How to send money to Zimbabwe from South Africa with the best ZAR-USD rate

Comparing providers offering services between South Africa and Zimbabwe, based on your specific needs is the best way to send money with confidence.

Based on the availability of companies for ZAR/USD

• Western Union Agent is our top pick for sending Rand to Zimbabwe. A transfer of 4,300 Rands to USD will cost you R129 in fees, and you will receive 235.8 USD. The transfer time is minutes - 5 days, but might be a bit longer depending on the day you make the transfer.

• Of the 4 providers compared, Mukuru is the cheapest option for sending money right now. We found that Mukuru is 1.99% cheaper than the second-best option.

• Fastest way to send money to Zimbabwe from South Africa is via PayPal App (P2P Transfer). The transfer time is minutes with PayPal App (P2P Transfer) for a R4,300 transfer, but it will depend on the time, day of the week, and the amount you send.

Our comparison includes 4 companies that provide the ability to send Rand to Zimbabwe.

This ensures you get the best options for transfers to Zimbabwe from South Africa, based on the amount you want to send.

The exchange rate determines the price you’ll pay for US Dollar when sending Rand to Zimbabwe.

The rate between the Rand and US Dollar is currently 0.0603. Mukuru offers the best exchange from ZAR-USD.

The total cost of sending money to Zimbabwe 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-USD is 0.0603 USD per Rand.

• Fees: When sending money there may be additional fees. Mukuru offers the lowest fee of the 4 providers tested, costing justs 301.00000000000006 ZAR per transfer.

• Amount Received: When comparing providers, the best measure is the amount of US Dollar eventually received in Zimbabwe.

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

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

Bank transfers

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

A money transfer company like Mukuru offer bank transfers between South Africa and Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe with a debit or a prepaid card is very simple with Western Union Agent.


Western Union Agent is a leader in debit card payments for transfers from South Africa to Zimbabwe, competing among a total of 4 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 Zimbabwe will aid in keeping your money safe.

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

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

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

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

One of the more common ways to transfer from South Africa into US Dollar is directly into a bank account. Western Union Agent is the best company for bank transfers between South Africa and Zimbabwe.

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

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

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

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

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

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