Disclaimer: Exchange rates change often. Confirm the total cost with the provider before transferring money.
How to send money to South Africa
Find out about safe, secure and cost-effective transfer options when you need to send money to South Africa.
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When you need to get money to a loved one in South Africa, the last thing you want to have to deal with is a complicated and expensive process. Sending money from Hong Kong to Johannesburg or Cape Town doesn’t have to be expensive. If you compare the transfer fees and exchange rates of the many options available, you can get the most South African rands for your dollar.
Compare international money transfer services to South Africa
How do international money transfers work?
An international money transfer allows you to send money to a recipient overseas. Generally, a transfer involves you providing funds to a bank or an independent transfer provider, which then sends the money to your recipient in another country — in this case, South Africa. This can be done in person, over the phone, through a mobile app or online. You can use cash, a credit or debit card, or transfer funds from your bank account, which will then either be deposited into your recipient’s bank account or mobile wallet, or made available as cash for them to pick up at a location in their country.
Banks versus money transfer providers
The first place many people go when they need to send an international money transfer is to their bank. While banks can certainly send money overseas for you, their fees are often higher compared to companies that specialise in international money transfers. These money transfer companies focus on international transactions and can offer much better exchange rates than most major banks.
Steps to sending money to South Africa
- Choose a transfer provider that sends money to South Africa.
- Provide your contact information, email address and phone number.
- Supply your recipient’s contact information.
- Choose the amount of your transfer and complete the transaction. Save any reference or receipt number to track the progress of your transfer.
How to compare transfer companies when transferring money to South Africa
- Exchange rates. The better the exchange rate, the more of your money will make it to your recipient in the form of South African rands. Compare rates between companies but remember that some companies that offer higher exchange rates will also charge higher fees.
- Fees. Fees apply to many international money transfers, so examine the fee structure of each provider. You can also keep an eye out for providers that waive their fees when you transfer more than a certain minimum amount.
- Transfer methods. How can you make your transfer request: online, in person, on a mobile app and/or over the phone?
- Transfer options. While some companies simply offer one-time transfers, others offer features such as forward contracts, which allow you to take advantage of favourable market conditions.
- Turnaround time. The processing time can be important when you need to send funds urgently, and transfer times can range from minutes to several business days.
- Minimum amount. Some providers impose a minimum transfer limit, which can often be restrictive if you don’t want to send a large amount of cash.
- Pick-up methods. From bank account deposit to collection from an agent location and even home delivery of the cash, there are several options available from money transfer providers.
- Customer service. If something goes wrong with a transaction will phone, email and/or live chat support be available?
Foreign exchange rates explained
The exchange rate determines how much one country’s currency is worth in another currency. When a country’s currency is strong, it will yield more money when exchanging it in a country with a weak currency. Which means it can change from moment to moment based on interest rates, economic stability and other factors.Options for sending money to South Africa from Hong Kong
- Bank transfers. Many Hong Kong banks allow you to send an international wire transfer to a South African bank account.
- Online money transfer providers. Companies like WorldRemit offer fast transfers and competitive exchange rates.
- Money transfer companies with cash pick-up options. Western Union, MoneyGram and other providers offer this option.
- PayPal. Digital payments giant PayPal allows you to send money online from Hong Kong to South Africa.
- Cheques. International guaranteed cheques can also be sent between Hong Kong and South Africa.
Emergency cash transfers in South Africa
If you need to send an urgent money transfer to South Africa, keep in mind that you will usually have to settle for higher fees and lower exchange rates to get your money there as quickly as possible. Even if you’re in a hurry, make sure to check the fees and the exchange rate that will apply to your transaction to ensure that you know exactly how much your transaction will cost.
Back to topTips for picking up cash in South Africa
Some areas of South Africa, such as Johannesburg, have high crime rates. You should exercise caution when you pick up cash in certain areas.
- Remain aware of your personal security at all times.
- Keep cash in a safe place.
- Avoid any high crime areas.
- Deposit the cash into a bank account as soon as possible.
Cash pick-up locations in South Africa
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