sending money . . .

[Mike Arman <armanmik@n-jcenter.com>]

This is NOT an ad and NOT spam!

I've been on this list for almost two years now, so I can safely hide
behind a large pile of dead racks, worn and warped brake discs, dead
sensors, fried window motors, defunct pressure accumulators ("bombs"),
feeble headlights, toasted window switches, rattly cats, leaky plastic
radiators, dripping pentosin, water dripping directly on the window
switches in the driver's door armrest, popped lock links,
pull-it-back-up-yourself clutch pedals, I could go on and on, and this is
on a decent condition 1986 NA 5000 - so I really AM an Audi owner - (nomex
on, just in case).

Point is I want to mention a new service provided by American Express which
might be of use to some of us trying to buy new or used Audi parts
overseas. Amex is now offering foreign currency services - if we want to
send Phil some money for something, or Tom Nas or Juoko, we can call Amex
at 888-391-9971 (Ask for Bob Spears), and we pay in Dollars, Phil, Tom and
Juoko will get Pounds, Florins (?) and Markkas, respectively.

The reason I mention this is that if we go to a local bank and try to buy
an international money order, the rates are so high that the banks eat up
any savings we might hope to achieve by ordering anything Audi from
overseas. Some years ago I got an order from someone in London - amount was
$175, by the time the banks were done with wire fees, conversion fees,
transfer fees, I actually got only $35! (Who me, p.o.ed?)

Their rates are better than "our local friendly neighborhood bank", but not
as good as real Interbank rate, as seen on the net. This is best for
transactions of UNDER $5,000, because for higher amounts than that, there
are better ways to do it. Also, at present, it is US Dollars source only -
one way - so Phil can't send me any money via Amex (yet).

(If you do have an international transaction of over $5,000, contact me.
Buying an A-8 or RS-2 for instance . . .)

Best Regards,

Mike Arman