What is PayPal and how can I use it in India to ....?

The way Paypal works in Australia is that you must have a verified account with Paypal in order to pay for something using Paypal. Paypal requires you to link one of your savings bank accounts with them so that the money comes from your account, into Paypal, then on to the person you want to pay. That way no one receives your bank details but Paypal.

I like to pay this way when dealing with someone I do not know, or when asking someone I do not know to pay for something I am selling.

Paypal does the conversion to another currency for you. The fees are low to nil especially if you do not have a business account with them.

Again, in Australia, if I want to send a cheque I will buy a bank cheque from my bank issued in the currency I want. Or I will go to the Post Office and purchase a Money Order in the currency I require. My personal banking details will not be on the cheque or Money Order.

I am not sure if the system in India works the same, but it might be worth checking?

I hope you work something safe out, Meenakshi.

PayPal is the best and most popular method as of now. What you need to do id go to paypal.com and open up a ordinary or trading account. You can do that for free. You need to register your bank with them too along with a/c no. Your PAN card will be required for verification. If you only want to remit money, you can do so by connecting a credit/debit card with it too. If you go the site, you will be guided well. I have been receiving remittances from abroad since the last 4 years. I am an Indian too and live in India.

Credit or debit card is the best since you don't have to register with anyone afresh. Conversion rate is applied at the time of transaction.

OK