Sending money from South Africa to Zambia is easier than ever—especially with MTN mobile wallets, which are a fast, reliable, and popular way for your loved ones to receive money directly on their phones.
But there's one important thing to keep in mind:
đź“Ś Zambian recipients must have a valid TPIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) linked to their mobile number to receive international transfers.
This requirement comes from the Bank of Zambia's regulations and ensures compliance with cross-border money transfer laws. If the TPIN isn't registered or linked correctly, the transfer will fail, causing unnecessary delays for your recipient.
👉 Send Money to Zambia with Mama Money and enjoy safe, easy transfers to MTN mobile wallets, with peace of mind that your funds will reach the right person, fast.
A TPIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) is a 10-digit number issued by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA). It's a unique tax ID used to identify individuals and businesses for tax purposes in Zambia.
Under the Bank of Zambia's Electronic Balance of Payments (E-BoP) regulations, a TPIN is mandatory for all international money transfers.
✅ If your recipient in Zambia wants to receive money from South Africa—especially into their MTN mobile wallet—they must have a valid TPIN linked to their mobile number.
❌ Transfers cannot be processed without a TPIN. The funds will not be delivered until this requirement is met.
By ensuring the TPIN is correctly registered and linked, you help your loved ones avoid delays and ensure the transfer goes through smoothly.
Before your loved one in Zambia can receive money, it's important to make sure their TPIN is active and linked to their mobile wallet number.
Here's how they can check or register:
Option 1: Visit the ZRA Website
Visit the Zambia Revenue Authority website and follow the instructions to register for a TPIN or check the status of your existing number.
Option 2: Use USSD on a Zambian Mobile Phone
Dial *858# on their phone and choose Option 2 to register their TPIN.
What's needed?
Once the TPIN is successfully registered and linked, your transfer with Mama Money can go through without delay.
To receive money from South Africa through Mama Money, the TPIN and MTN Mobile Money number must be linked to the same ID number (either a National Registration Card or a passport).
If they don't match, the transfer will fail—even if the TPIN is valid.
What to Do:
If you're not sure the details match, visit your nearest MTN Service Centre in Zambia.
A friendly agent will help you:
This ensures your money arrives safely, quickly, and without complications.
If a TPIN check fails when trying to receive money through MTN Mobile Money:
Step 1: MTN may prompt the recipient to manually enter their TPIN.
They can do this directly from their phone.
If it still doesn't work, the issue is usually caused by a mismatch between the ID number on the TPIN and the one linked to the MTN Mobile Money account.
What to Do Next:
Once your records are corrected, you'll be able to receive transfers quickly and securely.
It's important to know that you do not need a TPIN for everyday local MTN services.
No TPIN is required when using your MTN Mobile Money account for:
TPIN is only required for cross-border transfers—such as money sent from South Africa through Mama Money. This is to comply with Zambia's E-BoP (Electronic Balance of Payments) regulations for international remittances.
So if you're receiving money from abroad, make sure your TPIN is registered and linked correctly to your MTN wallet.
To receive international transfers from South Africa via Mama Money, your TPIN must be registered and correctly linked to your MTN Mobile Money account.
Here's how to do it:
Step 1: Register for a TPIN
OR
Step 2: Make Sure Your Details Match
Step 3: Link Your TPIN to Your MTN Wallet
Step 4: Wait for Confirmation
Need to send money now?
Send Money to Zambia with Mama Money
Mama Money makes it safe, fast, and affordable to send money to Zambia from South Africa—but your recipient needs to be prepared.
Without a valid, linked TPIN, your transfer may be delayed or rejected.
Save time and stress by ensuring your loved one's TPIN is active and correctly linked to their MTN mobile wallet.
Sending to Zambia soon?
Visit our Zambia page to get started.
Encourage your recipient to check their TPIN status today—so they can receive money without any issues.
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