Best ways to send money to South Africa from the UK
🏅 The overall best way to send GBP to South Africa: TorFx
💲 The cheapest way to send money to South Africa from the UK: Wise
⏲️ The fastest way to send money to South Africa from the UK: WorldRemit
🏦 The best way to send money from the UK to South Africa via a bank transfer: TorFx
💳 The best provider for credit card transfers from the UK to South Africa: WorldRemit
💳 The best provider for debit card transfers from the UK to South Africa: TorFx
Sending money from the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is a popular destination for migrants from all continents. It’s why it’s easy to send money from this country to any destination worldwide, and here’s a detailed guide that will help with that.
How do I send money from the United Kingdom?
While you have many options to transfer funds abroad from the United Kingdom, it's all about finding the one that suits your needs. The factors worth considering include simplicity, affordability, and speed of the transfer. And if we take into account all those categories, money transfer platforms are your best option.
These are specialized companies with a focus on international transactions. Direct bank transactions often take days, and mobile wallets can be incredibly expensive. Money transfer platforms keep the costs low and conversion rates fair. You only need to fill out a simple form, so it can't get easier than that. And the delivery can be quick, with many transfers finalizing within a day.
What details do I need to send money from the United Kingdom?
International financial regulations require having the following when sending money from the UK to South Africa or another destination:
A document that confirms your identity: You’ll need to show identification to prove who you are - usually a passport or driving license will do
Payment method supported by the provider: The common options include bank accounts and card deposits, and most people have these, so it shouldn't be a problem finding a suitable option
Enough funds to finalize the transfer: The sender covers all transaction costs, and don't forget potential losses on converting GBP to another currency
Recipient and delivery information: The provider and the collection method should be available at the desired destination. It's also necessary to enter the recipient's name and address, as well as their bank details if required
Do I have to pay tax on money transfers from the United Kingdom?
If you are sending money abroad, the UK government won't tax you for the transaction. You don't have to worry when transferring funds from one individual to another person. It could be a gift, family, or educational support, but there shouldn't be any taxes.
The regulations vary if you are buying a house or a large asset in the destination country, or employing a worker from abroad. These might require paying relevant taxes in the UK or the target country, so we suggest consulting an expert.
Sending money to South Africa
Before we continue, let us remind you that we have a detailed guide on sending money to South Africa on our website. As for what the recipient needs to know, we'll discuss that in the following sections.
How do I receive money in South Africa?
The delivery method is specified by the sender, so make sure you agree on one with the recipient first. Here are the options you have available in South Africa:
Cash pickup: Most money transfer providers, such as XE or Wise, have agent locations in South Africa. You can collect money at these safe locations, but since you'll have cash in your hands, we suggest being cautious and taking someone with you
Bank account deposit: It requires providing the sender with your bank account details, such as the number, bank, routing number, and other info. You can check the SWIFT codes for South Africa on our website and find the desired branch
Mobile wallets: A significant portion of adults in South Africa doesn't have a bank account, so mobile wallets could be a viable alternative
What details do I need to receive money in South Africa?
The recipient will need to go through the claiming process, which includes providing the following information:
Your details: You’ll need to give your name and address, so ensure it’s exactly as given by the sender
ID: You should have a form of photo ID to prove you are the intended recipient, and in South Africa you can use a passport, driving license or a Smart ID card
Transaction info: Some providers might ask you for the sender's name and the exact sum you expect to avoid potential fraud, while there may also be a reference code or number you need to give
Do I have to pay tax on money transfers to South Africa?
South Africa has a personal income tax applied to worldwide revenue. The tax rate is progressive and stands at 18% for income up to ZAR 226,000 during a single tax year. The tax year starts in March and lasts until the end of February the following year. The tax rates increase gradually and go up to 45% for sums above ZAR 1,731,601.
Some exemptions exist, so we'd suggest checking with a local expert to learn more about the taxation policies. Business transactions are also subject to taxation, and the rate applied could be different.
What is the fastest way to send money from the United Kingdom to South Africa?
When sending money from the United Kingdom to South Africa, speed is one of the biggest factors you need to consider in terms of the service offered by different money transfer providers. Currently, WorldRemit is the fastest way to send GBP - ZAR.
Thanks to online money transfer platforms, the sum you send from the United Kingdom can reach South Africa in little time. Choosing a cash pickup as the delivery method rather than a bank account deposit means the recipient should be able to collect the cash as soon as you’ve deposited it. If speed is a priority then you may be better off paying by card as some providers process this faster than bank transfers.
The only other thing to confirm is that you've chosen a provider that supports fast transactions. That's where MoneyTransfers.com can help - our comparison tool offers an overview of transaction times and other relevant features when sending money from the UK to South Africa.
How long does it take to send money from the United Kingdom to South Africa?
You can generally expect your money transfer from the UK to South Africa to be completed within a day. The provider will give you an estimated time, and you can monitor the current status of your transfer from the account on the platform. The actual transfer time will depend on the following:
Selected provider: Comparing providers with MoneyTransfers.com makes it easier to find the fastest provider for your transfer, so you know you’re getting the best deal possible
Transaction parameters: Apart from choosing a fast transfer if necessary, you should go with card deposits rather than bank transactions to speed up the process
Amount sent: Monitoring authorities could choose to check the transaction manually, especially for large sums, which extends transfer time
Transaction timing: Many providers operate with a cut-off time. If you miss it, you’ll need to wait for the next day for the transfer to finalize. Transferring money at night, or during the weekend or a public holiday could also lead to delays
What's the cheapest way to send money from the United Kingdom to South Africa?
Finding the cheapest way to send money from United Kingdom to South Africa is easier when you compare your options with MoneyTransfers.com. Wise has been determined by our comparison engine to be currently offering you the cheapest rates possible.
If you want to keep the transaction price low, you might have to sacrifice transfer speed. Bank transfer deposits via money transfer providers tend to be the cheapest, but they aren't always processed as quickly as debit or credit card payments.
Conversion rates when changing GBP to ZAR vary. Banks tend to offer the most unfavorable rates, while money transfer providers are closer to the mid-market level. Use MoneyTransfers.com to compare different rates and pick the best MTP to send money from the UK to South Africa. You should also consider potential transaction fees imposed by the provider, although these companies are transparent about their charges.
How much does it cost to send money from the United Kingdom to South Africa?
Here's a brief rundown of the factors that affect the pricing of the money transaction:
How much you are sending: Some providers increase their fees proportionally with the transaction. Others, however, charge more for small transactions and lower charges to encourage you to make large transfers
Check the mid-market and the rate at the provider: The mid-market rate dictates how much the currencies are worth when compared. The rates at the providers are lower, so it’s useful to compare them to see how much you can get for your money
Transfer fees: Apart from the conversion markup, providers earn from the charges they require to finalize the transfer. You can compare the rates of different platforms at MoneyTransfers.com
What payment methods are available when sending money from the United Kingdom to South Africa
Here's an overview of the payment options you’ll normally have when sending money from the UK to South Africa.
Sending money from the United Kingdom to South Africa by credit card
If you want to send money abroad using a credit card, you can use a money transfer provider like [PROVIDER_PAYMENT_TYPE type="Credit Card"] to pay for your transfer to South Africa.
Using a credit card to pay for your international money transfer from the UK to South Africa offers a few advantages. It’s a convenient and secure way to pay, and you’ll find that some providers process credit card payments faster than bank transfers. You may even be entitled to reward points or cashback for using your credit card.
However, they have downsides too - the main one being the increased cost for using your credit card. Money transfers are seen as cash advances by credit card companies, and these often carry an extra charge on top of currency conversion and usage fees. You also risk paying interest if you don’t pay back what you owe, and using your credit card could affect your credit score.
Sending money from the United Kingdom to South Africa by debit card
With [PROVIDER_PAYMENT_TYPE type="Debit Card"] you can send money online to South Africa using your debit card. But before making a payment, make sure you understand all the processing fees in place.
Debit cards come with multiple benefits, too. The first one is that it's easier to qualify for a debit card since all you need is a connected bank account. Transactions are safe and quick, considering the same issuers and institutions protect this payment method. The money is available immediately, and debit cards combined with cash collection delivery secure instant finalization when sending money from the UK to South Africa.
Processing fees are lower than for credit cards, but using debit cards is pricier than going with bank transfers. Another consideration is you can only use what's available on the card's connected account, so there's no line of credit.
Sending money from the United Kingdom to South Africa by bank transfer
Bank transfers are the most common ways of sending money South Africa as they are secure, reliable, and convenient. You can use [PROVIDER_PAYMENT_TYPE type="Bank Transfer"] to send money using a bank transfer at a great rate as long as you’re happy for your transfer to take a little longer to process.
Some confusion might arise due to different bank transfer options since you can use direct bank transactions and MTPs. If you use direct bank transfers, you'll end up paying a fortune on conversion fees, but also intermediary charges when using the SWIFT system.
HSBC and other banks operating in both countries could make direct bank transfers faster and cheaper when sending money from the UK to South Africa, but the best option is to use specialized money transfer platforms. These don't usually charge processing fees for bank deposits. They aren't instant as with card payments, but most get finalized on the same day.
Sending money from the United Kingdom to South Africa by digital wallet
The term digital, mobile, or e-wallet refers to services like PayPal, Google Pay, Skrill, or Neteller. Some support international transactions, so you can send money from the UK to South Africa. But the first requirement is for the recipient to have the same wallet as the sender, or they won't be able to receive the money.
Digital wallet transactions are instant, which is great. But the conversion fees tend to be unfavorable, and even transfer costs are surprisingly high. Finally, the recipient should be aware they can only have the money in their e-wallet, so withdrawing to a bank account is necessary to collect cash, and that takes additional time.
What are the best apps for sending money from the United Kingdom to South Africa?
Some examples of apps covering this route include Western Union, Wise, and MoneyGram. You can find comparisons of these services at MoneyTransfers.com. For example, check out our MoneyGram vs Western Union comparison to learn more about these platforms.
Specialized money transfer platforms like XE or TorFX also have Android and iOS apps. Starting up the app is fast, and using it simplifies sending money from the UK to South Africa on a mobile phone. You can use an already registered account with that platform, and all the same payment methods will be available.
About Money Transfers to South Africa from the UK
We’ve compared the best money transfer providers to send money from the UK to South Africa. The cheapest provider for GBP to ZAR transfers is Wise, while the fastest is WorldRemit.
💸 Number of providers
9+
💰 Most transferred amount
1000 ZAR +
💸 Cheapest provider (on average)
Wise
⚡ ️Fastest transfer time
In minutes with WorldRemit
💱 Currency Transfer Pair
GBP - ZAR
📈 GBP - ZAR mid market rate
22.430504
💳 Pay-in options in the UK
Bank transfer from the UK with TorFx, Debit card with TorFx and credit card with WorldRemit
💵 Pay-out options in South Africa
Bank account, Debit card, Cash pickup in South Africa
What is the easiest way to send money from the United Kingdom to South Africa?
It can't get much simpler than using online money transfer providers. Registering an account is only required the first time, and you can send money in a couple of clicks from there. Money transfer providers are fast, affordable, and secure, and you have many options available. It's best to use MoneyTransfers.com and the comparison tools available here to identify the option that fits your preference.
How much can I send from the United Kingdom to South Africa
You are free to transfer any amount down this route. However, providing proof of origin could be necessary for large sums since financial surveillance departments in both countries work hard to prevent potential money laundering and financial crime. Money transfer providers used could also impose various restrictions, such as transfer limits per transactions or within a certain timeframe.
Can I send money from the United Kingdom to South Africa without a bank account
The easiest way is to use a credit card, but that requires qualifying and obtaining one. The other alternative is using cash deposits at the respective agent locations of the chosen provider. You may also be able to send an international money order, but these come with several limitations and are not accepted everywhere.
Can I send cash from the United Kingdom to South Africa
Yes you can send cash abroad, but check to confirm which money transfer provider has agent branches in your vicinity. Don't forget to confirm the provider is also available in South Africa, so the recipient can collect the money.
Can I set up regular payments from the United Kingdom to South Africa
Platforms like TorFX employ an agent to work with you and find the parameters for international transactions that best fit your needs. The odds are MTPs will provide better rates for frequent customers, although you can also consider HSBC and other banks operating in both locations.
Can I send money from the United Kingdom to South Africa with PayPal
Yes, but don't forget the most important thing – the recipient should also have PayPal to receive funds. They'll get it immediately, but it's necessary to transfer those funds to a bank account to pick up cash from that bank's branch.
What currency is used in South Africa
Rand is the official currency in the entire country. The symbol is usually only R, although you'll often recognize it with its international code ZAR.
How to find the best exchange rate?
Finding the best exchange rate is crucial to maximising the money received on the other end. Usually, you will receive better exchange rates with money transfer provider compared to a traditional bank. Here’s are a few tips to find the best exchange rate online:
Start looking early: various providers will offer different exchange rates on different days, start looking as early as you can to identify the best provider for your currency pair
Pay attention to the current exchange rate: staying up to date with the current exchange rate will give you the advantage to buy and sell on time. Currencies fluctuate daily due to supply and demand, so checking it frequently is advised to get the best rate possible. Alternatively, you can sign up with our price alerts to know when your currency reaches the desired price
Avoid using your bank: banks are trustworthy, reliable and convenient, but they do not provide value for money. They charge high fees and usually have higher costs compared to the money transfer provider. Some money transfer companies will even provide a mid-market rate
How do we compare money transfers from the United Kingdom to South Africa?
The comparison service at MoneyTransfers.com shows you the most relevant brands for sending money from the United Kingdom to South Africa, so you can find the best deal for converting GBP to ZAR for your transfer.
What do we mean by the top provider?
Our top provider is the money transfer service that we believe is the most suitable for sending money from the United Kingdom to South Africa. To keep our service free for users, we also factor in commercial agreements we have with our partners.
How do we choose which providers to display?
We make sure each table shows the most relevant brands for sending money from the United Kingdom to South Africa. We consider a range of factors when choosing which providers to display, such as the quality of their service, the benefit to the consumer, and to keep our services free, the commercial agreement we have with the partner.
We ensure every provider is authorised and regulated to provider money transfers from the United Kingdom to South Africa, by regulatory bodies such as the FCA, ASIC, Fincen, FINTRAC, and AMF. They are also manually checked by our team for both quality of service and online trust from platforms like Trustpilot and Google Reviews.
How do we order our comparisons?
We are affiliated with some of the partners displayed in the tables. However we ensure the order of providers is based on the quality of service for transfers from the United Kingdom to South Africa, followed by the commercial agreement in place.
You won’t pay any extra and the deal you get isn’t affected by our commercial agreement with the provider. We may receive a commission when you click through to a listing or when you make a transaction.
We aim to find the balance between the quality of the service, customer satisfaction and the commercial agreements we have, and continue comparing services in a transparent way. If you have any questions about our listings, please don’t hesitate to email us at contact@moneytransfers.com.