Black Friday deals abroad: how South Africans can shop and pay easily

Amazon and eBay are two of the most popular international stores South Africans look to during Black Friday. It’s a chance to finally grab gadgets, fashion, home essentials, and gifts at prices that feel too good to miss. From upgrading your tech to buying early presents for loved ones, these deals make a real difference. The excitement is real, but shopping from international stores can come with its own hurdles such as declined cards, unreliable sellers, or items not arriving as expected.

This article will show you the smartest ways to shop and pay for Black Friday deals from international stores, helping you save money and get the best value from every purchase.

Also read: How to pay for subscriptions in US dollars from South Africa

Challenges South Africans face when shopping on Black Friday

While global platforms offer tempting deals, navigating currency, shipping, import duties and payment issues can quickly turn bargain hunting into a stressful ordeal.

• High import duties: When you shop abroad, the cost of your Black Friday bargain can be dramatically increased by South Africa’s import duties and Value‑Added Tax. These unexpected costs often arrive at customs, meaning your “deal” may end up much pricier than anticipated.
• Unreliable international shipping: Black Friday’s surge in orders can lead to delayed deliveries, lost parcels, or shipping carrier backlogs. For South Africans, long shipping times and unpredictable delivery can erode the savings from global discounts, especially on time-sensitive festive purchases.
• Currency conversion: Paying in US dollars or euros means your final cost depends on fluctuating exchange rates. With weak or volatile rates against the rand, you may pay substantially more than the advertised Black Friday price once your bank processes the transaction.
• Card rejections: Your South African card could be declined by foreign merchants due to security checks or a lack of international support. This adds stress during high-demand sales, such as Black Friday, forcing you to scramble for alternative payment methods.

Platforms South Africans use for Black Friday purchases

South Africans are increasingly turning to international platforms to access Black Friday deals.  Here are four top platforms and why they’re popular.

1. Amazon

Amazon offers a wide range of products, from laptops and smartphones to clothing and home appliances. South Africans love Amazon for its competitive prices, reliable customer service, and fast international shipping options. During Black Friday, deals on electronics and gadgets are especially sought after.

2. eBay

eBay allows South Africans to shop for both new and refurbished items, including cameras, gaming consoles, and fashion. Its auction-style and fixed-price listings make it easy to find bargains, while international shipping options bring global deals straight to your doorstep.

3. AliExpress

AliExpress is popular for affordable gadgets, accessories, and clothing. Shoppers enjoy low prices, frequent Black Friday promotions, and a wide variety of products not always stocked locally. Items like wireless earbuds, phone cases, and kitchen gadgets are especially popular among South Africans.

4. Walmart

Walmart’s online store provides electronics, toys, kitchenware, and fashion at discounted Black Friday prices. South Africans turn to Walmart for its well-known brands, seasonal deals, and the chance to combine multiple items into a single, cost-effective international shipment.

Also read: Cheapest way to send money from South Africa to the USA

Tips to consider before shopping on Black Friday

• Always check the full price, including item cost, shipping, and any import or taxes before buying.
• Read reviews and descriptions carefully to ensure you’re getting what you expect.
• Stick to reputable sellers with high ratings and positive feedback.
• Consider estimated delivery times to avoid long waits or unexpected delays.
• Choose secure, reliable ways to pay for smooth purchases.

Steps to use Grey for online payment on Black Friday

1. Sign up or download the app: Visit the Grey website or download the app on your device. Complete your registration and KYC verification to activate your account.‍
2. Get your virtual card: Once your account is verified, request your Grey virtual card. This card will be used for seamless payments on international platforms.‍
3. Fund your USD card: Top up your Grey card using your preferred funding method. This allows you to pay in USD without worrying about currency conversion.‍
4. Shop on international sites: Select your items on platforms like Amazon, eBay, or AliExpress, and use your Grey virtual card at checkout.‍
5. Receive confirmations securely: Payments are processed safely, ensuring your orders are confirmed, and your financial information remains protected.

Smarter way to shop on Black Friday

Shopping internationally during Black Friday can unlock incredible deals, but paying from South Africa doesn’t have to be stressful. With Grey’s USD card, you can shop confidently on global platforms and avoid currency conversion headaches. Whether it’s gadgets, fashion, or home essentials, Grey ensures your payments are secure, simple, and fast.

Sign up or download the Grey app today and make your Black Friday shopping from South Africa seamless

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