YES, of course it is allowed to pay more any amount. For instance once the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) wanted to make Udhiyah (sheep sacrifice) at time of `Eidul-Adha, he offered two big and good rams.

Also what you heard is inaccurate; it is better to pay it where you reside unless there is good reason to send it to another place, your home land or any other. Good reason include people who are in more severe situations like refugees and displaced people or poor kin, or people who suffer from calamities and the like.

Allah Almighty knows best.