How to send money from the UK to South Africa
Every year, thousands of South Africans move to the UK for education, work, and family reasons.
Whether you're supporting loved ones back home, handling personal investments, or simply sending a gift, the need to send money from the UK to Africa—especially South Africa—is common among immigrants and expats.
This article will walk you through the cheapest ways to send money to South Africa from the UK, using reliable platforms and methods that save you time and fees.
4 ways to send money from the UK to South Africa
1. Use high street banks
Transfer money to South Africa using traditional high street banks like Barclays, Lloyds, and HSBC.
These banks offer international transfers that allow you to send money from the United Kingdom to South Africa by moving funds to a corresponding bank account.
You’ll need your recipient’s details, including bank name, account number, and SWIFT/BIC code. While reliable, this option often comes with higher fees and slower transfer times—so it may not be the cheapest way to send money to South Africa from the UK.
2. Western Union
Western Union remains one of the most well-known ways to send cash to South Africa.
It offers options for both bank transfers and cash pickups. To use the service, download the app or visit a physical location, then wire money to South Africa by providing your recipient's details.
3. MoneyGram
MoneyGram works similarly to Western Union. You can send funds from your bank account, credit card, or via cash payment, and your recipient can receive the money directly to their account or pick it up in cash.
It’s a great option to send money to SA if your recipient prefers quick access to cash.
4. Digital platforms (FinTech)
Technology has completely transformed how we send money to Africa. Now, with just your phone, you can easily transfer money to South Africa from the UK through digital platforms like Wise, Revolut, Grey, and OhentPay.
Why use OhentPay to send money to South Africa?
OhentPay is one of the best platforms to send money to South Africa from the UK.
It offers speed, affordability, and a user-friendly app that works across 190+ countries and supports 50+ currencies.
Whether you need to send money to Africa for business or family needs, OhentPay helps you do so with low fees and competitive exchange rates.
How to use OhentPay to send money from UK to South Africa
- Download the OhentPay App
Find it on the App Store or Google Play. - Sign Up or Sign In
Create an account and verify your identity using a valid ID like your driver’s license. - Set Up Your Account
Add currencies (e.g., GBP and ZAR), recipients, and fund your account. - Send Money
Choose your currency (e.g., GBP to ZAR), enter the amount, and send money to South Africa instantly. You can also add a reference or use the default OhentPay message.
FAQs
How can I send money to South Africa from the UK?
You can use high street banks, services like Western Union and MoneyGram, or digital platforms like OhentPay. OhentPay is often the most seamless and cost-effective.
What’s the cheapest way to send money to South Africa from the UK?
Digital platforms like OhentPay usually offer the best exchange rates and lowest fees compared to banks and older wire transfer services.
