Western Union (tel. 800/325-6000 in the U.S., www.westernunion.com) is licensed to handle wire transfers to Cuba for Cuban-American residents only. Only certain designated offices are permitted to handle such transactions.

For foreigners, Cuba’s TransCard (Canada tel. 416/840-1466, www.smart transfer.com) and Caribbean Transfers Travel Card (www.caribbeantransfers.com) operate much like a debit card. The user deposits funds into a secure account abroad (you can do so online), then uses that account to withdraw cash at ATMs, banks, and Cadeca, or to pay for goods and services at locations in Cuba. Caribbean Transfers Travel Card has offices in nine countries, including the U.S. (tel. 877/283-6842), for Cuban-American families wishing to send remittances.

You can apply either online or in Cuba through Fincimex (Calle L, e/ 23 y 25, Vedado, Havana, tel. 07/835-6444, Mon.–Thurs. 8:15 a.m.–noon and 1–4:30 p.m., Fri. 8:15 a.m.–noon and 1–3:30 p.m.). An alternative for Cuban-Americans is Cuba’s Dinero a Cuba (tel. 305/359-4493, www.dineroacuba.com).

Options for non U.S.-citizens include the Swiss company AWS Technologies (www.aws transaction.com).