There are several options and you may choose one method exclusively or combine two or more depending on what is appropriate for your situation. Please plan to arrive with approximately USD$1,000 immediately available to meet book and personal expenses.
Wire Transfer
This is a secure method of moving funds directly from a bank in your home country to Hiram’s Student Accounts Office. Wired funds must be in U.S. dollars. Upon our receipt of funds, they are immediately posted to your personal student billing account. Wire transfer instructions are sent to all accepted students. Please allow three business days for transfer of funds in order to meet all payment deadlines.
Credit Card
Hiram College tuition and fees can be paid by MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover. If you have a VISA credit card in your name (NOT in the name of another family member), it will be a convenient way to pay for College Bookstore and most off-campus expenses or purchases while living in the U.S. If you bring a credit card to the U.S., before you depart be certain to notify the card company that you will be using the card in the United States to insure that they do not block use of the card outside your home country.
American Express Travelers Cheques
American Express Travelers Cheques are insured, and American Express refunds the money if they are lost or stolen. The cheques must be in U.S. dollars and other currencies cannot be accepted. In some countries, cheques in U.S. dollars may be unavailable or difficult to obtain, so determine early in your planning if this is your preferred option.
Currency/Cash
If you choose to bring currency it must be in U.S. dollars. Exchange your funds prior to arriving in the U.S. There is no currency exchange at Cleveland Hopkins Airport or in the Hiram, Ohio, area.
To prevent theft of funds while traveling, do not put money in a suitcase, flight/travel bag or purse. Wear it on your person. Keep out only what you need for travel and secure the rest in a money belt that can be worn inside clothing around the middle of your body.
IMPORTANT: There is no limit to the amount of money (U.S. or foreign currency), travelers cheques, money orders, or negotiable instruments in bearer form that you may bring into or take out of the United States. However, a report must be filed with U.S. Customs at the time you arrive or depart with an amount that exceeds USD$10,000 (or the equivalent in foreign currency). If you fail to declare amounts that exceed USD$10,000, a Customs Inspector may assume that the funds are illegal and may confiscate them.