This morning, EcoCash launched what they are claiming to be the first mobile Bureau De Change which will bring some convenience for those seeking to change their money without having to leave their home.
How will the EcoCash Bureau De Change work?
EcoCash users that have funds in their FCA wallets can sell their forex to EcoCash via USSD.
By simply dialling *150# you’ll be able to access the Bureau De Change which allows you to check the rate, Sell US$ and also check the Bureau De Change’s terms and conditions.
The use cases that EcoCash CEO Natalie Jabangwe dwelt on during her presentation included converting cash from 4 sources:
- Funds you personally put into your EcoCash FCA
- Diaspora remittances sent directly into an FCA wallet
- AID disbursements from NGO’s into FCA wallets
- Bank to FCA wallet
Funds in this wallet will be converted into RTGS$ at the day’s prevailing rate (today it’s at 10.80) before sellers.
How popular will this be?
It will be interesting to see what impact this will have on black market dealers in the streets. For users who already have FCA wallets and receive money into them, this will probably be their go-to option (if the rates are favourable). For those without FCA wallets (or receiving money into FCA wallets), the friction of having to create and deposit money into an FCA wallet first might put them off.
If you want to know the latest exchange rates through WhatsApp then use the Techzim WhatsApp bot by clicking this link or texting “Rate” to: 0719696102
12 comments
Is it possible to buy forex the same platform?
This will be very much convenient only to those that will prefer transfer and not cash and those with Bank FCA’s. It is easier to transfer from an FCA to Wallet FCA than depositing forex into the FCA wallet first.
Caution: Terms and condition 4.A charge may be levied for generating a quotation!
This will also fuel inflation
Ohh Okay I’m interested to know how?
What are the charges for those transactions
it would be fair if i could also buy from the same platform
How possible is it for people in the diaspora to use Digital Ecocash Bereau De Change facilities?
If l send money through WorldRemit, can the recipient then covert the USD into local money?
How can it be possible to change from my Agent line
It is said for the next 30 days the service will be free of charge after which they will begin charging a 2.5% fee. I will not use this service after 30 days because it will be expensive. when you get the funds into your Ecocash account, Mthuli Ncube will milk you a further 2% per transaction. useless!
This is a brilliant idea ever