Abstract: In a method for transferring funds from a client in one country to a beneficiary in a second country, the client purchases an activation card from a retailer and the retailer sends funds corresponding to the purchase amount to a service provider account at a sending bank. The service provider obtains validation information from the client identifying the card as well as beneficiary identifying information, and confirms the fund transfer to the sending bank. Funds are then sent from the sending bank to a receiving bank in the second country, and placed in an account for the benefit of the beneficiary. The beneficiary is provided with a debit card which can be used to access the funds.