Key Services in South Africa

• Send money to bank accounts
• Cash pickup at Mukuru and Sikhona locations
• Mobile money transfers
• Airtime top-ups

Step 1: Sender Creates Account

The person sending money must register with WorldRemit. They need an email address and password. They must verify their identity with a photo ID.

Step 2: Enter Transfer Details

The sender chooses the country and amount to send. They select how the receiver will get the money. They see the fees and exchange rate before paying.

Step 3: Pay for Transfer

The sender pays using a debit card, credit card, or bank transfer. WorldRemit processes the payment and starts the transfer.

Step 4: Money Arrives

The receiver gets an SMS notification when money arrives. Most transfers complete within minutes. Some take a few hours or up to one day.

What You Need:

• Your full name (as per your ID)
• Your bank account number
• Your bank branch code
• Your mobile number for SMS notification

Time: Usually arrives within 0-2 business days

Cost: FREE – No charges for receiving

What You Need:

• Valid photo ID (SA ID, passport, or driver’s licence)
• Transaction reference number (sent by SMS)
• For amounts over R20,000: proof of address

Time: Usually ready within minutes

Limits: Maximum R50,000 per transaction

What You Need:

• Valid photo ID
• Voucher number and PIN (sent by SMS)
• One-time registration on Sikhona portal

Time: Available within minutes at ATM

Limits: R5,000 per day, R25,000 per month

⚠️ Important Receiving Limits (December 2025)

• Sikhona ATM: R5,000 per person per day
• Sikhona ATM: R25,000 per person per month
• Mukuru/Sikhona branch: Up to R50,000 per transaction
• Bank transfer: No limit (but sender may have limits)

From WorldRemit Platform:

Maximum of $1,400 USD (approximately R25,500) per transaction when sending from South Africa through WorldRemit.

From SARB Regulations:

Single Discretionary Allowance: R1 million per person per year (no SARS approval needed)

Foreign Investment Allowance: Up to R10 million per year (requires SARS tax clearance)

Step 1: Verify Your Identity

Upload your South African ID or passport. Provide proof of address (utility bill or bank statement).

Step 2: Choose Payment Method

Pay by debit card, credit card, or bank transfer. Bank transfers are only available from some countries including South Africa.

Step 3: Enter Receiver Details

Provide receiver’s full name, country, and how they will get money. Add their bank account or collection details.

Step 4: Review and Send

Check all details carefully. Review the exchange rate and fees. Confirm payment to complete transfer.

⚠️ South African Exchange Control Rules

You must use an Authorised Dealer (like a bank) for transfers. WorldRemit is registered and follows SARB rules. For amounts over R1 million per year, you need SARS tax clearance. Keep records of all international transfers.

Example 1: Sending £100 from UK to South Africa

Transfer fee: £3.99 (approximately R95)

Exchange rate markup: Around R50-R80

Total cost to sender: Around £110-£115

Receiver gets: Approximately R2,300

Example 2: Sending $500 from USA to South Africa

Transfer fee: $3.99 (approximately R75)

Exchange rate markup: Around R200-R350

Total cost to sender: Around $525-$545

Receiver gets: Approximately R8,800-R9,000

• Credit card fees: Your card issuer may charge extra for international transactions
• Exchange rate changes: Rates can change between quote and payment
• Bank receiving fees: Some SA banks charge for incoming international transfers (R50-R150)
• Failed transfer fees: WorldRemit may charge if transfer fails due to wrong details

Required Documents:

• Valid photo ID (passport, national ID, or driver’s licence)
• Proof of address dated within 6 months
• Active email address
• Mobile phone number
• Debit/credit card or bank account to pay

Proof of Address Can Be:

• Utility bill (electricity, water, gas)
• Bank statement
• Municipal rates notice
• Lease agreement
• Tax assessment

For Amounts Under R20,000:

• Valid photo ID only
• Transaction reference number

For Amounts R20,000 – R50,000:

• Valid photo ID
• Proof of address (dated within 3 months)
• Transaction reference number
• May need proof of relationship to sender

⚠️ Important About Documents

All documents must be clear and readable. Photocopies may not be accepted for cash pickup. Your name must match exactly between sender’s details and your ID. Expired documents are not accepted.

Step 1: Create Your Account (5-10 minutes)

1. Go to www.worldremit.com or download the app
2. Click “Sign Up” or “Register”
3. Enter your email address and create a password
4. Verify your email by clicking the link sent to you

Step 2: Verify Your Identity (10-30 minutes)

1. Upload a photo of your ID (front and back)
2. Upload your proof of address
3. Take a selfie for facial verification
4. Wait for WorldRemit to approve (usually few minutes)

Step 3: Enter Transfer Details (3-5 minutes)

1. Select the country you’re sending to
2. Enter the amount you want to send
3. Choose how receiver will get money (bank/cash/mobile)
4. Review the total cost and exchange rate
5. Click “Continue” if you agree

Step 4: Enter Receiver’s Information (5 minutes)

1. Enter receiver’s full name (exactly as on their ID)
2. Enter their mobile number
3. Enter their email address (optional)
4. For bank transfer: enter bank account details
5. For cash pickup: enter their city/location
6. Select reason for sending (family support/services/etc)

Step 5: Pay for Your Transfer (2-5 minutes)

1. Choose payment method (bank transfer/debit card/credit card)
2. Enter your payment details
3. Review all details one final time
4. Confirm and complete payment
5. Save your receipt and reference number

Step 6: Track Your Transfer (Ongoing)

1. You’ll get an SMS when money is sent
2. Receiver gets SMS when money arrives
3. Check status in the app or website
4. Save all confirmation messages

For Mukuru Branch Pickup:

1. Wait for SMS notification that money is ready
2. Find nearest Mukuru branch location
3. Bring your ID and transaction reference number
4. Tell the agent you’re collecting a WorldRemit transfer
5. Show your ID and give the reference number
6. Sign the receipt
7. Count your money carefully before leaving

For Sikhona ATM Pickup:

1. First time: Register on Sikhona portal using the link in SMS
2. Go to any Standard Bank ATM
3. Select “Collect instant money” option
4. Enter voucher number and PIN from your SMS
5. Select amount to withdraw
6. Take your cash and slip
7. Keep the slip as proof of collection

Scam 1: Fake “You’ve Received Money” Emails

You get an email saying someone sent you money through WorldRemit. The email says you must pay a fee to receive the money. This is a scam.

The Truth:

• WorldRemit NEVER charges receivers any fees
• You never pay money to receive money
• Real WorldRemit emails come from @worldremit.com

Scam 2: Romance/Relationship Scams

Someone you met online asks you to send money via WorldRemit. They may say it’s an emergency. They may promise to pay you back. They may say they love you.

Warning Signs:

• You’ve never met this person in real life
• They make urgent requests for money
• They have an excuse why they can’t meet you
• They quickly say they love you
• Their story keeps changing

Scam 3: Fake Customer Service

Someone calls or emails claiming to be from WorldRemit. They say there’s a problem with your transfer. They ask for your password or PIN.

The Truth:

• WorldRemit NEVER asks for your password
• They never ask for your PIN or security code
• Call them yourself using the number on their website
• Don’t click links in suspicious emails

Scam 4: “Send Money to Claim Your Prize”

Someone says you won a lottery or prize. They say you must send money through WorldRemit to claim it. They may say it’s for taxes or processing fees.

The Truth:

• Real lotteries never ask you to pay to claim prizes
• If you didn’t enter, you can’t win
• This is always a scam

Scam 5: Job/Employment Scams

Someone offers you a job. They send you money via WorldRemit. They ask you to send some of it back. Or they ask you to buy equipment and send pictures.

Why This is Dangerous:

• The money they sent was stolen or fraudulent
• You will be responsible and lose money
• You could face legal problems
• Real jobs never work this way

Scam 6: Fake Online Sellers

You buy something online (Facebook, Gumtree, etc). The seller asks you to pay via WorldRemit. After you send money, they disappear. You never get your item.

Why This Happens:

• WorldRemit is for sending to people you know and trust
• Once you send, you can’t get it back
• Use payment methods with buyer protection instead

• Deepfake voice scams: Scammers use AI to copy family member’s voices
• SIM swap fraud: They steal your phone number to access accounts
• Phishing SMS: Fake messages that look like your bank
• WhatsApp account takeovers: They pretend to be your contacts
• Fake payment confirmations: Screenshots that look real but are edited

✅ DO These Things:

• Only send money to people you know and trust
• Verify the person by calling them (not just SMS)
• Use the official WorldRemit app or website
• Check the email address is exactly @worldremit.com
• Keep all receipts and reference numbers
• Enable two-factor authentication on your account
• Report suspicious messages to WorldRemit immediately
• If something feels wrong, stop and ask questions

❌ NEVER Do These Things:

• Send money to someone you’ve never met in person
• Pay fees to receive money (it’s always a scam)
• Share your WorldRemit password with anyone
• Send money because of an urgent emotional request
• Use WorldRemit to pay for online purchases from strangers
• Click links in suspicious emails about WorldRemit
• Send money to claim prizes or lottery winnings
• Accept job offers that involve receiving and sending money

Act Immediately – Every Minute Counts:

1. Contact WorldRemit: Call or message them right away with your reference number. They may be able to stop the transfer if money hasn’t been collected yet.
2. Report to your bank: If you paid by card, contact your bank immediately. They may reverse the charge.
3. Report to SABRIC: Call 0860 123 000 or visit www.sabric.co.za
4. Report to SAPS: Open a police case at your nearest police station
5. Report to Action Fraud: If scammer is overseas, report at www.actionfraud.police.uk
6. Change passwords: Change your WorldRemit password and any shared passwords immediately
7. Keep evidence: Save all messages, emails, receipts, and screenshots

⚠️ Reality Check on Recovery

Be honest: if money has been collected, it’s usually gone forever. Most victims never recover their money. This is why prevention is so important. Don’t feel ashamed – scammers are professionals. Just report it and warn others.

Why Wise is Often Cheaper:

• Uses mid-market exchange rate (no markup)
• Transparent fees shown upfront
• Often 40-60% cheaper than banks
• Can hold multi-currency accounts
• Debit card available for spending abroad

When to Choose Wise Over WorldRemit:

• Receiver has a bank account
• You want the lowest cost
• Speed is not urgent (1-2 days is okay)
• Sending large amounts (over R10,000)

Remitly Features:

• Two speeds: Economy (3-5 days) and Express (instant)
• First transfer often has promotional low rate
• No fees on transfers over $500 (if paid by bank)
• Available in 150+ countries
• Bank deposit, mobile money, and cash pickup

When to Choose Remitly:

• You’re a first-time sender (good promotional rate)
• Sending over $500 (no fee)
• You want flexibility on speed
• Receiver needs mobile money option

Mukuru Specializes in Africa:

• Excellent for sending within Southern Africa
• Over 150 physical locations in South Africa
• Mukuru Money Card available
• Partners with WorldRemit for wider reach
• Good understanding of African needs

When to Choose Mukuru:

• Sending to Zimbabwe, Zambia, or other African countries
• Receiver prefers cash pickup
• You want a company familiar with African markets
• You need physical branch support

Sending $500 from USA to South Africa:

• Wise: Receiver gets approximately R8,950 (cheapest)
• Remitly: Receiver gets approximately R8,800-R8,900
• WorldRemit: Receiver gets approximately R8,700-R8,850
• Western Union: Receiver gets approximately R8,400-R8,600
• Your bank: Receiver gets approximately R8,000-R8,300 (most expensive)

Difference: Up to R950 (almost R1,000!) for the same transfer

Consumer Protection Act Rights:

• Right to transparent pricing and fees
• Right to accurate information about services
• Right to fair dealing and honest service
• Right to complain and get assistance
• Right to be protected from unfair practices

For International Transfers:

• Company must be registered with SARB
• They must follow exchange control regulations
• Your personal data is protected by POPI Act
• Transfers must comply with anti-money laundering laws

Step 1: Contact WorldRemit First

Before going elsewhere, try to solve the problem with WorldRemit directly. They may fix it quickly.

• Phone: Check their website for your country’s number
• Email: Through their website contact form
• App: Use the chat function in the app
• Twitter: @WorldRemitHelp

Give them 7-10 business days to respond. Keep records of all communication.

Step 2: If Not Resolved – Escalate to Regulator

If WorldRemit doesn’t fix your problem, complain to the financial regulators.

• Your full name and contact details
• WorldRemit account details (if you have account)
• Transaction reference number
• Date and time of transaction
• Amount sent and amount that should be received
• Description of the problem
• What you’ve already done to try to fix it
• Copies of receipts, emails, and screenshots
• What outcome you want

⚠️ Important Timeframes

Report problems immediately. Many consumer protections have time limits. Report fraud within 24-48 hours for best chance of recovery. Keep all documentation for at least 12 months.