For many South Africans, the United Kingdom isn't just a travel destination—it's a second home. Whether it's children heading off to prestigious universities in London or siblings seeking new work opportunities in Manchester, the ties between our two nations run deep.
However, for the family members left back home in South Africa, supporting loved ones abroad comes with a major financial challenge: the exchange rate.
With the British Pound (GBP) being one of the strongest currencies in the world, converting South African Rands (ZAR) can feel like an uphill battle. When you are already stretching your budget to cover tuition, rent, or living expenses, the last thing you need is to lose even more money to expensive bank fees and unkind exchange rates.
That is where Mama Money steps in. We help you support your family by ensuring that when you send money to the United Kingdom, more of it actually arrives in their pocket.
We see thousands of South Africans using our app every month to keep their families connected. Some of the most common reasons include:
No matter the reason, the goal is always the same: to get the money there safely and quickly, without wasting a cent.
This concept simply measures how many everyday goods, like a cup of coffee or a daily transport pass, you lose to high transfer fees and poor exchange rates. It is easy to overlook a "transaction fee" when sending large sums, but those fees add up fast.
Think of it this way: If a traditional bank charges you a minimum fee of R350 to R500 for an international transfer, plus a commission on the exchange rate, you could be losing the equivalent of £15 to £20 on every single transfer.
For a student living in the UK, that £20 isn't just "fees"—it is a week's worth of bus fares, a few days of groceries, or a necessary textbook. By switching to Mama Money, where fees are low and transparent, you are essentially putting that buying power back into your child's or family member's hands.
As a parent or supportive family member, you have enough to worry about without having to drive to a bank branch every time your child needs money for groceries.
Mama Money allows you to manage your international support entirely from your smartphone.
Sending money to the UK is easier than buying airtime. You simply need to download the Mama Money App and register by snapping a photo of your ID and a selfie.
We connect directly with all major UK banks. Whether your loved one uses Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, Monzo, or Revolut, we can deposit funds directly into their account, usually within 24 hours.
Distance shouldn't mean disconnection, and supporting your family shouldn't cost a fortune. By choosing a specialist money transfer operator like Mama Money, you are making a smart financial decision that benefits both you and your loved ones abroad.
Make your Rands go further: Download the Mama Money App today and experience the easiest way to send love and support to the UK.