RemitFinder helps you compare international money transfer services when remitting money from South Africa. Whether you are sending money to support family, pay bills abroad, or manage international expenses, comparing providers can help you save on exchange rates and fees.
On this page, you can explore where you can send money out of South Africa, see which providers support each destination, and compare rates, transfer speed, payout options, and limits.
Not sure where to start? Browse all sending countries on our send money from hub.
Where Can You Send Money From South Africa To?
Below are the destinations you can send South Africa remittances from, grouped by region for easier browsing.
The below regions of the world are sorted alphabetically, and the countries within these regions are also sorted alphabetically for easier lookup.
Once you have located your destination country, click on it to compare numerous money transfer options for your chosen country combination.
Browse by region:
Africa | Asia | Caribbean | Europe | North America | Oceania | Polar Territories | South AmericaCountries in Africa you can send money to from South Africa
Here are various countries in Africa that you can send South Africa based money transfers to. Simply click on your destination country below to see the best exchange rates for sending South African Rand remittances out of South Africa to your chosen destination in Africa.
Countries in Asia you can send money to from South Africa
Here are various countries in Asia that you can send South Africa based money transfers to. Simply click on your destination country below to see the best exchange rates for sending South African Rand remittances out of South Africa to your chosen destination in Asia.
Countries in Caribbean you can send money to from South Africa
Here are various countries in Caribbean that you can send South Africa based money transfers to. Simply click on your destination country below to see the best exchange rates for sending South African Rand remittances out of South Africa to your chosen destination in Caribbean.
Countries in Europe you can send money to from South Africa
Here are various countries in Europe that you can send South Africa based money transfers to. Simply click on your destination country below to see the best exchange rates for sending South African Rand remittances out of South Africa to your chosen destination in Europe.
Countries in North America you can send money to from South Africa
Here are various countries in North America that you can send South Africa based money transfers to. Simply click on your destination country below to see the best exchange rates for sending South African Rand remittances out of South Africa to your chosen destination in North America.
Countries in Oceania you can send money to from South Africa
Here are various countries in Oceania that you can send South Africa based money transfers to. Simply click on your destination country below to see the best exchange rates for sending South African Rand remittances out of South Africa to your chosen destination in Oceania.
Countries in Polar Territories you can send money to from South Africa
Here are various countries in Polar Territories that you can send South Africa based money transfers to. Simply click on your destination country below to see the best exchange rates for sending South African Rand remittances out of South Africa to your chosen destination in Polar Territories.
Countries in South America you can send money to from South Africa
Here are various countries in South America that you can send South Africa based money transfers to. Simply click on your destination country below to see the best exchange rates for sending South African Rand remittances out of South Africa to your chosen destination in South America.
How can I send money from South Africa?
Sending money internationally from South Africa is easy. Simply search for your destination country to send South African Rand money transfers from South Africa. RemitFinder compares many money transfer operators for South Africa remittances to your chosen destination in an easy to understand format.
Can someone from South Africa send money?
Unless there are any sanctions or political restrictions in place in South Africa, it should be permissible to send South African Rand transfers out of the country. In case it is not allowed to send money from South Africa, transfer companies will not accept remittance requests.
What is the best way to send money from South Africa?
To find the best options to send ZAR from South Africa, simply compare available providers and pick the one that suits your needs best.
Cannot find your country? All supported destination countries are listed above, grouped by region.
Want to compare instantly? Use the transfer search below.
Simply choose your destination country for money transfers originating out of South Africa, and change the transfer amount if needed to easily compare numerous money transfer providers for your next international money transfer.
Compare various money transfer operators to send money from South Africa to your chosen destination easily. Simply choose your destination country above and search and compare options.
Popular Money Transfer Corridors From South Africa
These are some of the most commonly used international money transfer routes from South Africa.
Popular corridors
What Is The Currency In South Africa?
The official currency of South Africa is important to know when sending or receiving money internationally. Understanding the local currency helps you compare exchange rates, fees, and the final amount your recipient will receive.
Which currency is used in South Africa?
The official currency of South Africa is the South African Rand (ISO code: ZAR), and it is commonly represented by "R".
How is South African Rand written, and how many decimals does it use?
ZAR amounts are typically shown with 2 decimal places.
- ZAR 1250.50
- R 1250.50
- ZAR 0.25 = 25 cents
What is the subunit of 1 South African Rand?
The subunit of South African Rand is cent, and 1 ZAR is divided into 100 cents.
Which other countries use the South African Rand?
South Africa is the main country that uses the South African Rand.
When sending money from South Africa, what currency do providers use?
International transfers from South Africa are typically funded in South African Rand and converted into the recipient's local currency before payout. Most providers covering South Africa quote exchange rates directly in ZAR, making the rate you receive a key factor in how much money arrives.
Why do ZAR exchange rates vary between providers?
Exchange rates often differ due to FX spreads rather than visible fees, which means two transfers of the same ZAR amount from South Africa can result in different payout values.
What is the best way to compare the true cost of a ZAR transfer from South Africa?
The true cost of South African Rand transfers sent from South Africa is best understood by comparing the exchange rate alongside any applicable fees. This helps avoid overpaying and ensures your recipient receives maximum value.
Does comparing South African Rand exchange rates really make a difference?
Yes. If you send money from South Africa regularly, comparing South African Rand exchange rates can make a meaningful difference over time.
Why Compare Money Transfer Services From South Africa?
The cost and experience of sending money internationally can vary widely depending on where you are sending from. Money transfer services often price the same corridor differently based on local market conditions, which means South African Rand exchange rates, fees, and transfer options from South Africa may not match what is offered in other countries.
Fees also depend heavily on how you fund your ZAR transfer from South Africa. Bank transfers, debit cards, and credit cards can carry different costs, limits, and processing times in South Africa, even when using the same provider.
Coverage is another important factor when sending money from South Africa. Not all money transfer services support the same destination countries, payout methods, or currencies when transfers are initiated in ZAR from South Africa.
Transfer limits and verification requirements in South Africa can further affect how much ZAR you can send and how quickly your South African Rand transfer is processed. These limits often vary by provider and funding method and may change once verification is completed.
Comparing money transfer services side by side helps you identify which providers actually work from South Africa and which offer the best balance of South African Rand exchange rates, fees, transfer speed, and reliability for your needs.
How Sending Money From South Africa Works
Sending money from South Africa typically involves choosing a transfer provider, selecting a funding method, and sending funds in ZAR to a recipient abroad. Costs, processing time, and availability can vary based on local banking practices in South Africa and the destination country.
What funding methods can I use to send ZAR from South Africa?
Most international transfers from South Africa in ZAR are funded using bank transfers, debit cards, or credit cards. Bank-funded transfers are often the most cost-effective option in South Africa, while card-funded South African Rand transfers can be faster but may come with higher fees or less favorable exchange rates.
What verification is required to send money from South Africa?
When sending money from South Africa, you are usually required to provide basic identity details. Additional verification may apply for higher-value ZAR transfers or first-time transfers. These checks help keep South African Rand transfers secure and compliant with regulations in South Africa.
Are there limits on how much ZAR I can send from South Africa?
Transfer limits depend on the funding method you use and how frequently you send money from South Africa. Some methods allow higher ZAR limits once verification is complete, while others are restricted to lower amounts regardless of transfer history.
How long do ZAR transfers from South Africa take?
Some South African Rand transfers from South Africa are processed on the same day, while others may take longer. Processing time can be affected by banking hours, weekends, and public holidays in South Africa.
Why can processing times vary when sending money from South Africa?
Local banking practices in South Africa, such as cut-off times, business days, and identification requirements, can influence when a South African Rand transfer is processed and settled.
How can I avoid delays when sending money from South Africa?
Comparing providers, choosing the right funding method, and understanding local rules in South Africa can help ensure a smoother ZAR transfer with fewer delays or surprises.
Payment Methods Available in South Africa
The way you fund your money transfer from South Africa can directly affect cost, speed, and convenience. Available payment methods are influenced by local banking adoption, card usage, and global remittance norms, which means options for sending ZAR from South Africa may differ from what is available elsewhere.
Payment method availability in South Africa is determined by a combination of:
- Global remittance standards
- Local banking and card penetration prevalent in South Africa
- Declining or limited use of cash-based funding methods within South Africa
Below are the most common ways to fund international money transfers from South Africa.
Instant EFTRecommended
Instant EFT can enable quick bank-funded payments in South Africa for both digital as well as physical payments and purchases. If supported by your money transfer company, Instant EFT can offer a fast alternative to card checkout.
Bank Transfer
Bank transfers are a common way to fund an international money transfer in South Africa, especially for larger South African Rand amounts. They are often priced more competitively than cards, but processing can depend on bank cut-off times, weekends, and local holidays in South Africa.
Debit / Credit Card
Card payments in South Africa can be convenient and are often the fastest way to fund a transfer sent in South African Rand. They may come with higher fees or a less favorable ZAR exchange rate than bank transfers, especially on larger amounts.
Cash
Cash-funded transfers in South Africa can be useful when banking access is limited. Availability varies by country and provider, and cash options may involve extra steps or partner locations in South Africa for payment and pickup.
Payment methods shown above for South Africa include badges that highlight common characteristics. These indicators are based on typical usage patterns when sending ZAR from South Africa, but actual costs and speeds can vary by provider and destination.
Here are the badges and their definitions that we have used above to present payment methods in South Africa:
- 🟢 Cheapest: This funding method often has lower fees or more competitive South African Rand exchange rates.
- ⚡ Fastest: This method typically processes transfers more quickly, especially for smaller amounts.
- ⭐ Most Common: This funding method is widely supported for transfers from South Africa.
- 🏦 Local Payment Method: This funding method is local to South Africa and may be cheaper and faster as compared to other methods.
Payment method FAQs for South Africa
Payment methods available in South Africa can affect how quickly money is delivered and how much the transfer costs. Understanding the common options helps you choose the most suitable way to send or receive funds.
What payment methods are available in South Africa?
In South Africa, common payment options include Instant EFT, Bank Transfer, Debit / Credit Card, and Cash. Availability, fees, and processing times can vary by provider and destination.
What is the recommended payment method in South Africa?
Instant EFT is often a solid default because it balances cost, speed, and availability. Your best option may still depend on the amount and provider.
Which payment method is usually the cheapest in South Africa?
Instant EFT is often the most cost-effective option for South African Rand (ZAR), though final costs depend on fees and exchange rates.
Which payment method is usually the fastest in South Africa?
Instant EFT is often the fastest option, especially for smaller transfers, though processing times can vary by provider.
What is the most common payment method in South Africa?
Instant EFT is widely supported across providers and is a reliable option for many transfers.
Which payment method is best for speed in South Africa?
Instant EFT and Debit / Credit Card are often best for speed in South Africa. Often useful when you want to send and receive funds quickly. Actual costs and speed still depend on the provider.
Which payment method is best for faster checkout in South Africa?
Instant EFT, Debit / Credit Card, and Cash are often best for faster checkout in South Africa. Can reduce checkout friction with quicker transaction confirmation. Actual costs and speed still depend on the provider.
Which payment method is best for convenience in South Africa?
Instant EFT and Debit / Credit Card are often best for convenience in South Africa. Often easier to use with fewer steps to complete payment and receipt of funds. Actual costs and speed still depend on the provider.
Which payment method is best for lower fees in South Africa?
Instant EFT and Bank Transfer are often best for lower fees in South Africa. Often a good choice if you want to minimize fees and improve overall value. Actual costs and speed still depend on the provider.
Which payment method is best for larger amounts in South Africa?
Bank Transfer is often best for larger amounts in South Africa. Often a better fit when sending and receiving bigger amounts, where fees and exchange rate margins matter more. Actual costs and speed still depend on the provider.
Which payment method is best for smaller amounts in South Africa?
Debit / Credit Card is often best for smaller amounts in South Africa. Often convenient for smaller transfers, though fees can still vary by provider. Actual costs and speed still depend on the provider.
Which payment method is best for limited banking access in South Africa?
Cash is often best for limited banking access in South Africa. Can help if banking access is limited in the country, depending on local availability. Actual costs and speed still depend on the provider.
Which payment method is best for cash senders in South Africa?
Cash is often best for cash senders in South Africa. Can work well if you prefer cash, though availability and limits vary by provider. Actual costs and speed still depend on the provider.
Tips For Sending Money From South Africa
Sending money from South Africa can be simple and cost-effective if you know what to look for. Below are practical tips to help you get better value, avoid common mistakes, and make the most of your South African Rand (ZAR) transfers.
Compare exchange rates from various providers in South Africa
Many providers often advertise "low" or even "zero" fees, but make up the difference by offering weaker exchange rates.
When sending money from South Africa in ZAR, always compare the final amount the recipient receives, not just the upfront fee. A slightly higher fee with a stronger exchange rate can often work out cheaper overall.
The exchange rate on an international money transfer sent from South Africa is one of the most important factors you should pay attention to.
Choose the right payment method for South African Rand remittances
The way you fund your transfer from South Africa matters.
Bank transfers are often the most cost-effective for larger ZAR amounts, whilst debit or credit cards can be faster, but may come with higher fees or less favorable exchange rates.
Look for local payment methods in South Africa (if available) as they can offer a good balance of speed and cost.
If you send South African Rand overseas regularly, experimenting with different payment methods can lead to meaningful savings over time.
Be aware of transfer limits and regulations in South Africa
Providers operating in South Africa often apply different limits depending on how you send ZAR and whether your account is fully verified. From South Africa, higher-value transfers may require additional identity checks. Completing KYC (know your customer) and other regulatory requirements early can unlock better limits and reduce delays later.
ZAR transfer timing can affect speed and cost
Bank-funded transfers from South Africa usually follow local banking hours. Transfers initiated late in the day, on weekends, or during public holidays may take longer to process.
If speed matters, check cut-off times and consider faster payment options in South Africa when available.
Watch out for South African Rand conversion traps
In rare cases, some card issuers in South Africa automatically convert ZAR into another currency before the transfer is processed, often at poor rates.
To avoid this, send in ZAR and let the money transfer provider handle the conversion, as this is usually cheaper and more transparent.
Find the best provider for the destination country
Not all providers offer the same pricing or payout options for every corridor from South Africa. A service that works well for one destination may be expensive or slow for another.
Always compare providers specifically for your chosen destination to get the best payout for your South African Rand money transfers.
We also recommend having accounts with several money transfer companies in South Africa so you can capitalize on better rates and deals from them.
Small differences add up
If you send money from South Africa regularly, even small improvements in ZAR exchange rates or fees can make a big difference over time. Comparing providers before each transfer helps ensure more of your South African Rand reaches its destination.
At RemitFinder, we make it easy to compare trusted money transfer services side by side, so you can send money from South Africa knowing you are getting the best available option for your needs.
FAQs About Sending Money From South Africa
Here are some additional questions that sometimes come up from our readers in South Africa when it comes to sending money abroad.
Is it legal to send money from South Africa to another country?
Sending money internationally from South Africa is generally legal. Licensed money transfer providers operate under local and international regulations, which means transfers in South African Rand (ZAR) must meet standard identity and compliance checks.
That said, global political situations and financial restrictions may be in place for certain countries. Always check before you send ZAR from South Africa.
How can someone from South Africa send me money?
If you wish to receive money from South Africa, have the sender search for a suitable provider that supports South African Rand transfers. Once they choose a suitable money transfer operator in South Africa, they will need your bank or related information to send you the funds.
Do I need a bank account to send money from South Africa?
Not always. Many providers allow you to send money from South Africa using bank transfers, debit cards, or sometimes cash, depending on what is commonly supported locally.
Also, lookout for local payment options in South Africa that can be cheaper and faster.
Overall payment method availability in South Africa can vary by provider, transfer amount, and destination country.
Are there limits on how much I can send from South Africa?
Yes. Transfer limits from South Africa depend on the provider, the payment method you use, and whether your account is fully verified. Bank-funded transfers in ZAR usually allow higher limits than card-based or cash-funded transfers.
How to send money internationally from South Africa?
To send ZAR from South Africa, simply located your destination country above, or directly search for your chosen corridor. RemitFinder will show you a comparison table with various providers in South Africa for your chosen destination.
Once you locate the provider of your choice, use their service to send money from South Africa.
How can I reduce the cost of sending money from South Africa?
The most effective way to lower the cost of South African Rand transfers is to compare providers before you send.
Exchange rates, fees, and payout methods can vary significantly when sending South African Rand from South Africa, even for the same destination. Comparing options helps ensure more of your ZAR reaches the recipient.
Which app is best to send money from South Africa?
Depending on your chosen destination to send ZAR from South Africa, there may be several providers available. To easily compare them, use RemitFinder’s online comparison engine and pick the best provider for your South Africa remittances.