How to send money to Portugal from South Africa with the best ZAR-EUR rate

The exchange rate determines the price you’ll pay for Euro when sending Rand to Portugal.

The rate between the Rand and Euro is currently 0.0531. Key Currency offers the best exchange from ZAR-EUR.

The total cost of sending money to Portugal 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-EUR is 0.0531 EUR 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 Euro eventually received in Portugal.

This number should allow you to determine if you are getting a good deal. A higher amount of money received in Portugal, 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 Portugal.

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

Bank transfers

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

A money transfer company like Key Currency offer bank transfers between South Africa and Portugal 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 Portugal with a debit or a prepaid card is very simple with .


is a leader in debit card payments for transfers from South Africa to Portugal, 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 Portugal will aid in keeping your money safe.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Large transactions between South Africa and Portugal, 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 Portugal is their easy sign up process in South Africa.

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

Some transfers into Euro may need to be reported to tax authorities in Portugal, particularly where inheritance or property purchases are involved.

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