How to send money from South Africa to India: Step-by-step

You can send money from South Africa to India entirely from your phone, in just a few minutes, using the Mama Money app. This guide walks you through the full process — from downloading the app to your family receiving funds in their Indian bank account. It also covers fees, transfer times, payment methods, and what to do if anything goes wrong.

What you need before you start

• A smartphone (Android or iPhone)
• A South African ID, passport, or valid asylum/refugee document
• Your recipient's full name, bank name, and bank account number in India
• A payment method: EFT from your bank, Ozow instant payment, or cash at Shoprite, Pick n Pay, or another retail partner

Step-by-step: how to send money to India with the Mama Money app

1. Download the Mama Money app. Go to Google Play, the Apple App Store, or the Huawei AppGallery. Mama Money is free to download.
2. Create your account. Open the app and tap 'Register'. Enter your name, phone number, and email address, then create a PIN.
3. Verify your identity. Upload a clear photo of your South African ID, passport, or asylum/refugee document. Take a selfie using the in-app camera. Verification usually completes within 24 hours — sometimes faster.
4. Add your recipient. Tap 'Send Money' and select India as the destination. Enter your recipient's full name, their bank name, and their account number. Save them as a contact so you won't need to re-enter these details next time.
5. Enter the amount. Type in the rand amount you want to send. The app immediately shows you the live ZAR to INR exchange rate and the exact rupee amount your family will receive, along with the transfer fee — all before you confirm.
6. Choose how to pay. Select your preferred payment method: EFT from your bank account, Ozow for instant payment, or cash at a retail partner near you. If paying by EFT, Mama Money provides the banking details — transfer the rand amount and your order number as reference.
7. Confirm and send. Review everything — the amount, the rupee total, the fee, and your recipient's details. Tap 'Confirm & Send'. You'll receive an SMS confirmation immediately.
8. Track your transfer. Open the app at any time to check the status. You'll also receive SMS updates as it progresses.

How long does it take for money to arrive in India?

How much does it cost?

Mama Money charges a flat transfer fee that's shown upfront in the app before you confirm — no hidden fees and no marked-up exchange rate on top. For a full breakdown of fees by amount and payment method, see our India transfer fees and times guide.

Payment options available in South Africa

• Ozow: Instant EFT — your payment clears immediately, which speeds up your transfer.
• EFT from your bank account: Use Mama Money's banking details to make a standard bank transfer. Your order number is the payment reference. Clears within a few hours.
• Cash at retail partners: Pay at Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Boxer, Spar, Makro, Game, Flash stores, or other participating outlets. No bank account needed.

Which Indian banks can receive the money?

Mama Money supports direct transfers to all major Indian banks. See the full list of supported Indian banks — including SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis Bank, Punjab National Bank, Bank of India, Canara Bank, Bank of Baroda, and many more. As long as you have your family's correct bank name and account number, you're good to go.

Send limits for India

To upgrade your account, tap 'Increase Limits' in the Mama Money app. See mamamoney.co.za/mama-money-limits for full details.

What if something goes wrong?

If your transfer is delayed or you have a question, Mama Money's support team is available every day of the week. Reach them via WhatsApp on +27 64 802 8428 (customer support) or call +27 21 202 5420. Visit mamamoney.co.za/contact-us for all contact options.

• Monday to Friday: 7am – 5pm
• Saturday and Sunday: 9am – 5pm
• Public holidays: 9am – 1pm

Frequently asked questions