How to Send Money From Lesotho to South Africa

Sending money from Lesotho to South Africa is a common need—whether it's for family support, education, or business. Traditional methods like bank transfers and cash-based remittance services are widely used, but they often come with high fees, slow processing times, and poor exchange rates.

VALR Pay offers a modern solution: instant, fee-free transfers using cryptocurrencies like USDC, USDT, and EURC—as well as South African Rands (ZAR). It’s a faster, cheaper, and more convenient way to send money from Lesotho to South Africa.

5 Ways to Transfer Money From Lesotho to South Africa

1. Bank Transfers

Major banks in Lesotho such as Standard Lesotho Bank, Nedbank Lesotho, and FNB Lesotho offer SWIFT transfers to South Africa. While this method is reliable, it’s often slow and expensive, with additional fees and subpar exchange rates. Transfers may also require in-branch visits and identity verification.

2. Money Transfer Services

Remittance services like MoneyGram and Western Union are commonly used across Lesotho. They provide relatively quick service, but their fees are high, especially for smaller amounts. Your recipient will also need access to a payout location or a compatible bank in South Africa.

3. Mobile Money Operators

Lesotho’s mobile money services—like Mpesa (via Vodafone Lesotho) and EcoCash—may offer some cross-border functionality, but direct transfers to South African bank accounts are typically limited or indirect, often requiring third-party apps or intermediaries that introduce more fees and delays.

4. Forex Bureaus and Agencies

There are licensed forex bureaus that facilitate cross-border payments to South Africa, but they usually require in-person visits and cash transactions. Rates and fees vary and are often not very transparent, making this a less convenient option for regular transfers.

5. VALR Pay (Crypto + ZAR Transfers)

VALR Pay makes it easy to send money from Lesotho to South Africa using stablecoins like USDC, USDT, or EURC, as well as South African Rands (ZAR). This method is instant, secure, and completely fee-free. It eliminates middlemen and paperwork, and your recipient in South Africa can receive ZAR directly or choose to hold crypto.

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

Here’s how to send money with VALR Pay in just a few steps:

1. Sign in to VALR

Go to valr.com or download the VALR app from the iOS or Android store. Click “Get Started” to create an account or sign in if you already have one.

2. Navigate to VALR Pay

After logging in, go to the “VALR Pay” section and select “Pay” to begin your transfer.

3. Choose the asset and amount to transfer

Make sure your VALR account is funded. You can choose to send a stablecoin like USDC, USDT, EURC, or send ZAR (South African Rand) directly. Enter the amount you’d like to send.

4. Enter recipient’s details

Input the recipient’s phone number, email address, or VALR Pay ID. You can also include a message or choose to send the payment anonymously.

5. Complete the transaction

Review the details and tap “Next”. Then click “Pay now” to complete the transaction. The recipient receives the funds instantly.

Enjoy fast, secure, and zero-fee transfers from Lesotho to South Africa with VALR Pay.
Send crypto or ZAR instantly and hassle-free. Sign up now 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).