Unless the requirement is urgent, wouldn't suggest the above method. You will have to pay first papal the transaction charges of transferring to your friend and then xoom charges. Would prefer a check withdrawal, if the funds are not needed urgently. This was the way we use withdraw before the direct bank transfer was introduced 2 years ago.
the fees are not to big, $25 is only $5.99 fee and if you have a coupon then its for free.. thats what im doing to my indian friends until now. but yeah you can also choose check.