What Currency Does South Africa Use?  

So, you’re dreaming of safaris, sipping Cape wines, and penguin-spotting on Boulders Beach. Brilliant choice. But before you get too swept up in visions of Table Mountain selfies and Big Five adventures, you’ll need to sort something rather important: what currency does South Africa use? 

Because whether you're bartering for beadwork at a market in Johannesburg or splashing out on seafood in Cape Town, you’ll want to be paying in the right money, and ideally, without racking up unnecessary fees along the way. 

This week, we’re unpacking everything you need to know about the currency in South Africa. From current denominations and exchange tips to historical trivia and travel advice, this is your go-to guide to all things rand-related. Let’s dig in. 

Currency in South Africa 

The official currency in South Africa is the South African rand, often shortened to just “rand.” Its currency code is ZAR (which stands for Zuid-Afrikaanse Rand in Dutch), and its symbol is a capital R. 

The rand is used across the country for all purchases, from your morning coffee to your Kruger Park entrance fee. And while credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas, you’ll often need cash for local shops, tipping, or rural experiences. 

South African Rand Denominations 

Let’s talk about the notes and coins you’ll be carrying around. 

South African Rand Banknote Denominations 

The rand comes in a colourful family of banknotes that are both easy to spot and full of South African history. They include: 

• R10 – green 

• R20 – brown 

• R50 – red 

• R100 – blue 
• R200 – orange 

Each note features one of the "Big Five" animals, which are the lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant along with an image of Nelson Mandela, the country’s beloved former president. It’s a mini safari trip every time you pay with South African rand. 

South African Rand Coin Denominations 

Coins in circulation include both cents and rand values: 

• 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c 
• R1, R2, R5 

While coins under 10c are becoming rare due to low value and inflation, you may still encounter them. The R5 coin is the largest and heaviest, often used for things like vending machines or parking meters. 

Pro tip: locals often round off totals when it comes to cents, especially when paying cash. 

The History of South Africa’s Currency 

The British Pound 

Before the rand, South Africa used the British pound, along with the shilling and pence system, as part of the broader sterling zone. The pound was introduced during the British colonial era and remained the official currency until the early 1960s. From 1825 to 1961, South Africans paid in pounds, shillings, and pence. While practical at the time, it eventually made less sense as South Africa sought to define its post-colonial identity. 

Introduction of the South African Rand 

On 14 February 1961, the South African rand was born. Romantic, right? 

The move to the rand was part of a broader effort to simplify the national currency system and break away from the British monetary model. It coincided with South Africa becoming a republic and leaving the Commonwealth. 

Initially pegged to the US dollar, the rand was introduced at a rate of R2 = £1. Over time, the rand has fluctuated, influenced by political changes, global markets, and commodity prices, South Africa is a major gold exporter, after all. 

Today, it’s a proudly South African currency and a big part of the country’s economic story. 

Currency Exchange in South Africa 

Let’s move on to the practical stuff, like how to get your hands on South African rand before you set off on your wine tasting, mountain climbing, animal spotting adventure. 

Where to Buy South African Rand 

At Travelex, we make it easy to get your travel money sorted. You can: 

• Order online from the comfort of your sofa 

• Choose home delivery or Click & Collect from your nearest store 

• Load it onto your Travelex Money Card for safe, cash-free spending 

• Lock in exchange rates with no commission 

Ordering in advance means one less thing to worry about at the airport, and lets you hit the ground running when you land in Mzansi (the local name for South Africa). 

Which Countries Use the South African Rand? 

This might surprise you but the South African rand isn’t just used in South Africa. 

These neighbouring countries also accept the rand as legal tender, either officially or unofficially: 

• South Africa 

• Namibia 

• Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) 
• Lesotho 

In these countries, the rand often circulates alongside their own national currencies (like the Namibian dollar), and the exchange rate is usually pegged 1:1. So your rand will go a little further than just the Rainbow Nation. 

How Much Currency Can I Take to South Africa? 

Travelling to South Africa with a suitcase full of cash? Hold on a minute. 

The South African Reserve Bank allows you to bring in: 

• Up to R25,000 in South African rand without declaring it, above that you must declare it. 
• Any amount of foreign currency, as long as you declare it on arrival if it’s worth more than US$10,000 

If you’re carrying large sums, be ready to explain where it came from and what it’s for. Most travellers, though, are well within the limit with just a few thousand rand for incidentals. 

Pro tip: A mix of cash and card is your best bet for flexibility. 

How Much Cash Can I Take Out of South Africa? 

On the way out, similar rules apply. You can take up to R25,000 per person anything above that must be declared. 

Trying to sneak extra through? Bad idea. South African customs are strict, and failure to declare large sums could lead to confiscation, or worse. 

So, play it safe, keep your receipts, and if you're planning to bring leftover rand home, consider exchanging it back before you leave the country or saving it for your next trip because let’s be honest, you’ll want to go back. 

Need to Buy Some South African Rand for Your Next Trip? 

From safari drives to seaside sunsets, South Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of trip and getting your currency sorted in advance makes everything smoother. Order your currency online now for competitive exchange rates and no commission and choose home delivery or click and collect from one of our convenient locations.  

So go on, get ready for adventure, and order your South African rand today.