How to Send Money from South Africa to Kenya via MPesa

How to Send Money from South Africa to Kenya via MPesa

Sending money internationally has become easier with the advent of digital financial services. For those looking to transfer funds from South Africa to Kenya, MPesa is a popular and efficient method. This guide provides detailed instructions on various ways to send money from South Africa to a recipient’s MPesa account in Kenya.

Table of Contents

Contents

a)    Using International Money Transfer Services. 1

b)    Bank Transfers. 2

c)    Using PayPal with MPesa. 2

d)    Using Mobile Apps. 2

e)    Tips for a Smooth Transfer 2

MPesa, a mobile money service launched by Safaricom in Kenya, has revolutionized the way people handle financial transactions. It allows users to deposit, withdraw, transfer money, and pay for goods and services using their mobile phones. This guide will walk you through the different methods you can use to send money from South Africa to Kenya via MPesa, ensuring that your transactions are seamless and secure.

a)    Using International Money Transfer Services

Several international money transfer services allow you to send money directly to an MPesa account in Kenya. Some of the popular services include:

• Western Union
• MoneyGram
• WorldRemit
• Remitly

Steps:

1. Create an Account: Sign up for an account with your chosen money transfer service.
2. Select Destination: Choose Kenya as the destination country.
3. Enter Amount: Input the amount you want to send.
4. Choose Delivery Method: Select MPesa as the delivery method.
5. Provide Recipient Details: Enter the recipient’s MPesa mobile number.
6. Make Payment: Pay for the transfer using your debit/credit card or bank transfer.
7. Confirmation: Once the transaction is processed, you and the recipient will receive confirmation messages.

b)    Bank Transfers

Some banks in South Africa offer direct transfers to MPesa accounts in Kenya. Check with your bank to see if they provide this service.

Steps:

1. Log in to Online Banking: Access your online banking platform.
2. Select International Transfer: Choose the option for international money transfer.
3. Enter Recipient Details: Provide the recipient’s name, MPesa mobile number, and other required details.
4. Enter Amount: Specify the amount you wish to transfer.
5. Review and Confirm: Double-check the details and confirm the transaction.

c)     Using PayPal with MPesa

If you and the recipient both have PayPal accounts, you can send money via PayPal, and the recipient can withdraw it to their MPesa account.

Steps:

1. Send Money via PayPal: Log in to your PayPal account, select “Send & Request,” and enter the recipient’s email address.
2. Recipient Withdraws to MPesa: The recipient can then withdraw the PayPal balance to their MPesa account using the PayPal-MPesa integration.

d)    Using Mobile Apps

Some mobile apps facilitate cross-border transfers to MPesa accounts. Apps like Chipper Cash and Sendwave might support this functionality.

Steps:

1. Download the App: Install the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Sign Up: Create an account and verify your identity.
3. Send Money: Follow the app’s instructions to send money to the recipient’s MPesa account.

e)    Tips for a Smooth Transfer

• Ensure Correct Details: Double-check the recipient’s MPesa number and other details.
• Check Fees and Exchange Rates: Be aware of any fees and the exchange rate being offered.
• Verify Limits: Some services have limits on how much you can send at one time or per day.

Using any of these methods should allow you to transfer money from South Africa to Kenya via MPesa efficiently.