Getting South African Rand for Your Trip

South Africa offers incredible experiences — from Cape Town's stunning scenery and the Garden Route to Kruger National Park safaris and the vibrant culture of Johannesburg. The favourable exchange rate makes it excellent value for UK visitors.

The South African Rand (ZAR, symbol R) is the local currency. Notes come in R10, R20, R50, R100, and R200 denominations featuring the "Big Five" wildlife. Coins include 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, and R5.

Key insight for 2026: South Africa has a dual economy. In cities, malls, and tourist areas, cards work excellently. But the informal economy runs on cash — you'll need Rand for tips, car guards, market vendors, and smaller establishments. Plan for both.

Best Ways to Get ZAR Before You Travel

Here are your options ranked from best to worst:

1. Fee-free travel card (Wise, Revolut) — Best option. Excellent rates, works for card payments, and withdraw Rand from ATMs when needed.
2. Order ZAR online before you go — Get some cash for arrival. Services like TravelFX offer competitive rates.
3. Withdraw from South African ATMs — Use ATMs inside shopping centres or banks for safety. Major banks include FNB, Standard Bank, ABSA, Nedbank.
4. Specialist currency bureaux (UK) — Reasonable rates for cash.
5. High street bureaux — Post Office, Travelex. Convenient but higher margins.
6. Exchange in South Africa — Forex bureaux in malls offer decent rates; airports are worst.

Using Cards in South Africa

Card acceptance is good in urban and tourist areas but not universal.

Where Cards Work Well

Shopping centres and malls; restaurants and cafes in tourist areas; supermarkets (Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Checkers, Spar); hotels and guesthouses; car rental; major tourist attractions; V&A Waterfront, wine estates, game lodges.

Where You Need Cash

Markets and craft stalls; tips (essential); car guards (informal parking attendants — R5-20); petrol stations (for attendant tips); roadside vendors; townships; smaller restaurants and cafes; most places outside major cities.

Card Tips

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. American Express less so. Always decline Dynamic Currency Conversion — pay in Rand. Chip and PIN is standard; some places still use swipe. Let your bank know you're travelling to avoid blocks.

⚠️ ATM Safety in South Africa

ATM crime exists in South Africa. Follow these precautions:

• Use indoor ATMs — Inside banks, shopping centres, hotels, or petrol station shops. Never use street ATMs.
• Go during daylight — Avoid ATM visits after dark.
• Be aware of your surroundings — Check for anyone suspicious nearby.
• Never accept help from strangers — A common scam involves someone "helping" while another person watches your PIN.
• Shield your PIN — Cover the keypad when entering.
• Check for skimming devices — Give the card slot a gentle tug.
• Withdraw enough but not too much — Avoid multiple trips; don't carry excessive cash.

Best ATMs: Those inside shopping malls (like V&A Waterfront, Canal Walk, Sandton City) or inside bank branches.

Tipping in South Africa

Tipping is an important part of South African culture and supplements often low wages. Always carry small denomination notes.

• Restaurants — 10-15% is standard. Check if service charge is included (rare).
• Car guards — R5-10 for short stops, R10-20 for longer periods. They watch your car informally.
• Petrol attendants — R5-10. They pump your petrol and wash windscreens.
• Safari guides/rangers — R100-200 per person per day for guides; R50-100 for trackers.
• Hotel porters — R20-50 per bag.
• Housekeeping — R20-50 per day.
• Uber/taxis — Not expected but appreciated.

Tip: Bring a stash of R10 and R20 notes specifically for tips. You'll use them constantly.

Budgeting for South Africa

South Africa is excellent value for UK visitors:

• Coffee — R30-50 (£1.30-2.10)
• Beer (restaurant) — R35-60 (£1.50-2.50)
• Lunch (casual) — R100-180 (£4-8)
• Dinner (nice restaurant) — R250-500 (£10-21)
• Wine tasting — R50-150 (£2-6)
• Budget accommodation — R500-1000 (£21-42)
• Mid-range hotel — R1500-3000 (£64-127)
• Safari (per person per night) — R3000-15000+ (£127-640+)

Safaris can be the biggest expense but represent incredible value compared to East African alternatives.