In this article, we’re going to explore your options to send money to South Africa from the USA.
That said, if you regularly send international transfers and you’re interested in low-cost options, you may want to consider opening with one of the best international banks for expats.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.
Table of Contents
- Send Money to South Africa From the USA
- Sending a Money Transfer to South Africa
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Do You Want Help Opening Bank Accounts?
Send Money to South Africa From the USA
You can send money to South Africa from the USA through traditional bank transfers, online foreign exchange services, money order services, and more. Each transfer method has different fees, pros, and cons you should consider.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to transfer money elsewhere, like sending money to Madagascar from the US, additional costs can apply.
As is the case when choosing any banking service, there are several important considerations when deciding which service to use to send money. The most important variables that most people consider include the following:
- Time it takes for the transfer to complete
- Fees for sending the transfer
- Foreign exchange fee for converting from USD to ZAR
- Any requirements for the sending or receiving party
The answers to the above questions will differ for each service. For example, while bank transfers are effective and have limited requirements for both parties, they tend to be more expensive than available alternatives. That said, while a money order service may be a fast option, they require the recipient to be able to show up in person. So, if you’re looking to make a transfer with a money order service and want to know how to send money through Western Union in person, you can access our free article linked here to get started.
Of course, digital and online transfer services present a viable alternative to both bank transfers and money order services. In most cases, they offer fast transfers, low fees, and limited requirements for both parties.
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Sending a Money Transfer to South Africa
When sending a money transfer to South Africa from the USA, the sender should consider the fees for the transfer and the exchange rate between USD and the South African Rand (ZAR).
Timing is also important as the Rand has been weakening in recent years against other foreign currencies. So, it may be best to limit the amount you convert from USD to ZAR to what is required at that time. Then, when additional funds are needed in the future, further transfers can be made.
Send Money Online to South Africa From the United States
As mentioned, online transfer options offer an attractive alternative to traditional banks and money order services. In most cases, they are more cost effective and faster.
The specific service you choose will likely depend on your country of residence and the options available.
For example, US citizens will have a different set of options than individuals from the UK, Canada, or Australia.
Bank Account Transfer to South Africa
Traditional bank transfers to South Africa are an option as well. In fact, in some instances, they may prove more cost effective than online services. One instance where this could be the case is when transferring between your own accounts with a major international bank.
Not surprisingly, as one of the largest economies in Africa, South Africa is home to many international banks. This includes several major US banks as well as banks from other major financial markets. Opening accounts with these banks in your home country can facilitate account opening in South Africa (and elsewhere).
With this in mind, individuals engaging in frequent transactions may want to use this option in order to benefit from existing banking relationships.
Alternative Ways to Send Money to South Africa From USA
One of the most popular alternative ways to send money to South Africa from the USA is by using an international money order service.
There are a number of major international money order service companies that operate in both the USA and South Africa that offer competitive rates.
However, it’s important to confirm with the receiving party that they are able to visit an agent location to receive the transfer before sending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are two of the most common questions that we receive from people looking how to send money to South Africa from USA. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
Can I PayPal From US to South Africa?
Yes, you can use PayPal to send money from the US to South Africa. However, compared to alternative transfer methods, PayPal tends to have higher foreign exchange fees. So, it’s important to compare the cost of sending money to South Africa from the USA with PayPal before initiating the transfer.
Can You Use Venmo in South Africa?
No, you cannot use Venmo in South Africa. In fact, Venmo is only supported in the United States. So, if you are looking to use Venmo anywhere else in the world, you will not be able to log into your account or execute transactions.
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