Skip to content
South African Rand

Visiting somewhere in South Africa? We have you covered.

If you're planning a trip to South Africa, one thing you'll want to keep in mind is currency exchange. While many places in South Africa do accept credit cards, you'll likely want to have some cash on hand for purchases and transactions.

The official currency of South Africa is the South African rand (ZAR), and if you're coming from the UK, you'll need to exchange your British pounds (GBP) for ZAR before your trip. 

By exchanging your GBP for ZAR with Ramsdens, you'll have one less thing to worry about when you arrive in South Africa. Plus, you'll get a great rate with excellent customer service. 

So if you're planning a trip to South Africa, be sure to make currency exchange a priority and get your ZAR before you go.

Currency calculator
Exchange rates shown are for online purchases only - actual rates may vary in branch.
Orders placed before 12 midday Monday - Thursday are eligible for collection after 2pm the next day. (Euros and US Dollars only - see Order and Collection Timetable for full details). Terms and Conditions apply.

Pounds GBP to ZAR South African Rand exchange rate

How far will my money go throughout South Africa?

Travelling to South Africa can be a great experience, as it is a country with a diverse culture and fantastic scenery. Depending on your budget, you can have a great holiday here. If you are looking for an economic holiday, you can find relatively cheap food, accommodation, and transportation costs. On the other hand, if you are looking for a high-end experience, you can find luxury hotels and restaurants that will cost more. Generally, South Africa is an affordable destination, and your money can go a long way. You can find good quality food at reasonable prices and hotels offering great value. With careful planning and budgeting, you can have a great holiday in South Africa and make the most of your money.

Denominations

The South African Rand (ZAR) is the official currency of South Africa and is subdivided into 100 cents. The denominations of the Rand notes include R10, R20, R50, R100, and R200, with each note featuring a different iconic figure in South African history, such as Nelson Mandela, the "Big Five" African animals, and other notable leaders.

In terms of coins, the denominations include 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, and R5. Each coin also features a unique design, such as the well-known image of the springbok on the 10c and 50c coins, the image of the famous bird of prey, the Fish Eagle, on the R2 coin, and the image of Jan van Riebeeck, the founder of Cape Town, on the R5 coin.

Things to do in South Africa

South Africa has incredible natural beauty and diverse cultures, with many things to see and do. Here are some activities to consider while travelling in South Africa:

Visit Cape Town - This vibrant city is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning beaches, scenic mountains, and rich culture.

Go on a safari - South Africa is home to many game reserves and national parks, such as Kruger National Park, where you can see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) and other wildlife.

Visit the Apartheid Museum - This museum in Johannesburg tells the story of South Africa's apartheid era and the struggle for democracy.

Visit Robben Island - This former prison near Cape Town is where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, and now serves as a museum and World Heritage Site.

Enjoy the beaches - South Africa has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, such as Clifton Beach and Boulders Beach (home to a colony of African penguins).

Learn about Zulu culture - KwaZulu-Natal province is home to the Zulu people, with many cultural experiences available, such as visiting a traditional village or attending a music and dance performance.

These are just a few of the many things to do while travelling in South Africa. With its natural beauty, diverse cultures, and unique experiences, South Africa offers something for every type of traveller.

Get great rates when you buy currency with

Four reasons to buy travel money online with Click & Collect.

An easy, convenient & secure way to order
Order up to 7 days in advance of collection date
Get today’s travel money web rate
Collect from over 150 branches nationwide

Why Choose  Travel Money?

Great rates guaranteed
Great rates guaranteed
Ramsdens travel money is commission free and our rates are checked daily to make sure you get a great rate.
Convenience
Convenience
Buy your travel money online with Click & Collect. You can even buy in branch from over 150 branches nationwide.
More currencies available
More currencies available
Did you know we offer over 40 currencies online available for purchase with Click & Collect.