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.

Ramsdens Travel Card

Using a Ramsdens travel card in Europe can be a convenient and cost-effective way to travel around the continent. 

• Top up in 18 different currencies on one card

• Top up in branch, online or in the app

• Top up the currency you require at great RAMSDENS rates*

• *Ramsdens rates apply when you load or top up the card. Mastercard rates will be applied when exchanges are made between currencies in the app or online.

• Add money to your card before you go travelling, when exchange rates are looking good or you have some spare cash for your holiday.

• Always choose to pay in the local currency

• We recommend you also take cash as well as your travel card. We hope your card is never lost or stolen but if this unfortunate eventuality does arise, you have a backup payment method. Order your travel money in your local Ramsdens or online for collection instore.

• Avoid using your card as a deposit with car hire companies and hotels, or at automated fuel pumps and on cruise lines as this may temporarily reduce your available balance.

• Check your transaction history regularly. Our app enables you to fully manage your account and stay in control of your spending at home and abroad. With our app you can set up alerts for each time a transaction is made and low balance alerts for when a currency is running low.

• At ATMs, avoid multiple cash withdrawals to save on fees.

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.