Money Transfer - Dubai to UK

[matt_knowles]

Hey all, how is it going?

I've had a brief search, but with transfers I kind of need up to date info (best companies to use etc)

I transfer a regular amount to the UK each month (ADCB - Halifax), this is fine and I have no issues. This is for around 1000GBP a month.

I want to send a lump sum back to cover a few things and some house work, and it'll be around 20,000-25,000GBP.

I know the exchange rate isn't the best going that way at the moment, so want to get the best deal possible?

Can anyone advise the best methods for doing this and potential pitfalls? I will of course give my bank a heads up about the transaction.

Many thanks

[matt_knowles]

Thanks guys,

Will take a look.

I just wish the exchange rate would pick up a bit!

I'm a complete newbie when it comes to all this. Daft question possibly, but what's the benefit and costs involved with setting up an offshore account? Thanks

[matt_knowles]

I used GCEN in the end. It was painless enough, easy to setup and quick.

Only hurdle was getting ADCB to accept a transfer of AED out of the country, but managed it in the end (had to be done in branch).

Person I dealt with was Anjulie Patel and she was answering any questions via email.

I talked with a couple of people from First Rate FX and they seemed pretty decent too.

[matt_knowles]

I'd ring all 3 and play them off one another.

My last big transfer I was all set to use First Rate FX. I called the person back I had used at GCEN and they bettered it (just). It was a simple process though and everything happened as expected.