How to Send Money from South Africa to Europe
Whether you're sending funds to family, paying for travel or education, or supporting a business in Europe, getting money out of South Africa can be expensive and complicated. Traditional methods like international bank transfers or remittance services often come with high fees, lengthy processing times, and poor exchange rates.
VALR Pay offers a modern, borderless alternative: instant, secure, and fee-free money transfers using cryptocurrencies, including EURC, a euro-backed stablecoin designed for fast and reliable cross-border payments. You can also send USDC, USDT, or South African Rand (ZAR)—but if you're sending to Europe, EURC is your best bet.
5 Ways to Send Money From South Africa to Europe
1. International Bank Transfers
Banks like FNB, ABSA, Nedbank, and Standard Bank support SWIFT payments to European banks. While widely accepted, these transfers can take 2–5 business days to process, incur hefty service fees, and often apply unfavourable exchange rates.
2. Remittance Services
Services such as MoneyGram, Western Union, and WorldRemit allow South Africans to send money to Europe. These platforms are easy to use, but come with high fees—especially for express or cash pickup services. Exchange rates also tend to be less competitive than mid-market rates.
3. Forex and International Payment Providers
Companies like Shyft, Sable International, and Exchange4Free specialise in international currency transfers. While they can offer better rates than banks, the process can be bureaucratic, with KYC checks, minimum transfer amounts, and delayed settlement times.
4. Digital Wallets and Fintech Apps
Apps like PayPal, Wise, Revolut, and Skrill enable users to send and receive international payments. However, these platforms often hide fees in exchange rate markups, require linked accounts, and may restrict transfer limits or charge extra for speed.
5. VALR Pay (Crypto + EURC Transfers)
VALR Pay offers a fast, reliable, and fee-free method for sending money to Europe. You can send EURC—a euro-backed stablecoin—directly to your recipient. It’s ideal for transfers to Europe, as it holds its value 1:1 with the euro and avoids the volatility of other cryptocurrencies.
With EURC, your recipient receives funds in a euro-equivalent stablecoin, which can be used on European crypto platforms or converted into euros via local exchanges. It’s instant, secure, and completely free.
How to Send Money From South Africa to Europe with VALR Pay
Sending money to Europe with VALR Pay is simple. Here's how:
1. Sign in to VALR
Go to valr.com or download the VALR app on iOS or Android. Click “Get Started” to open an account, or log in if you're already a user.
2. Navigate to VALR Pay
Once signed in, tap on “VALR Pay” and select “Pay” to start your transaction.
3. Choose the asset and amount to transfer
Ensure your VALR account is funded with the crypto of your choice. Select the cryptocurrency or stablecoin you want to send, such as EURC, USDC, or USDT, and enter the transfer amount. Stablecoins are ideal for cross-border transfers as they offer price stability.
4. Enter recipient’s details
Enter the recipient’s email address, phone number, or VALR Pay ID. You can include a message or opt to send the funds anonymously.
5. Complete the transaction
Review the transaction details, hit “Next,” and then “Pay now.” The funds will be sent instantly—no bank queues, no delays.
Enjoy fast, secure, and fee-free money transfers from South Africa to Europe with VALR Pay. Sign up today to experience seamless 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).
