The South African Currency is the South African Rand (ZAR) which can be divided into 100 cents. The Rand is known locally as the Buck. South African Rand banknotes are available in the following denominations: 200 Rand, 100 Rand, 50 Rand, 20 Rand and 10 Rand. South African coins include 5 Rand coins, 2 Rand coins, 1 Rand coins, 50 cents, 20 cents, 10 cents and 5 cents.
If you are travelling to South Africa it is important to remember that the import and export of local currency is restricted to 5,000 rand in cash. You are allowed to bring in unlimited amounts of foreign currency as long as you declare it upon arrival in South Africa.
Best South African Rand tourist exchange rates
Remember to buy your travel money before you travel to South Africa. Visit our travel money tables to find out who is offering the best foreign exchange rate. From the table simply compare each currency provider on exchange rates and fees to find the best travel money deal for you and then click on the buy now button to be shown a full range of exchange rates which will include South African Rand. We have trailed the high street and travel money online to bring you the best foreign exchange rates available.
Avoid using the bank to buy your travel money. Banks offer a far lower exchange rate compared to other leading UK travel money providers, which is shown in our tourist rate comparison tables. If you convert your British pounds into South African Rand at your local bank you will end feeling rather short changed! The same can be assumed if you buy your foreign currency from the airport. Airport bureau de changes have absolutely no competition so will offer you an uncompetitive lower exchange rate than you could potentially buy online. Buy currency online now.
Debit and credit cards in South Africa
Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted and you will find ATM’s in all major South African cities in v the banks, shopping centres and petrol stations .
If you are planning to hire a car, remember to carry cash to pay for your petrol as most petrol stations will not accept payment via debit or credit card.
Banks
Banks in South Africa are generally open between the hours of 0900-1530 Monday to Friday and 0830-1100 on Saturdays. At a bank you can exchange travellers cheques however the rate of commission charged for this service can vary quite significantly. Because of this it may be wise to consider using a different method to carry your holiday money so you do not end up feeling short changed. Read our guide to exchange rates to find out how you can get the best deal on travel money.
Visit our comparison tables to find out which of the UK’s leading providers is offering you the best exchange rate with the lowest fees.
