Not sure if this is an above the line or below the line.

I need to pay a US ebay seller $45 in US dollars. I am in the UK. He (unlike some US sellers) faces extortionate bank charges to take UK postal orders.

I don't trust paypal - they are based in Switzerland and if they steal your money it is very difficult for a non-swiss to sue them. That is the purpose of Swiss corporations (trust me, I'm a lawyer, I know this, I have sued Swiss before and it ain't easy).

A US money order would be a suitable way to pay - but does anyone know how to get one in the UK without paying GBP 10 to 15 on top of the value? I have tried to find this out more than once and always come up with nothing useful. Same seems to apply to things like Western Union.

Would a US seller have the same problems if I got a dollar travellers cheque, fully pre-signed it and sent it to him?

If I wrap a $50 note up in writing paper and sent it return receipt requested (recorded delivery) how likely is it to go missing on the way?

Any other useful ideas? Remember, I am in England.