On the Use of Differing Money Transmission Methods by Mexican Immigrants

Interest on the factors shaping migrants’ use of a given money transmittal method has recently intensified following researchers agreement on the often inadequate infrastructure surrounding remittances transfers. This concern has also captured the attention of government officials, who appear more eager to promote more efficient and safe transfers of emigrant’s earnings given the potential that remittances hold for increasing resources at the disposal of receiving nations. This paper uses data from mexican immigrants who have resided in the United States to examine the various factors that shape migrants’ use of the various methods to remit earnings to Mexico. The analysis reveals that accessibility factors and migrants’ awareness of alternative remitting methods play a key role in explaining their use of the various money transfer mechanisms.