Guides

Practical, sourced guides

Every guide lists its sources and the date it was last checked.

A man holding up a piggy bank, next to two payment cards with arrows between them, comparing two ways to get paidGetting paid

Payoneer vs PayPal in South Africa: what each really costs

PayPal (withdrawn through FNB) and Payoneer side by side: the fees as at October 2026, a worked US$500 example in rand, and which one suits how you get paid.

Reviewed 27 October 2026A man thinking something overFreelancing

How much to charge as a freelancer in South Africa

Work out an hourly rate that covers your costs, tax and platform fees, with a worked rand example and published South African rates to check against.

Reviewed 26 October 2026A woman looking closely through a magnifying glassScams and traps

WhatsApp task scams: how they work and how to get out

The 'like videos for money' WhatsApp and Telegram scam, step by step: why the first payouts are real, when they ask you to deposit, and what to do next.

Reviewed 26 October 2026A woman carrying a tray of ticked-off tasksTax

Provisional tax for freelancers in South Africa, simply explained

Who has to pay provisional tax, the 2026/27 deadlines, and how to work out your first payment. With a worked example in rand. Not tax advice.

Reviewed 25 October 2026A woman sorting through a box of thingsEarning online

How to make money online in South Africa: honest guide

Which online income options actually suit your skills, money and time, and which to skip. Written for South Africans, in rand.

Reviewed 24 October 2026A man holding up a piggy bankGetting paid

Getting paid from overseas in South Africa

PayPal via FNB, Payoneer, direct transfers and what each costs. Checked October 2026.

Reviewed 24 October 2026A man filling in a form on a clipboardTax

Side income tax in South Africa: what to know first

Thresholds, provisional tax, VAT and record-keeping for side hustles and freelancers. Not tax advice.

Reviewed 24 October 2026Two people sheltering under one umbrellaScams and traps

Online income scams in South Africa: how to recognise them

Task groups, fake recruiters, trading schemes and pay-to-join jobs, the patterns and how to check.

Reviewed 24 October 2026Two people shaking hands on a dealFreelancing

How to start freelancing in South Africa

Choosing a niche, local versus international clients, pricing, platform fees and getting paid.

Reviewed 24 October 2026A woman leaning over a row of browser windows on her deskDigital products

How to sell digital products from South Africa

Platforms that pay South Africans, fees, and why distribution matters more than the product.

Reviewed 24 October 2026