Not really sure if it's an option, but ask at your post office whether you can send Euros by registered/recorded post to Portugal. I'm surprised it costs that much for a bank transfer, but that's the UK for you !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is that your bank transferring it, or you doing it direct via her bank details ??

Best of luck,

Robby

I think Robby is right....your best place seems to be the Post Office.
CLICK HERE

Or ask about an overseas registered envelope that is signed for, which I believe is guaranteed up to a certain amount.

Got it...HERE

SanJi x

Thanks to you both!
We decided just to go ahead and send the money via Western union which ended up costing £15. Pretty pricy on a 90 euro transaction! but I just wanted to get the apartment booked. we will pay the balance on arrival in cash so as not to incur other charges.
In future I think I'll be more careful and deal with people who have Paypal accounts, which I assume is a much more straightforward & cheaper option!?

I had this problem in trying to send money for the deposit for an apartment in Ljubljana. There again it was for €100 . They could not take a credit-card payment nor did they have PayPal. In the end they said don't bother and they will trust me to pay the full amount when we arrive next April.

I would have thought that if these business want to ensure people pay the deposits, it would be worth their while setting up something like a PayPal account. It doesn't cost them anything.

It doesn't cost them anything

Tristantona,
I think you'll find that,although it's free to send money via PayPal,there is a charge to receive money.

That's probably the case but I think it's only a couple of percent. But at least they will get the money.

Quite agree - probably the most cost efficient way of doing it and must help with the marketing.