What is the currency in South Africa?

The currency in South Africa is the South African rand, and it’s worth getting familiar with some currency basics if you’re planning a visit. Whether you’re wondering how much to tip in a Cape Town restaurant, or not sure how much money to budget for a safari holiday to spot the Big Five, we’ve covered everything you need to know in this South African currency guide. Plus, you can buy South African rand before you go – saving you precious time on your trip.

The South African rand: everything you need to know

The South African rand has been the official currency of South Africa since 1961, when it replaced the South African pound. It gets its name from the Witwatersrand – or ‘white waters ridge’ – an area around Johannesburg that’s famous for its gold deposits. Its currency code is ZAR and its symbol is R. Each South African rand is divided into 100 cents, and the currency comes in both coins and banknotes.

South African rand denominations

Coins include:

10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, R5

Banknotes include:

R10, R20, R50, R100, R200

Is the South African rand used anywhere else in the world?

The rand is also legal tender in Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini, where it’s used alongside local currencies that are pegged to it. It’s also accepted in Zimbabwe as part of the country’s multi-currency system. 

What is the current exchange rate for the South African rand?

Exchange rates fluctuate all the time, so use our currency calculator to check today’s pounds to rands rate.

What currencies can you use in South Africa?

South African rand is the only legal tender in South Africa, so you’ll need to use ZAR for payments here. You might find other currencies, like US dollars, are also occasionally accepted – although you’re likely to get an unfavourable exchange rate. We’ve explained in a bit more detail why it can be preferable to pay in the local currency when you’re abroad.

What payment methods are accepted in South Africa?

Cash

Despite a recent shift towards digital payment methods, cash is still king in South Africa – and you’ll find cash usage is popular with both locals and visitors. It’s also handy for shopping at street markets and tipping restaurant staff and safari guides – around 10-15% is the norm if you’ve received good service. It’s a good idea to exchange some pounds for ZAR before you travel, and you can sell currency back at an M&S Travel Money bureau when you get back – as long as it’s in notes, not coins*.

Debit and credit cards

Alongside cash, debit cards are one of the main payment methods in South Africa, particularly for locals. Credit cards including Visa and Mastercard are also accepted in most places that are set up for card payments, although American Express may be less widely accepted – so always check before you travel. When using your card abroad, be aware of associated fees to avoid any unwanted surprises on your statement when you get home.

Digital wallets

Adoption of digital wallets in South Africa is growing, and Google Pay, Apple Pay and Samsung Pay are all widely accepted at established businesses and in large cities. If you’re exploring off the beaten track, you may find you’re unable to use digital wallet payments – so it’s always worth carrying a variety of payment methods including cash and card.

How much money should I take with me to South Africa?

Everything from the length of your trip to your itinerary in South Africa will have a bearing on how much money you’ll need. According to Exiap, the average daily cost for visiting attractions and entertainment in South Africa is R298 South African rand – which is around £14. You might not spend that if you’re heading for a day on the beach in Durban, whereas you could spend far more than that if you’re planning a visit to somewhere like Kruger National Park – where entry fees start from around R600, or £28. Take a look at our top travel money tips for South Africa safari holidays for more info.

At the time of writing, the cost of living in South Africa is around 44.2% lower than it is in the United Kingdom, so you’re likely to find prices at shops and restaurants in South Africa are lower. To give you a better idea of how much money to budget, we’ve listed some example costs in South Africa vs the UK below* – just bear in mind these prices are illustrative.

A mid-range three-course meal for two: £65.00 in the UK vs £31.68 (R700) in South Africa

A small domestic draught beer: £5.00 in the UK vs £1.81 (R40) in South Africa

A regular cappuccino: £3.55 in the UK vs £1.72 (R38.01) in South Africa

A one-way ticket on local transport: £2.50 in the UK vs £1.15 (R25.50) in South Africa

*Example prices from Numbeo.com correct as at July 2026. All prices are illustrative.

Buying South African rand with Marks & Spencer Travel Money

Ready to go? Don’t forget to take some local currency in cash. You can buy South African rand to collect for free from 580+ participating M&S stores*. 

*T&Cs apply. Subject to availability. Sell-back only available at bureau locations.