South Africa - Money
Currency & Money
Rand (ZAR; symbol R) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of R200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of R5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.
MasterCard and Visa are preferred. American Express and Diners Club are also widely accepted. ATMs are available in all towns, cities and shopping malls and most petrol stations, and accept international cards. Almost all hotels, shops, restaurants, national parks and game reserves accept credit cards. They are now acceptable at most petrol stations too, but since that is a relatively new measure, it’s worth checking before you fill up.
ATMs are available in all towns, cities and shopping malls and most petrol stations, and accept international cards. Be alert when using ATMs, and do not accept help from anybody as conmen are adept at switching cards. Check your statements afterwards for a few weeks too, as cloning machines are occasionally planted in ATMs. More obviously, be aware of who is hanging around and don’t withdraw money if your instinct tells you not to.
The import of South African rand in cash (as securities or in gold) is unlimited, but must be declared when the amount exceeds the equivalent of R25,000 and an import permit must be presented. Export of rand is limited to the amount brought in for non-resident travellers.
The import of foreign currency must be declared when amounts exceed the equivalent of US$10,000. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared upon entering South Africa.
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