Money, Budget, and Shopping for South Africa

Money

Currency

Currency: Rand (100 cents).

Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 R.

Coins: 10, 20 and 50 cents + 1, 2 and 5 R.

Exchange:

As part of the "Common Monetary Area", the rand is legal tender in Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini (Swaziland). This means South African money circulates officially in these countries at a 1:1 exchange rate with the local currencies. The reverse, however, is not true.

Exchange

It is very easy to exchange major currencies at banks (open weekdays from 8:30/9:00 AM to 3:30/4:00 PM, plus Saturdays until 11:00 AM or noon) and other exchange bureaus. Alternatively, as always, you can withdraw cash using your bank card at the many ATMs across the country. However, for security reasons, it’s best to be cautious when withdrawing cash from ATMs. It’s advisable to make withdrawals during the day and in busy areas.

Which currency to bring

Euros, like other major currencies, are easily exchanged in South Africa.

Payment methods

Card payments are widely accepted (though be cautious due to potential fraud) almost everywhere and for almost everything. However, watch out for bank fees if you make too many small purchases or withdrawals. It’s also a good idea to have some local cash (small bills are handy) when traveling outside cities.

Returning home

You can exchange your rands when leaving the country or in many other places. That said, exchange rates may not always be the best. Note that if you’re continuing to Namibia, Lesotho, or Eswatini, you can keep your South African money since it’s legal tender there and can be used for everything.

Budget

Compared to regional countries like Namibia and especially Botswana, South Africa is an affordable destination with good value for money, and the required budget is similar to that of Southern European countries.

Tourism has been well-developed for years, with plenty of transport and accommodation options, including budget-friendly choices. Even beach activities and safaris, despite various options, remain generally accessible to visitors. In short, with a daily budget of 50/70 € per person (based on two people), you can start enjoying your trip. If you’re careful, you can spend less, but if you want to make the most of it, budget around 100 €.

What can be expensive

Safaris if you don’t choose the right options.

Peak season (Southern Hemisphere summer) between October and April.

What can be inexpensive

Eating local.

Camping and budget accommodations.

Transportation.

The Wild Card, a pass that allows access to multiple parks and pays for itself quickly.

Price range

Budget double room: Around 30/40 € for a double in a hostel or budget hotel. Roughly half that for camping or a dorm bed.

Mid-range double room: You can find decent options for 50/60 € per night.

Snacks, local restaurant meals: Around 5 to 8 €.

Mid-range restaurant meals: Around 15/20 € and up for a full meal.

Budget car rental: Around 30/40 € per day for the smallest standard models, and double that for 4x4s or campervans.

100 km by local bus: Around 4 € for long-distance trips and slightly more for short ones.

100 km by train: Around 4 or 5 € per 100 km.

Urban taxi or Uber: Around 5 or 6 € for a 15-minute ride.

Bargaining and tipping

Bargaining isn’t common in South Africa outside of craft markets. Tipping, however, is customary, much like in the United States. Most bars and restaurants don’t include service charges in their bills, so it’s standard to leave 10 to 15%.

For parking attendants, gas station attendants, and baggage porters, tip 5 or 10 rands (0.5 €). Also, consider tipping taxi drivers, supermarket helpers, or anyone providing a service. Similarly, plan to tip guides and drivers during safaris.

Shopping and souvenirs

Even if some "local" crafts come from neighboring countries, colorful bead jewelry, wire sculptures, fabrics, and those iconic painted ostrich eggs, as well as products made from rooibos (or "red tea"), from teas to cosmetics, are all great things to bring back. Be sure to negotiate prices, especially in markets.