Grey vs. local banks: The best currency exchange option in South Africa

Toluwani Omotesho

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While local banks are often the traditional choice when sending and receiving money abroad, they often come with high fees, slow processing times, and less competitive exchange rates.

However, Grey offers a faster and more cost-effective way to exchange and manage foreign currencies and in this article, we’ll explore why Grey is the best currency exchange option in South Africa.

Related article: How to open US and UK bank accounts in South Africa

More value for your money

Local banks often add a markup to their exchange rates, making their rates more expensive than the market rate. This means you lose money during currency conversions. Many banks also don’t display the rates in real-time, making it harder to know the true value.

But Grey offer competitive rates close to market rates, so you keep more of your money. That’s not all, with our currency converter, you can track exchange rates in real-time ensuring you’re always getting the best value.

No hidden fees and charges

Traditional banks usually charge multiple fees for transfers, currency conversion and service charges all of which can add up quickly, leaving you frustrated with unexpected costs. However, at Grey, we offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees and costs. You know exactly what you’re paying for without the added costs that come with traditional bank services.

Also read: 6 common banking fees (and why banks charge you these sneaky fees)

Convenience

With Grey, currency exchange is simple and straightforward and gets completed in seconds. You don’t have to visit a physical branch, or fill in lengthy paperwork. There are also no time restrictions. so you can convert money anytime, anywhere; all you need is your smartphone or laptop.

Multi-currency support

Expats and businesses might need to manage and exchange multiple currencies. But traditional banks often limit currency options or charge high fees for handling different currencies, making cross-border transactions costly and complicated.

Grey simplifies this process by offering multi-currency support, allowing users to open US, UK and Euro bank accounts from the comfort of your home. With Grey's global bank accounts, you can send, receive, hold and exchange currencies like US dollars (USD), Great Britain pounds (GBP), Euro (EUR), and even pay out cryptocurrency from South Africa with ease. This flexibility eliminates unnecessary fees and restrictions, making international payments faster and more convenient.

With Grey, managing multiple currencies is seamless, giving you greater control over your finances wherever you are.

How to open a Grey account in South Africa

1. Create a Grey account

Register on the **Grey website** or download the mobile app to get started.

2. Complete identity verification

To verify your identity and ensure security, Grey requires Know Your Customer (KYC) verification before you can fully use your account. This involves submitting a valid ID, proof of address, and a selfie for security purposes. The process is quick and ensures smooth transactions.

Also read: Top reasons your KYC verification is failing and how to fix them

3. Request your foreign bank accounts

Once verified, navigate to the ‘Accounts’ section to generate your US, UK, or EU bank account to receive global payments. Your account will be generated instantly, and you’ll receive your bank account details and your IBAN, sort code or routing number.

Why Grey is the best currency exchange option in South Africa

Grey offers a better way to exchange currency in South Africa with transparent pricing, competitive rates, and multi-currency support, unlike local banks. For a seamless and hassle-free experience, sign up for a Grey account today or download the app to get started!

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