Buy South African Rands (ZAR)
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Buy South African Rands (ZAR) before your trip to South Africa
Planning a trip to South Africa? Breathtaking landscapes, wonderful places and an incredibly diverse range of experiences await you. To make the most of your adventure, we always recommend finding out about the local currency and how it is used. For some of your planned activities, you may need to pay in cash. Of course, your bank card will be accepted in many shops and as a payment method in various places, but we still suggest taking a certain amount of cash in the local currency — in this case, the South African Rand (ZAR).
To do so, remember to check the euro–rand exchange rate beforehand to get the best value. By planning ahead, you can ensure you obtain a better EUR/ZAR exchange rate than you would at the last minute. This will also allow you to organise your trip in rands, set a budget and get a clear idea of your expected expenses.
Practical tips for planning your budget
Plan on a daily budget of 921 South African rands per person, which will allow you to stay in a 3* hotel, pay for 2 meals and your daily transport ticket.
A meal in a mid-range restaurant will cost you about 150 ZAR. You can try local specialities such as bunny chow or even bobotie.
400 ZAR
Average cost of one night stay in south Africa
220 ZAR
Average food budget per person per day
Good to know
Some price indications in South Africa
28 ZAR
A public transport ticket
20 ZAR
The price of a cup of coffee
330 ZAR
A cable car ride up Table Mountain
110 ZAR
Senegalese couscous
12 ZAR/Km
A taxi ride from the airport
210 ZAR
1/2 days sightseeing bus to Johannesburg
Some suggestions for your stay
Soweto, to discover the historic area where Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu lived. For a rewarding adventure, we recommend a guide. If you plan to use guides during your stay, consider converting the eur zar before you leave to get a better exchange rate and enough cash.
The Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. Here you can see elephants, rhinos, lions and many other animals.
Considered the third largest canyon in the world, the Blyde River Canyon offers stunning cliffs, forests and waterfalls.
If you have a dedicated budget for a safari, the Madikwe Game Reserve is a must.
A trek into the Drakensberg Mountains for the more adventurous is a must in South Africa.
For the hydrophilic and surfers alike, take a diversion to Summerstrand, one of the many beaches in Algoa Bay, reputed to be a must-see spot.
When do you need cash in South Africa?
Card payments may be accepted in major cities, but it is still essential to have ZAR in cash when travelling in South Africa.
The most common situation in which you will need cash is when using one of the many public car parks in the country. These are usually supervised by an attendant who should be tipped. As a general rule, it is recommended to give between 2 and 5 ZAR for a short stay, and between 5 and 10 ZAR for a longer stay — always in cash.
Some small businesses, such as small restaurants, street food stalls or craft shops, will also only accept cash payments.
In certain rural areas, it may sometimes be difficult to pay by card due to poor network coverage. On country roads, at small petrol stations or in certain small villages, you will therefore need to pay in cash.
Finally, tipping is an integral part of South African culture, and cash is often the preferred method of payment. Make sure you have enough ZAR in cash to cover these expenses.
Overall, we recommend exchanging your euros for ZAR before travelling in order to avoid withdrawing cash once there: this will help you reduce fees and maximise your budget so you can fully enjoy your trip.
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Some facts about the South African Rand
Denominations of the South African Rand
Notes : 10 rands, 20 rands, 50 rands, 100 rands and 200 rands
Coins : 1¢, 2¢, 5¢, 10¢, 50¢ 1, 2, 5 rands
Historically, this currency was created on 14 February 1961 following Africa's withdrawal from the commonwealth. The ZAR replaced the South African pound. Today, the Rand consists of 3 coins and 5 notes for commercial transactions. The coins available are 1 Rand or Springbok, 2 Rand or Kudu and 5 Rand or Wildebeest.
These are actually names of animals as they are very important in South African culture. The rand comes from the word 'Witwatersrand', meaning 'the ridge of white water'. Johannesburg, the location of the majority of South Africa's gold deposits, is situated on this ridge.
Why buy South African Rands with Change Group?
ChangeGroup has been on the market since 1992 and has set up several exchange bureaus in France offering a choice of 60 foreign currencies from which you can find the South African rand. When exchanging currencies before you leave, remember to check the rate for your EUR rand conversion. You can then visit exchange offices that are in convenient locations but also order your South african rands online on our website. You're in a rush and leaving in a few days so you don't have time to buy your travel money? Then order your currency online and choose the home delivery option for 19,90 €. Change Group also offers the possibility to purchase your remaining travel money at the same purchase price as you first purchased them once you are back from your trip. Get our Buy-Back guarantee for 6,95 € and exchange as many rands as you want.
Traveling soon?
Here's how to easily exchange your money:
1.Choose your currency
Determine the amount you need to enjoy your trip abroad.
2.Select delivery method
Choose between home delivery or branch pick-up. Create an account & finalise your order.
3.Receive your currency
Collect your currency from a branch near you or have it delivered right to your door. Enjoy your trip!
FAQ about exchanging euros for ZAR
It is almost impossible to predict fluctuations in the EUR/ZAR exchange rate. At ChangeGroup, we update our rates daily to best reflect market conditions and offer you the most competitive prices. By planning your euro-to-ZAR exchange in advance, you can compare market trends, choose the most favourable moment and obtain your ZAR at the best rate.
We offer free collection of your ZAR from the bureau de change of your choice. For added convenience, we can also deliver your order directly to your home within 48 to 72 hours for just €19.90.
By choosing to reserve your ZAR online, you benefit from our best exchange rates. We also remove all fees or commissions on your transaction! You therefore know exactly how many south african rands you will receive after the exchange.
Thanks to our home delivery service, we can exchange your euros for ZAR wherever you are in France.
Do you have a question about our services?
Find the answers to your questions in our FAQ.
- How to order travel money online?
- Do you have any limits on orders placed online?
- Can I specify my preferred currency denominations when ordering online?
- I placed an order online, but I didn't receive a confirmation email - What should I do?
- Is there any fee for currency exchange online?
- How far in advance can I place my order?