I also don't know how the system in the US work, but here in Europe you can simply open up a bank account (or use an existing one), then provide the bank account number to the persons that need to send you money and they can wire it to that said bank account. Very easy, no hassle and safe, because that account number can only be used to put money onto the account, not retrieving any money from it (without owning other necessary codes).

In the last couple of years this system has expanded all over Europe, meaning I can now directly wire money to any account number in Europe I know the IBAN (bank account number) and BIC/SWIFT code (specific code needed to determine the specific bank) of, all without additional cost.