Currency in South Africa – The South African Rand (ZAR)
What currency should you take to South Africa?
The official currency of South Africa is the South African rand, abbreviated internationally as ZAR. The currency symbol is R (e.g. R100), and it's used throughout the country in all cash and card transactions.
Key Information About the South African Rand
Whether you're heading to South Africa for a safari, a wine tour, a city break in Cape Town, or a business visit to Johannesburg, it’s essential to understand how the local currency works to help plan your travel budget effectively.
How is the South African Rand Structured?
1 rand is divided into 100 cents.
Banknotes in Circulation:
South African banknotes feature Nelson Mandela on the front, while the reverse side depicts the country’s “Big Five” wild animals - lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo. The notes are colour-coded and vary in size by denomination.
A newer “Madiba” series was issued by the South African Reserve Bank to celebrate the legacy of Nelson Mandela, with enhanced security features.
Coins in Circulation:
- 10 cents
- 20 cents
- 50 cents
- R1
- R2
- R5
Coins are widely used for small purchases, tolls, and tips.
Typical Prices in South Africa (approx.):
- Bottle of water (1.5 L) – ~R12
- Espresso coffee – ~R25–R35
- Meal at a mid-range restaurant – ~R150–R250
- Local taxi fare (short distance) – ~R100
- Petrol (1 litre) – ~R24
South Africa offers excellent value for money, particularly for UK visitors, with affordable prices on food, transport, and accommodation.
South African Rand Exchange Rate – What Is ZAR Worth?
To check the current exchange rate between the South African rand and British pound (GBP):
- Visit the “Currencies” tab
- Or view our live exchange rate charts for the most accurate and recent rates
How Much Is the Rand in GBP?
Curious how much R2,000 is in pounds?
Use our currency calculator at the top of this page. Enter the amount in GBP and see the real-time equivalent in ZAR based on today’s exchange rate.
Why Buy ZAR from Tavex UK?
Tavex offers fast, competitive, and convenient currency exchange for the South African rand.
Benefits include:
- Excellent exchange rates
- Flexible delivery
Whether you’re driving the Garden Route, going on safari in Kruger, or soaking up the views from Table Mountain, travel with confidence and convenience by ordering your rands in advance.