One of the hassles, at least in my book, is wiring funds as we prepare for a hunt. It's kind of nerve wracking as well in not knowing if the funds will actually show up in the proper account.

So I wire deposit funds to South Africa for myself and others a few times a year, is there a better way to transfer funds? Also the bank fees, South African bank cut, and not trusting the South African banking system. Is western union or something similar an option.

Are there other options that you have used which work better. Thanks for your help.

John

We transfer money overseas almost every day, but all done through the bank.

Never had any problems.

Very rarely, the money would get "lost" for 2-3 days by always turns up in the correct account.

If you do a search on how to transfer money overseas, you will get a number of choices.

We don't use any of these, as our banks have very good service.

I myself prefer to us PayPal, quick and easy, but a lot of safari companies don't use it. I hate carrying large amounts of cash, to payoff my safari at the end of the hunt. I have had some safari operators tell me bring US $100 bills to pay off your trip, we like them here? I have used a credit card too, just had to pay an extra 2% for using the card, which was fine by me, not a lot of cash to worry about.

I use my local Bank, and it works just fine for me.

USAA Federal Savings bank makes it easy & convenient.

John,

I've been wiring funds for many years to several countries in Africa with no problems as long as the information we had to give the bank was correct.

Mark

The only time I have had issues is if their primary bank is not on the SWIFT network and you have to go through an intermediary bank that is on the network.

My bank has to do the process manually instead of me doing it through their web site, and once the intermediary bank deposited funds to the wrong account as that is a manual process as well.

Still got sorted out at the end though.

I've wired fund for Africa and large purchases through my bank for several years, no problem. I've also received fund by wire.

Dave

Wiring funds today is as secure of a financial transaction as you can perform. Just make sure all the account and SWIFT info is correct and it's no issue at all.

Just check with your bank about the current mid rate and the additional fees they tack on. Some banks charge $65+ per international transaction, some are free depending on the type of account you have.

The international wire delay generally occurs on the receiving end as the bank must contact the account holder to confirm the exchange rate. If the recipient is out of contact, the final transfer can take days, but that is not the sender's problem.

Thank you all for your replies. It appears that I am overly concerned with the wiring process and sounds that many are using it without issue or concern frequently through the year. Again many thanks for your input.

John

Use a reputable bank. Worth the fee.

The banking system in SA very reputable, I would not be worried.

I’m in the banking industry and can assure that, as long as you have all the correct information for the account you’re sending funds to, including the correct correspondent bank and SWYFT codes, you won’t have any problems at all. Wiring funds is the safest way to send funds from your account to another bank account.

If you are a significant customer with healthy deposit balances an/or commercial loans, ask your banker to waive their wiring fee. It is done all the time for valued relationships.

I once had a wire transfer "lost" by the Canadian Govt; it was for payroll withholding taxes. I had my bank put a trace on it, and they showed it went to the Canadian gubmint. Six months later they found the money.

Other than that, never had an issue.

A lot simpler in the last few years. No more forms in triplicate. Really a pretty simple process.