Silly question on sending money overseas

[TooNice]

When paying for goods or service online, it seems that the conversion and applicable fees are done automatically, and I do not need to worry about paying more or less than I need to. But what if the payment needs to be done by bank transfer? Online banking typically only let's you type in pound (AFAIK - for the two banks that I use anyway). Would it be any different if I was to go to the bank? Could I ask for X amount of Yen to be sent to a bank in Japan?

[TeePee]

Typically you would need to use a FOREX service for this. I use XE.com.

[TooNice]

Thanks, I'll check it out. Am I correct to assume that it would be easy for the recipient to identify the sender (i.e. my name would be on it)?

[MaddAussie]

You could use the post offices moneygram service if its a one off.