How to send money to Israel from South Africa with the best ZAR-ILS rate

The exchange rate determines the price you’ll pay for New Israeli Sheqel when sending Rand to Israel.

The rate between the Rand and New Israeli Sheqel is currently 0.1809. Key Currency offers the best exchange from ZAR-ILS.

The total cost of sending money to Israel from South Africa is a mix of the mid-market, exchange rates and transfer fees.

• The Mid-Market and Exchange Rates: The mid-market for ZAR-ILS is 0.1809 ILS per Rand.

• Fees: When sending money there may be additional fees. Key Currency offers the lowest fee of the 8 providers tested, costing justs 0 ZAR per transfer.

• Amount Received: When comparing providers, the best measure is the amount of New Israeli Sheqel eventually received in Israel.

This number should allow you to determine if you are getting a good deal. A higher amount of money received in Israel, means a better overall cost of sending money from South Africa.

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

Here are the popular ways to send money from South Africa to Israel:

Bank transfers

Bank transfers are often the best payment method for money transfers from South Africa to Israel.

A money transfer company like Key Currency offer bank transfers between South Africa and Israel with lower fees and better exchange rates than you would get from a traditional bank. 


Debit and prepaid cards

Sending money from South Africa to Israel with a debit or a prepaid card is very simple with .


is a leader in debit card payments for transfers from South Africa to Israel, competing among a total of 8 active money transfer companies on this route.

Credit cards

Not many money transfer companies offer direct credit card deposits, because it is more expensive for everyone.

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

Ensuring you fully understand regulations in South Africa and Israel will aid in keeping your money safe.

Our directory of worldwide financial regulators contains details on regulation for sending money between South Africa and Israel.

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

Companies will offer different rates and fees for different transfer amounts. For regular transfers to Israel, use TorFx. The combination of rates and fees when sending from South Africa to Israel 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 Israel. Mis-understanding these could result in a slower, or even failed, transfer.

There are different ways to receive New Israeli Sheqel in Israel. 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 Israel will offer every method for incoming New Israeli Sheqel, so it’s best to check ahead of time.

One of the more common ways to transfer from South Africa into New Israeli Sheqel is directly into a bank account. TorFx is the best company for bank transfers between South Africa and Israel.

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

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 Key Currency.

When signing up to and sending Rand to Israel, 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 Israel it will be similar, although this should only be needed if you are opening a new account in Israel, or collecting in cash. Sending to an existing bank account in Israel shouldn’t require any additional ID checks.

Large transactions between South Africa and Israel, 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 TorFx has scored so highly for transfers to Israel is their easy sign up process in South Africa.

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

Some transfers into New Israeli Sheqel may need to be reported to tax authorities in Israel, particularly where inheritance or property purchases are involved.

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