Is it particularly difficult to wire transfer money from Brazil to the USA?

Question

My friend, who is from Brazil and lives here, owes me several thousand dollars. He traveled to Brazil to sell a condo. I was told red tape made it too difficult to wire transfer the money from his account in Brazil. Is this so?

Answer 1

NO. I have to wire funds at times between my US and Brazil accounts at least one a year and while it takes longer than a domestic wire it is still very quick (less than a week) and wouldn't require anything more than you would expect at a bank in the US. I bank at HSBC in Brazil, here is the page regarding inward and outward remittances:

http://www.hsbc.com.br/international-ser...

I don't see how the requirements would be different at Banco do Brasil or any other major bank in Brazil.

Answer 2

No, he can transfer it and have it in your account within a few minutes.