How to Send Money From Australia to South Africa

Sending money from Australia to South Africa has traditionally involved methods like bank transfers, international money transfer services, and digital wallets. While these options are widely available, they often come with high fees, slow processing times, and less-than-ideal exchange rates.

VALR Pay offers a modern alternative—instant, fee-free transfers using cryptocurrencies, including stablecoins like USDC, USDT, and EURC. It’s the most convenient and cost-effective way to send money from Australia to South Africa.

5 Ways to Transfer Money From Australia to South Africa

1. Bank Transfers

Australian banks such as Commonwealth Bank, NAB, ANZ, and Westpac support SWIFT transfers to South Africa. While secure, these transfers often take a few business days to process and come with significant service fees and unfavourable currency exchange rates. You’ll also likely need to fill out forms or visit a branch for larger transfers.

2. Money Transfer Services

Providers like Western Union, MoneyGram, and WorldRemit are commonly used in Australia for sending money overseas. They’re generally quick and accessible, but fees can add up fast—especially for instant transfers. You’ll also want to double-check that your recipient in South Africa can access a pickup location or has a bank account.

3. Foreign Exchange Companies

Companies like OFX and TorFX offer competitive rates for larger international transfers. While they may reduce some fees compared to banks, they often require setting up an account and may not be suitable for smaller, everyday transfers. The process can also be slower and involve extra documentation.

4. Digital Wallets and Fintech Apps

Apps such as PayPal, Revolut, and Wise offer Australians the ability to send money abroad. These are convenient for tech-savvy users, but transfers to South Africa can involve hidden fees, delays, or limitations depending on the app’s support for South African banks and regulations.

5. VALR Pay (Crypto Transfers)

VALR Pay provides a fast, fee-free alternative for sending money from Australia to South Africa using cryptocurrency—especially stablecoins like USDC, USDT, or EURC. It’s instant, borderless, and doesn’t involve traditional banking middlemen. VALR is one of South Africa’s leading crypto platforms, allowing your recipient to easily convert the funds into South African Rand (ZAR) or keep it in crypto.

How to Send Money From Australia to South Africa with VALR Pay

Transferring money from Australia to South Africa with VALR Pay is simple and secure. Just follow these steps:

1. Sign in to VALR

Visit valr.com or download the VALR app on your smartphone (iOS or Android). Click “Get Started” to create your free account, or log in if you already have one.

2. Navigate to VALR Pay

Once you’re logged in, go to the "VALR Pay" section and select “Pay” to begin the transfer process.

3. Choose the asset and amount to transfer

Make sure your VALR account is funded with the cryptocurrency you’d like to send. Choose a stablecoin like USDC, USDT, or EURC, then enter the amount you want to send. Stablecoins are ideal for cross-border transfers as they offer price stability.

4. Enter recipient’s details

Input the recipient’s phone number, email address, or VALR Pay ID. You can also include an optional note or choose to send anonymously for added privacy.

5. Complete the transaction

Double-check all the details and tap “Next”. Confirm the transaction by clicking “Pay now”. The recipient will receive the funds instantly.

Enjoy instant, secure, and fee-free money transfers from Australia to South Africa with VALR Pay. Sign up now to get started and simplify your cross-border payments.

Risk Disclosure

Trading or investing in crypto assets is risky and may result in the loss of capital as the value may fluctuate.

VALR (Pty) Ltd is a licensed financial services provider (FSP #53308).