Send Money to the UK from South Africa: The Fast & Affordable Way

Whether you have children studying at university in London, family members who have emigrated, or you simply need to pay for services abroad, the connection between South Africa and the United Kingdom is stronger than ever.

However, moving money between the two countries has traditionally been a headache. If you have ever tried to use a traditional bank to send money to the UK, you are likely familiar with the frustration: complex SWIFT codes, queuing in branches, filling out endless paperwork, and waiting 3 to 5 working days for the funds to clear.

Worse still are the fees. Between high commission charges and poor exchange rates, a significant chunk of your hard-earned Rands often disappears before it even reaches your loved ones.

Fortunately, there is a better way. At Mama Money, we have made it easier, faster, and much more affordable to send money to the United Kingdom.

Why Traditional Banks Are Costing You Too Much

When you send money via a traditional bank, you are often hit with two types of costs:

  1. The Transaction Fee: A flat fee that can range from R150 to R500, depending on your bank.
  2. The Exchange Rate "Spread": This is the hidden cost. Banks often give you a rate far lower than the real market rate, keeping the difference as profit.

With the Rand often being volatile against the British Pound (GBP), you cannot afford to lose value on hidden fees. Mama Money offers full transparency. You see the exact exchange rate and the exact fee before you hit "send." Our low fees mean that more money arrives in your recipient's bank account.

Step-by-Step: How to Send Money to the UK

Sending money to the UK shouldn't require a degree in finance. We have stripped away the paperwork so you can do it all from your mobile phone.

Step 1: Download the App

To get started, simply download the Mama Money App. It is free to download and works on both Android and iOS devices.

Step 2: Register in Minutes

You don't need to visit a branch to sign up. You can register directly in the app by uploading a clear photo of your ID and taking a selfie. We accept:

  • South African ID
  • Foreign Passport
  • Asylum Document

Step 3: Add Your Recipient

Select "United Kingdom" as the destination. You will need your recipient's full name, their UK Sort Code, and their Account Number. Once you have added them, their details are saved for future payments.

Step 4: Pay and Send

Enter the amount you wish to send. You can pay for your order via EFT from your internet banking app or pay with cash at one of our retail partners (including Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite, Cambridge Food, and Makro).

Speed and Security: Is it Safe?

When sending money internationally, trust is everything. Mama Money is a licensed Authorised Dealer in Limited Authority (ADLA) regulated by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). We use advanced security technology to ensure your money and personal data are always protected.

But what about speed? We know that when you send money, it is often needed urgently. Unlike the 3-5 day wait with traditional banks, Mama Money transfers to the UK are processed rapidly. Funds generally arrive in your recipient's UK bank account within 24 hours, and often on the very same day.

Start Saving on Your Transfers Today

Don't let high fees and slow processing times get in the way of supporting your friends and family abroad. Join the thousands of South Africans who have switched to a smarter, digital way to move money.

Ready to send?

Download the Mama Money App now to check our great rates and make your first transfer to the UK today.