Smith, currently leading the Proteas on their tour of Australia, will join Oval-based Surrey after the conclusion of South Africa's home series against Pakistan in March -- ahead of the start of the 2013 English domestic season.
The move, on a three-year deal, to the First Division club is bound to lead to speculation regarding Smith's international future.
The 31-year-old opening batsman has been captain of South Africa since 2003 and this year led his country to the top of the world Test rankings after a series win in England.
He replaces Rory Hamilton-Brown who stood down as Surrey captain, and who has since joined Sussex, following the death of his friend and team-mate Tom Maynard in June.
Graeme Smith joins Surrey as captain
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