Exchange GBP to South African Rand ZAR
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Buy your South African Rands (ZAR) before your departure to South Africa.
Planning a trip to South Africa? Breathtaking landscapes and wonderful places await you. To make the most of your adventure, we always advise you to get as much information as possible about the local currency. While your credit card will be accepted in many shops and as a means of payment in many places, we suggest that you carry a certain amount of cash in the local currency, which is the African Rand (ZAR). First of all check the GBP ZAR exchange rate beforehand to get the best deal. If you do this in advance you can ensure you get the best offer and you won’t have to worry about it later on. Set a budget in South African rands to have an idea of your future expenses and how much travel money you will actually need.
Practical tips for planning your budget
Tipping is customary in South Africa. It is therefore necessary to count between 10 and 15% of the bill in general.
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.
ZAR 450
Average cost of a one night stay in South Africa
ZAR 220
Average food budget per person per day
Good to know
Some price indications in SA
28 ZAR
Public transport ticket
20 ZAR
The price of a cup of coffee
ZAR 330/ADULT
A cable car ride up Table Mountain
ZAR 40
A etkoek
12 ZAR/KM
A taxi ride
210 ZAR
A day or two on a sightseeing bus to Johannesburg
Some suggestions
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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.
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The Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. Here you can see elephants, rhinos, lions and many other animals.
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Considered the third largest canyon in the world, the Blyde River Canyon offers stunning cliffs, forests and waterfalls.
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If you have a dedicated budget for a safari, the Madikwe Game Reserve is a must.
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A trek into the Drakensberg Mountains for the more adventurous is a must in South Africa.
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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.
Some facts about the South African Rand
Denominations of the South African Rand
Notes: 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Rands
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10 and 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 many exchange bureaus in the UK with more than 60 foreign currencies from which you can find the South African rand. We suggest you buy your travel money before you leave to enjoy better rates. Did we mention that when ordering your rands on our website you benefit from a preferential exchange rate and 0% commission? This might be an interesting offer for you! ChangeGroup has also set up a home delivery service to ease travellers' trip planning. The service is fully secured and costs only £ 11.95. Change Group also offers you the possibility to purchase your remaining travel money after your trip at its same purchase price. Get the Buy-Back guarantee for only £ 5.99 to be able to trade in your remaining rands.
Traveling soon?
Here's how to easily exchange your money:
1. Choose your currency
Determine the amount you need & enjoy our best price deals online
2. Select delivery method
Choose between branch pick-up and free next day home delivery. Create an account and finalise your order.
3. Receive travel money
Pick-up your currency from one of our branches or have it delivered conveniently at your doorstep. Enjoy your trip!