What are the first principles behind how financial capital moves across the global economy?

Is it Legal?

First rule of cross border value transfer is to find out what the legal rulings with respect to flow of capital. Is the entity that is initiating the transfer of capital (be it individual, company, a group of people) kosher? Are they clean and not on any watch lists?

It is allowed? If so, under what conditions and barrier.

How Much?

Second rule is how much is allowed to be transferred. What are the exit and entry limits (if any).

Agreeable Price

The third rule would be to get comfortable with the agreeable price (read: fees/charges) for moving money. Be cognizant of what you will pay and what you will receive on the other end.