Find the Best Way to Transfer Money to South Africa
To find the best way to transfer money to South Africa, you should compare your options. Even before you do that, it's important to understand how it actually works.
How to transfer money from Australia to South Africa
While each bank and money transfer service is different, you will always need to follow these steps to transfer your money safely and quickly:
- Setting up an account usually takes 5-10 minutes and make sure you have some I.D. on hand
- Enter the bank details of the person or company you are sending the money to
- Pay for your transfer using a card or bank transfer
Now that you know how to transfer money to South Africa, you can compare your options. We understand, this isn't easy.
Every bank and money transfer company offer different exchange rates and transfer fees depending on how much you want to send.
That's why using our table compares the total cost of the transfer, based off the amount of your transfer.
How to find the cheapest way to transfer money to South Africa
Banks and money transfer services will offer different foreign exchange rates and transfer fees depending on your amount. To find the cheapest option, you really need to compare the total cost of the transfer based on your amount.
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How much will it cost to make my international money transfer?
There are 3 fees you'll usually be charged to send money to South Africa:
- Exchange rates - The better the exchange rate, the more South African rand (ZAR) you get in the South African bank account. Money transfer services that offer competitive exchange rates will usually charge you a separate transfer fee.
- Transfer fees - These can range anywhere between $0 to $5. Some online transfer companies offer fee-free transfers for sending large amounts of money. These companies usually charge a slightly worse margin on their exchange rate, but are still better than bank fees.
- Hidden fees - You or the person you're sending money too will often get charged a bank receiving fee or banks intermediary fee of approximately $25 each.
What information do you need to transfer money to South Africa?
You usually need to provide the following information to your bank or money transfer service for your international money transfer:
Transfer details
- Transfer Amount
- Currency - select ZAR
- Reason for transfer
Your details
- Your full name
- Bank account number
- Personal address
- Phone number
Overseas Bank Account details
- Bank's name
- Branch address
- IBAN code
- Swift code or BIC code
- Recipient's bank account number
- Recipient account full name
How long does it take to transfer money overseas?
Money Transfer Services can take 0 - 3 business days
When using a money transfer service like TransferWise, they tend to quote transfer time in hours not days. Unlike banks, they keep you updated on the movement of your funds.
Remittance Companies can take 0 - 5 business days
An instant transfer is available with remittance companies if you pay a higher transfer fee and the person can organise a cash pick-up. You can send money using a bank transfer and it can take up to 5 business days.
Bank to Bank Transfer can take 2 - 5 business days
Also known as a 'wire' or 'telegraphic transfer'. These transfers are slow, because the money may go through a network of correspondent banks before landing into their local bank account.
What are the limits and tax implications on online money transfers to South Africa?
There are no limits on the amount of money you can transfer to a South African bank account. Your money transfer service or bank might have a restriction however sometimes these are as high as 2 billion per transfer. Some money transfer services do not have limits.
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) requires a Reporting Mandate form to be filled out online once per calendar year for the person receiving the money in South Africa. The form asks the recipient to list their full name, address, date of birth, cell phone, reason for transfer, passport number and email address.
There is a 'donations tax' in South Africa on money gifted between South African residents of 20% for amounts over R100,000 annually. However it does not apply if the donor is a foreign resident. The South African recipient needs to disclose in their tax return ITR12 form as an "amount not considered taxable". This needs to submitted once per year.
For more information it is best to contact a tax professional for advice is you are unsure of the rules.
How can I transfer money to South Africa with the big 4 banks in Australia?
While we have covered the benefits of using a money transfer provider, many people have bank accounts with NAB, CBA, Westpac and ANZ and these guides show you:
- How to transfer money overseas with Commonwealth Bank
- How to transfer money overseas with NAB
- How to transfer money overseas with Westpac
- How to transfer money overseas with ANZ
Keeping your money safe
One of the main questions people ask us is “will my money be safe online?" The answer is yes.
We've made sure that all the money transfer services and banks you compare are safe. Each company is :
- Is regulated in Australia - AUSTRAC in Australia
- Holds an appropriate financial services license - with ASIC in Australia
- Have strict privacy and verification policies - this is to ensure they fully identify all of their customers. They invest in identity protection, fraud prevention and encryption to create a secure connection with your browser when you register and login into their online services.
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FAQs about Sending Money from Australia to South Africa
How can I pay for my money transfer to South Africa?
Depending on your provider, there are several different ways to pay. Many providers accept direct bank transfers, wire transfers, or debit cards or credit card payments. They may charge a small additional fee, depending on how you decide to pay.
Is it safe to use The Currency Shop to compare?
Yes. The Currency Shop holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (ASIC) (462269) and is a member of the Financial Ombudsman Service. We closely vet our providers and only partner with the largest, safest and most trusted money transfer companies in the world. That just makes sense.
How does The Currency Shop make money?
The Currency Shop does not charge you. Instead, we receive a referral fee from the banks and money transfer companies that we are partnered with. This does not affect the price you pay.
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