What is the safest way to pay someone in a distant city ?

[JTWard]

How can i pay someone in a distant city and I I don't really know the seller that well ?

[kernowlass]

@JTWard 

Get them to send an invoice fully describing the item you are paying for.

Then make sure you review Paypals buyer protection policy so you can risk assess your transactions.
Legal (bottom right of Paypals pages) > user agreement > buyer protection.