some banks may charge a fee to cash a foreign money order, so the recipient should ask first.

What is the maximum amount I can send in one international money order?

The USPS limits international money orders to $700 per order. Western Union and MoneyGram may have different limits depending on the destination country. If you need to send more, you can purchase multiple money orders.

How long does an international money order take to arrive?

Delivery typically takes one to four weeks depending on the destination country and postal service reliability. Remote areas and countries with slower mail systems may take longer. There is no expedited option for money orders.

What happens if the recipient loses the money order before cashing it?

The recipient should contact the issuer (USPS, Western Union, or MoneyGram) with the control number from the receipt you gave them. The issuer can issue a replacement, though the process takes time. This is why you should keep your receipt and give the recipient the control number.

Is an international money order safer than a wire transfer?

Both are reasonably safe, but money orders have different risks. A money order can be lost in the mail or stolen, but it can be replaced if you have the control number. Wire transfers are faster and cannot be lost, but they are harder to reverse if sent to the wrong account.