How to send money to Cameroon from South Africa with the best ZAR-XAF rate

The exchange rate determines the price you’ll pay for CFA Franc BEAC when sending Rand to Cameroon.

The rate between the Rand and CFA Franc BEAC is currently 34.8475.

The total cost of money transfers from South Africa to Cameroon is a combination of fees and exchange rates. Get the best of both, and you will be getting a good deal.

• The Mid-Market and Exchange Rates: The mid-market rate for ZAR-XAF is currently 34.8475 XAF per Rand. Providers offering services closer to this rate will ensure more CFA Franc BEAC for your Rands.

• Fees: Transfer fees are charged alongside a transfer. The company offering the lowest fee is Mukuru, charging 301.00000000000006 ZAR per transfer. In all cases, we recommend searching for your exact send amount as fees may change.

• Amount Received: Money transfer companies will show you the amount eventually received in CFA Franc BEAC. Simply, the higher the amount received in South Africa, the lower the cost of sending from Cameroon.

Sometimes, waiting a day or two can help you get more XAF for the same amount of Rand. Using a forward contract that also allows you to lock in an agreed exchange rate between South Africa and Cameroon.

Sending money via a bank transfer is the recommended option for sending money from South Africa to Cameroon.

Here are all the ways to send money from South Africa to Cameroon:

Bank transfers

Paying via a bank transfer is often the better option for sending money from South Africa to Cameroon.

By using a money transfer company such as Mukuru for transfers from South Africa to Cameroon, you can send money and while benefit from lower fees and more favorable exchange rates than you would get with a traditional bank. 


Debit and prepaid cards

Sending money from South Africa to Cameroon with a debit or a prepaid card is easy with Western Union Agent.


Western Union Agent is a one of the better options in the market for international debit card transfers from South Africa to Cameroon.

Credit cards

Not many money transfer companies offer direct credit card deposits, because it is more expensive for everyone (especially with high cash advance fees).

We recommend using a bank transfer or a debit card transfer if you can; otherwise, make a quick comparison to find the latest deal.

Some services between South Africa and Cameroon have minimum or maximum thresholds on how much you can transfer. This is applies when receiving money in Cameroon as well.

Companies will offer different rates and fees for different transfer amounts. For regular transfers to Cameroon, use Western Union Agent. The combination of rates and fees when sending from South Africa to Cameroon is the most competitive, even at larger amounts.

Also, always check with the recipient and understand any declarations needed on large amounts of money leaving South Africa, or entering Cameroon. Mis-understanding these could result in a slower, or even failed, transfer.

There are different ways to receive CFA Franc BEAC in Cameroon. This includes a direct bank deposit, cash pickup, a mobile wallet or receiving money into a multi-currency account.

Not all providers serving transfers from South Africa to Cameroon will offer every method for incoming CFA Franc BEAC, so it’s best to check ahead of time.

One of the more common ways to transfer from South Africa into CFA Franc BEAC is directly into a bank account. Western Union Agent is the best company for bank transfers between South Africa and Cameroon.

And if you need cash right away, check if cash pickup is an option for transfers between South Africa and Cameroon.

Mobile wallet services and payment apps like PayPal, Xoom, and CashApp are popular too, but they come with more limitations and higher costs compared to money transfer providers like Mukuru.

When signing up to and sending Rand to Cameroon, through a money transfer company, you will have to verify your ID.

The precise documents you need will vary and in some cases you will need more than one.

For the most part however, in South Africa this will be a government issued ID such as a passport or driver's license. In Cameroon it will be similar, although this should only be needed if you are opening a new account in Cameroon, or collecting in cash. Sending to an existing bank account in Cameroon shouldn’t require any additional ID checks.

Large transactions between South Africa and Cameroon, are subject to additional checks. A provider may ask you for proof of address or may want to carry out a proof of funds check.

One of the reasons Western Union Agent has scored so highly for transfers to Cameroon is their easy sign up process in South Africa.

When sending large amounts of money between South Africa and Cameroon there will potentially be a tax declaration to consider.

Some transfers into CFA Franc BEAC may need to be reported to tax authorities in Cameroon, particularly where inheritance or property purchases are involved.

Tax limits and personal allowances will change in Cameroon based on age, income and a few other elements. When in doubt, please contact a tax professional in South Africa or Cameroon to discuss your personal circumstances.