small estate affidavit?

Hi, what is the best way to transfer small assets (less than $100,000) to one's beneficiaries at death, if the beneficiaries are not US citizens and live outside the US?

I understand that in California the assets can be collected simply with a Small Estate Affidavit. Is this possible also if the beneficiaries live abroad? If so, how does the claiming procedure work? Is a will necessary? Would a payable on death bank account be better?

thanks.