Buy South African Rand Online

Your daily budget in South Africa depends on your travel style and destination. On average, budget travellers can expect to spend around ZAR 500 to ZAR 1,000 per day. For mid‑range travellers, the budget may range from ZAR 1,000 to ZAR 2,500 per day, while luxury travellers could spend over ZAR 3,000 daily. Major cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg tend to be more expensive, while smaller towns and rural areas are more affordable.

The South African Rand (ZAR) comes in both coins and banknotes. Coins are available in 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, and R5. Banknotes come in R10, R20, R50, R100, and R200. Carrying a mix of coins and notes makes it easier to pay for both small and larger transactions in South Africa.

Yes, cash is widely accepted throughout South Africa. It is common to pay for everything from street food to transportation in South African Rand (ZAR). However, in larger cities and tourist areas, credit and debit cards are widely used in restaurants, shops, and hotels. It’s recommended to have a combination of both cash and a Hays Travel Money Prepaid Mastercard® Currency Card for convenience during your trip.

When using a credit or debit card in South Africa, you may incur foreign transaction fees that typically range from 1% to 3% of the transaction. Some ATMs may also charge a withdrawal fee. To minimise costs, consider using a Hays Travel Money Prepaid Mastercard® Currency Card.

The South African Rand (ZAR) is the official currency of South Africa. Some tourist areas may accept US Dollars (USD) or Euros (EUR), but this is not guaranteed and the exchange rate is usually unfavourable. Paying in ZAR ensures better value and smoother transactions.

Tipping is common in South Africa and is generally expected in the service industry. In restaurants, tipping around 10% to 15% of the bill is standard. For taxis, rounding up the fare or tipping about 10% is appreciated. Hotel staff (housekeepers, porters) typically receive tips of ZAR 10 to ZAR 20. While not mandatory, tipping is a way to show appreciation for good service.

The cost of a meal in South Africa varies depending on the dining experience. A simple meal at a casual restaurant may cost between ZAR 80 to ZAR 150. For a mid‑range restaurant, expect to pay around ZAR 150 to ZAR 300 per person. Upscale restaurants in major cities can cost anywhere from ZAR 300 to ZAR 600 or more per person.

The amount of South African Rand (ZAR) you should buy depends on your trip length, destination, and personal spending habits. It’s recommended to exchange enough ZAR to cover initial expenses like transportation, meals, and small purchases. You can also use a Hays Travel Money Prepaid Mastercard® Currency Card for added flexibility to add funds as required.

The best time to buy South African Rand is when the exchange rate is favourable. Track the ZAR exchange rate in the months leading up to your trip and buy your currency when the rate is optimal. Alternatively, you can use a Hays Travel Money Prepaid Mastercard® Currency Card to lock in a favourable rate before departure.

The South African Rand (ZAR) is the official currency of South Africa and is not widely accepted outside the country. Some neighbouring countries may accept ZAR in border regions, but it’s best to exchange your Rand for the local currency when travelling elsewhere.

We’ll buy back any foreign currency purchased with our Buy Back scheme so you’re not out of pocket after your big adventures.

At Hays Travel you have several quick and easy methods to buy your currency. You can click & collect, call into branch, or choose home delivery.

You can also buy the Hays Travel Money Prepaid Mastercard® Currency Card and load currency before your departure. ATMs are widely available in airports, hotels, and city centres.

Both cash and cards are commonly used in South Africa, but cash is essential for small purchases, especially in rural areas or at markets. Cards are widely accepted in urban areas, restaurants, and hotels. It’s best to carry a combination of cash for smaller expenses and a Hays Travel Money Prepaid Mastercard® Currency Card for larger transactions.

Carrying cash in South Africa is generally safe, but it’s important to exercise caution, particularly in busy cities and tourist areas. Use a money belt or a secure wallet to protect your South African Rand (ZAR). Consider carrying a Hays Travel Money Prepaid Mastercard® Currency Card for larger purchases and to reduce the amount of cash you carry.