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Everything you need to know on foreign exchange, using cards, cash, and hiring a car

For those unfamiliar with the sunny nation of South Africa (SA), the task of figuring out finances while on holiday or business here can seem about as daunting and confusing as a higher-grade trigonometry paper.

First of all, there’s the issue of getting a handle on the local currency. In SA, we work in rand (R), with each rand being comprised of 100 cents (c). Both coins (5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and R5) and notes (R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200) are available, and the exchange rate is generally quite favourable for those coming from foreign countries. ( Are you   South African and interested in crypto arbitrage trading?  Our team did a Q&A with KoinExpert about  Arbitrage trading in South Africa explained, read more here )

Then of course, it’s necessary to figure out the best form of money to bring with you on your travels. Contrary to popular belief, SA has quite a well-developed financial system and extensive bank network and there are a number of different options available for tourists spending money here. Key alternatives include using your foreign credit or debit card (yes, there are ATMs everywhere in SA, even in rural towns), arranging a special travel money card or bringing cash to exchange or traveller’s cheques. Aside from these, there’s also the option of obtaining a URCard, a prepaid debit card that was developed by a reputable local travel company specifically to address the money-related challenges often faced by visitors here.

To help you make an informed decision, we’ve elaborated on these travel money alternatives below and highlighted the pros and cons of each so that you can get a feel for which would be the best fit for you.

TRAVEL MONEY OPTIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Debit and credit bank cards.

Ideal for creatures of habit who aren’t keen on mastering a new and unfamiliar money system, using your credit or debit card from home is a popular and handy, albeit potentially costly, option when travelling in SA. Major credit card brands, namely MasterCard and Visa, are widely accepted here, and debit cards and cheque cards, which give you access to your bank account in your home country, can generally be used over the counter and at ATMs wherever there’s a MasterCard or Visa sign. If choosing this option, there’s no need to pre-arrange travel money; though, there are, of course, issues associated with transacting in SA in foreign currency with foreign plastic.

Advantages:

• Using a bank card from home is very convenient, as you already have one on hand and do not need to deal with the hassle of pre-arranging and figuring out other more unfamiliar travel money alternatives.
• You have access to all of your funds back in your home country as well as to emergency cash advances in the case of a credit card, so you shouldn’t be out of pocket.
• Some banks do offer favourable overseas rates and charges for travellers using debit or cheque cards specifically (less so with credit cards).
• Credit cards can be used to book accommodation, plane tickets, activities and more online while you’re already in SA.

Disadvantages:

• Safety is a core concern. SA has had a major problem with debit, cheque and credit card fraud, and because these cards give holders direct access to all funds, if you fall victim to a scam or if they’re stolen, the loss could be major. What’s more, while there is generally a money-back guarantee to cover fraud, there are usually a number of conditions involved and there may be certain policies that limit how protected you are when travelling.
• If your bank card is lost, stolen or swallowed by an ATM, it can be a huge and costly hassle to get a replacement card from your overseas bank. It can take up to three or four weeks for the new card to arrive, which means you could be stranded without money for some time.
• Overseas card usage fees can be very high and are often not made very clear, so you might not be aware of them. Banks usually charge a percentage of the amount withdrawn on top of other fees, so at the end of the day, you could pay over R200 in charges for a single transaction.
• Because your money is still in foreign currency, you will pay a fee to convert it from this form to rand every time you use your card.
• Similarly, you will be vulnerable to a fluctuating exchange rate, and if this drops so that it’s not in your favour, you could lose a portion of your travel budget.
• Some debit and credit cards, especially new ones with advanced security features, may not be compatible with local ATMs and card machines.
• If you forget to notify your bank that you are travelling and they see foreign activity, they will most likely block your credit card.

TRAVEL MONEY CARDS

A modern, electronic form of the old traveller’s cheque, prepaid travel cards and cash passports, which are similar to URCard, are issued by financial institutions specifically for the purpose of using money overseas. There are a number of different types  of these cards, but unlike the local URCard, they generally can only be pre-loaded with certain foreign currencies (usually US dollars, British pounds and euros) and not rand for SA. Regardless, they are ideal for those looking for a convenient option that boasts more security than standard credit and debit cards. It would be best to contact your bank or nearest foreign exchange store for more information on the specific options available.

• As a prepaid option, travel cards are not attached to all your funds in your home country and therefore are quite a secure option.
• Many travel cards come with a complimentary back-up card that can be used if the first is lost, swallowed by an ATM, stolen or broken.
• Usage fees are generally a little lower than those associated with credit or debit cards.
• Cash passports and other travel money cards lend themselves to budgeting, and it’s also generally possible to monitor your balance and your expenditure history easily online.
• Because you normally cannot load rand on a travel card, you will still be transacting in foreign currency, which means you will be affected by changing exchange rates and will have to pay conversion fees whenever you pull money from the card. What’s more, there are two conversions involved: you are charged once to convert from your home currency to the currency of the card and then every time you swipe or draw to convert from the card currency to rand.
• Organising a travel card can be an extra hassle, as you generally have to present a number of documents to qualify.
• While fees may look low, there are often a number of hidden costs, and card holders should note that they will generally be charged a percentage on ATM withdrawals rather than a fixed rate.
• Some travel cards are only valid for a short period of time and therefore must be cashed out on return, and you will have to go through the process of organising another one if you want to travel again.
• Many types can only be reloaded at the place from which they were purchased (i.e., back home), which means if your balance reaches zero in SA, adding more cash to the card will be very difficult.
• If you leave some money on the card after departing SA, you may be charged a monthly inactivity fee that will seriously dig into your remaining balance.

TRAVELLER'S CHEQUE 

Once a popular travel money option, traveller’s cheques, which are pre-printed coupons of a specific denomination that can be used as a substitute for cold cash, are no longer widely used or recognised in SA. In fact, the use of these cheques has dropped significantly since the 90s due to the rise of credit, debit and travel money cards, and therefore they’re no longer a viable option for anyone visiting our nation.

• As a paper substitute for cash, traveller’s cheques are a very secure way to manage your money abroad.
• If accepted, they offer you all the convenience of cash.
• If lost, damaged or stolen, they can easily and quickly be cancelled and re-issued.
• Most importantly, you will be hard pressed to find an establishment in SA that will still accept traveller’s cheques as a form of payment. Even banks are phasing them out.
• There are occasionally issues with the validity of cheques or the clearing of money.

Certainly the most convenient option, carrying cold hard rand is ideal for those who aren’t keen to keep seeking out ATMs and who are looking for a sure-fire way to make hassle-free purchases fast. Cash can be used anywhere and is especially useful when travelling off the beaten path to more rural areas where electronic pay points may not be ubiquitous. However, while it’s always advisable to have some SA notes and coins on you, it’s certainly not wise to have all of your overseas spending money in this form.

• It’s a handy form of currency that you’ll be able to use widely in SA, even in rural areas, informal markets and tiny shops where ATMs might be scarce and card machines absent.
• Cash doesn’t come with any of the accompanying withdrawal fees or constant currency conversion surcharges typically attached to the international use of credit, debit or travel money cards.
• Cash is in no way linked back to your greater bank accounts, so if it’s lost or stolen, there’s no reason to be concerned about thieves or fraudsters having access to all of your funds.
• It’s not safe. Carrying a lot of cash makes you a target for thieves; not to mention, you’ll never be able to recover stolen cash in the same way that a bank will reimburse you for funds illegally taken from your account.
• Notes and coins are bulky, awkward to cart around and can be a cause of unnecessary anxiety.
• When converting foreign currency to cold cash, you will often get an unfavourable exchange rate and lose a lot in the process to admin and commission fees.
• With cash, you can easily lose track of how much is going out, which can result in huge overspending.
• In order to avoid carrying all your cash, you have to constantly estimate how much money to take out with you for activities and may find you sometimes come short.
• When hiring a car, making a hotel reservation or booking similarly expensive services, you’ll likely need to provide a credit card for security deposit purposes. Cash is generally not accepted, and if it is, an inordinately large deposit is required.

PLUS, SEE WHERE TO HIRE A CAR

Car rental services are an essential component for any international looking to experience Cape Town like a true local. 

We sat down with AroundAboutCars, a car hire company whose been in the business for over 30 years, to get answers to your most common car hire questions. They offer unlimited kilometres, fully-inclusive rates with no hidden costs, 24-hour emergency service and there are 40 affiliated branches nationwide with AroundAboutCars .

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Get the best South African rand exchange rate

Compare the latest South African rand exchange rates from the UK's best currency providers

Best South African rand exchange rate

If you're travelling to South Africa, it's important to shop around and compare currency suppliers to maximise your chances of getting a good deal. We can help you to find the best South African rand exchange rate by comparing a wide range of UK travel money suppliers who have South African rand in stock and ready to order online now. Our comparisons automatically factor in all costs and commission, so all you need to do is tell us how much you want to spend and we'll show you the top suppliers who fit the bill.

Compare before you buy

Some of the best travel money deals are only available when you buy online. By using a comparison site, you're more likely to see the full range of deals on offer and get the best rate.

Order online

Always place your order online, even if you plan to collect your currency in person. Most supermarkets and high street currency suppliers offer better exchange rates if you order online beforehand.

Combine orders

If you're travelling with others, consider placing one large currency order instead of buying individually. Many currency suppliers offer enhanced rates that improve as you order more.

The best South African rand exchange rate right now is 22.8396 from Travel FX . This is based on a comparison of 17 currency suppliers and assumes you were buying £750 worth of South African rand for home delivery.

The best South African rand exchange rates are usually offered by online travel money companies who have lower operating costs than traditional 'bricks and mortar' stores, and can therefore offer better currency deals than their high street counterparts.

For supermarkets and companies who sell travel money online and on the high street, it's generally cheaper to place your order online and collect it from the store rather than turning up out of the blue and ordering over the counter. Many stores set their 'walk-in' exchange rates lower than their online rates because they can. By ordering online you're guaranteed to get the online rate and you can collect your order from the store as usual.

South African rand rate trend

Over the past 30 days, the South African rand rate is up 0.8% from 22.8396 on 29 Jul to 23.0223 today. This means one pound will buy more South African rand today than it would have a month ago. Right now, £750 is worth approximately R17,266.73 which is R137.03 more than you'd have got on 29 Jul.

These are the average South African rand rates taken from our panel of UK travel money providers at the end of each day. You can explore this further on our British pound to South African rand currency chart .

Timing is key if you want to maximise your South African rand, but the best time to buy will depend on the current market conditions and your personal travel plans.

If you have a fixed travel date, you should start to monitor the South African rand rates as soon as possible in the period leading up to your departure so that you've got time to buy when the rate is looking favourable. For example, if the South African rand rate has been steadily increasing over several weeks or months, it could be a good time to buy while the rate is high.

Some people prefer to buy half of their South African rand as soon as they've booked their holiday, and the remaining half just before they depart. This can be a good way of maximising your holiday money if the exchange rate continues to rise after you've bought, but will also help to minimise your losses if the rate drops.

You could also consider signing up to our newsletter and we'll email the latest rates to you each month.

If you need your South African rand sooner and don't have time to wait for the rates to improve, you can still save money by comparing rates from a range of different providers before you buy. Online travel money suppliers usually have better South African rand rates than high street exchanges, but supermarkets are a good compromise if you want to collect your currency in person and still get a decent rate. Just remember to buy or reserve your South African rand first before you collect them from the store so you benefit from the supplier's better online rate.

South African rand banknotes and coins

One South African rand (R) can be subdivded into 100 cents (c).

There are five denominations of South African rand banknotes in circulation: R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200; and six coin denominations: 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and R5.

There's no evidence to suggest that you'll get a better deal if you buy your South African rand in South Africa. While there may be better exchange rates available in some locations, your options for shopping around may be limited once you arrive, and there's no guarantee the exchange rates will be any better than they are in the UK.

Exchange rates aside, here are some other reasons to avoid buying your South African rand in South Africa:

• You may have to pay commission or other hidden fees to a currency exchange that you wouldn't have paid in the UK
• Your bank may charge you a foreign transaction fee if you use it to buy South African rand when you're abroad
• It can be harder to spot scammers and fraudulent currency exchanges in South Africa

Lastly, it can be handy to have some cash on you when you arrive at your destination so you can pay for any immediate expenses like food, transport and tips. You don't want to be searching for the nearest currency exchange when you've just landed and you're desperate for a cup of tea - or a cocktail!

Choosing the right payment method

Sending money to a company you might not have heard of before can be unsettling. We routinely check all the companies that feature in our comparisons to make sure they meet our strict listing criteria, but it's still worth knowing how your money is protected in the unlikely event a company goes bust and you don't receive your order.

Bank transfer

Your money is not protected if you pay by bank transfer. If the company goes bust and you've paid by bank transfer, it's unlikely you'll get your money back. For this reason, we recommend you pay by debit or credit card wherever possible because they offer more financial protection.

Debit cards are the most popular payment method and they offer some financial protection. If you pay by debit card and the company goes bust, you can instruct your bank to make a chargeback request to recover your money from the company's bank. This isn't a legal right, and a refund isn't guaranteed, but if you make a chargeback request your bank is obliged to try and recover your money.

Credit card

Credit cards offer full financial protection, and your money is protected by law under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. Section 75 states that your card issuer must refund you in full if you don't receive your order. Be aware that many credit cards charge a cash advance fee (typically around 3%) for buying currency, so you may have to weigh up the benefits of full financial protection with the extra cost of using a credit card.

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5 Best Travel Cards for South Africa

Getting an international travel card before you travel to South Africa can make it cheaper and more convenient when you spend in South African Rand. You'll be able to easily top up your card in USD before you leave the US, to convert seamlessly to ZAR for secure and flexible spending and withdrawals.

This guide walks through our picks of the best travel cards available for anyone from the US heading to South Africa, like Wise or Revolut. We'll walk through a head to head comparison, and a detailed look at their features, benefits and drawbacks.

5 best travel money cards for South Africa:

Let's kick off our roundup of the best travel cards for South Africa with a head to head comparison on important features. Here's an overview of the providers we've picked to look at, for customers looking for ways to spend conveniently overseas when travelling from the US:

Each of the international travel cards we’ve picked out have their own features and fees, which may mean they suit different customer needs. Keep reading to learn more about the features, advantages and disadvantages of each - plus a look at how to order the travel card of your choice before you head off to South Africa.

Wise travel card

Open a Wise account online or in the Wise app, to order a Wise travel card you can use for convenient spending and withdrawals in South Africa. Wise accounts can hold 40+ currencies, so you can top up in USD easily from your bank or using your card. Whenever you travel, to South Africa or beyond, you’ll have the option to convert to the currency you need in advance if it’s supported for holding a balance, or simply let the card do the conversion at the point of payment.

In either case you’ll get the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees whenever you spend in ZAR, plus some free ATM withdrawals every month - perfect if you’re looking for easy ways to arrange your travel cash.

Wise features

Wise travel card pros and cons.

• Hold and exchange 40+ currencies with the mid-market rate
• Spend seamlessly in ZAR when you travel
• Some free ATM withdrawals every month, for those times only cash will do
• Ways to receive payments to your Wise account conveniently
• Manage your account and card from your phone
• 9 USD delivery fee for your first card
• ATM fees apply once you've exhausted your monthly free withdrawals
• Physical cards may take 14 - 21 days to arrive

How to apply for a Wise card

Here’s how to apply for a Wise account and order a Wise  travel card in the US:

Open the Wise app or desktop site

Select Register and confirm you want to open a personal account

Register with your email, Facebook, Apple or Google ID

Upload your ID document to complete the verification step

Tap the Cards tab to order your card

Pay the one time 9 USD fee, confirm your mailing address, and your card will be on the way, and should arrive in 14 - 21 days

Revolut travel card

Choose a Revolut account, from the Standard plan which has no monthly fee, to higher tier options which have monthly charges but unlock extra features and benefits. All accounts come with a smart Revolut card you can use in South Africa, with some no fee ATM withdrawals and currency conversion monthly, depending on the plan you pick. Use your Revolut account to hold and exchange 25+ currencies, and get extras like account options for under 18s, budgeting tools and more.

Revolut features

Revolut travel card pros and cons.

• Pick the Revolut account plan that suits your spending needs
• Hold and exchange 25+ currencies, and spend in 150 countries
• Accounts come with different card types, depending on which you select
• All accounts have some no fee currency exchange and some no fee ATM withdrawals monthly
• Some account tiers have travel perks like complimentary or discounted lounge access
• You need to upgrade to an account with a monthly fee to get all account features
• Delivery fees may apply for your travel card
• Fair usage limits apply once you exhaust your currency conversion and ATM no fee allowances
• Out of hours currency conversion has additional fees

How to apply for a Revolut card

Set up your Revolut account before you leave the US and order your travel card. Here’s how:

Download and open the Revolut app

Register by adding your personal and contact information

Follow the prompts to confirm your address and order your card

Pay any required delivery fee - costs depend on your account type

Chime travel card

Use your Chime account and card to spend in South Africa with no foreign transaction fee. You’ll just need to load a balance in USD and then the money is converted to ZAR instantly with the Visa rate whenever you spend or make a withdrawal. There’s a fee to make an ATM withdrawal out of network, which sits at 2.5 USD, but there are very few other costs to worry about. Plus you can get lots of extra services from Chime if you need them, such as ways to save.

Chime features

Chime travel card pros and cons.

• No Chime foreign transaction fees
• No ongoing charges for your account
• Lots of extra products and services if you need them
• Easy ways to manage your money online and in app
• Virtual cards available
• You'll need to inform Chime you're traveling to use your card abroad
• Low ATM limits
• Cards take 7 - 10 days to arrive by mail

How to apply for a Chime card

Here’s how to apply for a Chime account and order a travel card in the US:

Visit the Chime website or download the app

Click Get started and add your personal details

Add a balance

Your card will be delivered in the mail and you can use your virtual card instantly

Monzo travel card

Monzo cards can be ordered easily in the US and used for spending in South Africa and globally. Monzo accounts are designed for holding USD only - but you can spend in ZAR and pretty much any other currency easily, with no foreign transaction fee. Your funds are just converted using the network exchange rate whenever you pay or make a withdrawal.

Monzo doesn’t usually apply ATM fees, but it’s worth knowing that the operator of the specific ATM you pick may have their own costs you’ll need to check out.

Monzo features

Monzo travel card pros and cons.

• Good selection of services available
• No foreign transaction fee to pay
• No Monzo ATM fee to pay
• Manage your card from your phone conveniently
• Deposits are FDIC protected
• You can't hold a foreign currency balance
• ATM operators might apply their own fees

How to apply for a Monzo card

Here’s how to apply for a Monzo account and order a travel card in the US:

Visit the Monzo website or download the app

Click Get Sign up and add your personal details

Check and confirm your mailing address and your card will be delivered in the mail

Netspend travel card

Netspend has a selection of prepaid debit cards you can use for spending securely in South Africa. While these cards don’t usually let you hold a balance in ZAR, they’re popular with travelers as they’re not linked to your regular checking account. That increases security overseas - plus, Netspend offers virtual cards you can use to hide your physical card details from retailers if you want to.

The options with Netspend vary a lot depending on the card you pick. Usually you can top up digitally or in cash in USD and then spend overseas with a fixed foreign transaction fee applying every time you spend in a foreign currency. You’ll be able to view the terms and conditions of your specific card - including the fees - online, by entering the code you’ll find when your card is sent to you.

Netspend features

Netspend travel card pros and cons.

• Large selection of different card options depending on your needs
• Some cards have no overseas ATM fees
• Prepaid card which is secure to use overseas
• Manage your account in app
• Change from one card plan to another if you need to
• You may pay a monthly fee for your card
• Some cards have foreign transaction fees for all overseas use, which can be around 4%
• Selection of fees apply depending on the card you pick

How to apply for a Netspend card

Here’s how to apply for a Netspend account and order a travel card in the US:

Visit the Netspend website

Click Apply now

Complete the details, following the onscreen prompts

Get verified

Your card will arrive by mail - add a balance and activate it to get started

What is a travel money card?

A travel money card is a card you can use for secure and convenient payments and withdrawals overseas.

You can use a travel money card to tap and pay in stores and restaurants, with a wallet like Apple Pay, or to make ATM withdrawals so you'll always have a bit of cash in your pocket when you travel.

Although there are lots of different travel money cards on the market, all of which are unique, one similarity you'll spot is that the features and fees have always been optimised for international use. That might mean you get a better exchange rate compared to using your normal card overseas, or that you run into fewer fees for common international transactions like ATM withdrawals.

Travel money cards also offer distinct benefits when it comes to security. Your travel money card isn't linked to your United States Dollar everyday account, so even if you were unlucky and had your card stolen, your primary bank account remains secure.

Travel money vs prepaid card vs travel credit card

It's helpful to know that you'll be able to pick from several different types of travel cards, depending on your priorities and preferences. Travel cards commonly include:

• Travel debit cards
• Travel prepaid cards
• Travel credit cards

They all have distinct benefits when you head off to South Africa or elsewhere in the world, but they do work a bit differently.

Travel debit and prepaid cards are usually linked to an online account, and may come from specialist digital providers - like the Wise card. These cards are usually flexible and cheap to use. You'll be able to manage your account and card through an app or on the web.

Travel credit cards are different and may suit different customer needs. As with any other credit card, you may need to pay an annual fee or interest and penalties depending on how you manage your account - but you could also earn extra rewards when spending in a foreign currency, or travel benefits like free insurance for example. Generally using a travel credit card can be more expensive compared to a debit or prepaid card - but it does let you spread out the costs of your travel across several months if you'd like to and don't mind paying interest to do so.

What is a prepaid travel money card best for?

Let's take a look at the advantages of using a prepaid travel money card for travellers going to South Africa. While each travel card is a little different, you'll usually find some or all of the following benefits:

• Hold and exchange foreign currencies - allowing you to lock in exchange rates and set a travel budget before you leave
• Convenient for spending in person and through mobile wallets like Apple Pay, as well as for cash withdrawals
• You may find you get a better exchange rate compared to your bank - and you'll usually be able to avoid any foreign transaction fee, too
• Travel cards are secure as they're not linked to your everyday USD account - and because you can make ATM withdrawals when you need to, you can also avoid carrying too much cash at once

Overall, travel cards offer flexible and low cost ways to avoid bank foreign transaction and international ATM fees, while accessing decent exchange rates.

How to choose the best travel card for South Africa

We've picked out 5 great travel cards available in the US - but there are also more options available, which can make choosing a daunting task. Some things to consider when picking a travel card for South Africa include:

• What exchange rates does the card use? Choosing one with the mid-market rate or as close as possible to it is usually a smart plan
• What fees are unavoidable? For example, ATM charges or top up fees for your preferred top up methods
• Does the card support a good range of currencies? Getting a card which allows you to hold and spend in ZAR can give you the most flexibility, but it's also a good idea to pick a card with lots of currency options, so you can use it again in future, too
• Are there any other charges? Check in particular for foreign transaction fees, local ATM withdrawal fees, inactivity fees and account close fees

Ultimately the right card for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

What makes a good travel card for South Africa

The best travel debit card for South Africa really depends on your personal preferences and how you like to manage your money.

Overall, it pays to look for a card which lets you minimise fees and access favourable exchange rates - ideally the mid-market rate. While currency exchange rates do change all the time, the mid-market rate is a good benchmark to use as it’s the one available to banks when trading on wholesale markets. Getting this rate, with transparent conversion fees, makes it easier to compare costs and see exactly what you’re paying when you spend in ZAR.

Other features and benefits to look out for include low ATM withdrawal fees, complimentary travel insurance, airport lounge access or emergency cash if your card is stolen. It’s also important to look into the security features of any travel card you might pick for South Africa. Look for a card which uses 2 factor authentication when accessing the account app, which allows you to set instant transaction notifications, and which has easy ways to freeze, unfreeze and cancel your card with your phone.

For South Africa in particular, choosing a card which offers contactless payments and which is compatible with mobile wallets like Apple Pay could be a good plan. Card payments are extremely popular in South Africa - so having a card which lets you tap and pay easily can speed things up and make it more convenient during your trip.

Ways to pay in South Africa

Cash and card payments - including contactless, mobile wallet, debit, credit and prepaid card payments - are the most popular ways to pay globally.

In South Africa card payments are common in most situations. You’ll be able to make Chip and PIN or contactless payments or use your favourite mobile wallet like Apple Pay to tap and pay on the go. It’s still worth having a little cash on you just in case - and for the odd situations where cash is more convenient, such as when tipping or buying a small item in a market.

Which countries use ZAR?

If you have ZAR, you should be able to use it in a few countries. You may decide to keep your travel card topped up with a balance for this trip to South Africa or for the next time you’re headed somewhere which uses ZAR.

What should you be aware of when travelling to South Africa

You’re sure to have a great time in South Africa - but whenever you’re travelling abroad it's worth putting in a little advance thought to make sure everything is organised and your trip goes smoothly. Here are a few things to think about:

1. Double check the latest entry requirements and visas - rules can change abruptly, so even if you’re been to South Africa before it’s worth looking up the most recent entry requirements so you don’t have any hassle on the border

2. Plan your currency exchange and payment methods - you can change USD to ZAR before you travel to South Africa if you’d like to, but as card payments are common, and ATMs widely available, you can actually leave it until you arrive to get everything sorted as long as you have a travel money card. Top up your travel money card in USD and either exchange to ZAR in advance or at the point of payment, and make ATM withdrawals whenever you need cash. Bear in mind that currency exchange at the airport will be expensive - so hold on until you reach South Africa to make an ATM withdrawal in ZAR if you can.

3. Get clued up on any health or safety concerns - get travel insurance before you leave the US so you have peace of mind. It’s also worth reading up on any common scams or issues experienced by tourists. These tend to change over time, but may include things like rip off taxis or tour agents which don’t offer fair prices or adequate services.

Conclusion - Best travel cards for South Africa

Ultimately the best travel card for your trip to South Africa will depend on how you like to manage your money. Use this guide to get some insights into the most popular options out there, and to decide which may suit your specific needs.

How does a South African Rand card work?

Getting a South African Rand card can make managing your money easier when you travel to South Africa.

Your South African Rand card will be linked to a digital account you can manage from your phone, so you'll always be able to see your balance, get transaction notifications and manage your card no matter where you are. Just add money to your account in pounds, and - depending on your preferences and the specific card you pick - you can either convert your balance to South African Rand instantly, or just let the card do the conversion when you spend or make a withdrawal.

If your card gives you the option to hold a South African Rand balance, there's not normally any extra fee to spend the South African Rand you have in your account when you're in South Africa.

Can I withdraw South African Rand currency with my card in South Africa?

With some cards, you'll be able to add money to your card in United States Dollar, and then convert to South African Rand instantly online or in your card's app.

Once you have a balance in South African Rand you can spend with your card with no extra fees - just tap and pay as you would at home. You'll also be able to make cash withdrawals whenever you need to, with no extra conversion fee to pay. Your card - or the ATM operator - may charge a withdrawal fee, but this can still be a cheap, secure and convenient option for getting cash when you need it.

With other cards, you can't hold a balance in South African Rand on your card - but you can leave your money in United States Dollar and let the card convert your money for you when you spend and withdraw.

Some fees may apply here - including currency conversion or foreign transaction charges - so do compare a few different cards before you sign up, to make sure you're picking the one which best suits your specific spending needs.

Bear in mind though, that not all cards support all currencies - and the range of currencies available with any given card can change from time to time. If your card doesn't let you hold a balance in South African Rand you might find that fees apply when you spend in South Africa, so it's well worth double checking your card's terms and conditions - and comparing the options available from other providers - before you travel, just in case.

Why should I get a South African Rand card?

Getting a South African Rand card means you can spend like a local when you're in South Africa. You'll be able to check your South African Rand balance at a glance, add and convert money on the move, and use your card for secure spending and withdrawals whenever you need to. Best of all, South African Rand cards from popular providers often offer good exchange rates and low, transparent fees, which can mean your money goes further when you're on a trip abroad.

FAQ - best travel cards for South Africa

When you use a travel money card you may find there’s an ATM withdrawal fee from your card issuer, and there may also be a cost applied by the ATM operator. Some of our travel cards - like the Wise and Revolut card options - have some no fee ATM withdrawals every month, which can help keep down costs.

Travel money cards may be debit, prepaid or credit cards. Which is best for you will depend on your personal preferences. Debit and prepaid cards are usually pretty cheap and secure to spend with, while credit cards may have higher fees but often come with extra perks like free travel insurance and extra reward points.

There’s no single best prepaid card for international use. Look out for one which supports a large range of currencies, with good exchange rates and low fees. This guide can help you compare some popular options, including Wise, Revolut and Monzo.

Yes, you can use your local debit card when you’re overseas. However, it’s common to find extra fees apply when spending in foreign currencies with a regular debit card. These can include foreign transaction fees and international ATM charges.

Usually having a selection of ways to pay - including a travel card, your credit or debit card, and some cash - is the best bet. That means that no matter what happens, you have an alternative payment method you can use conveniently.

Yes. Most travel debit cards have options to make ATM withdrawals. Check the fees that apply as card charges do vary a lot. Some cards have local and international fees on all withdrawals, while others like Wise and Revolut, let you make some no fee withdrawals monthly before a fee kicks in.

Both Visa and Mastercard are globally accepted. Look out for the logo on ATMs and payment terminals in South Africa.

The cards you see on this page are ordered as follows:

For card providers that publish their exchange rates on their website, we used their USD / ZAR rate to calculate how much South African Rand you would receive when exchanging / spending $4,000 USD. The card provider offering the most ZAR is displayed at the top, the next highest below that, and so on.

The rates were collected at 09:36:26 GMT on 25 May 2024.

Below this we display card providers for which we could not verify their exchange rates. These are displayed in alphabetical order.

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More travel card guides.

Best ways to spend travel money in South Africa: Debit and prepaid cards

Learn more about the best card to use, if you should use a uk debit card and other ways to take spending money to south africa..

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In this guide

Low-cost travel money options for South Africa

How much rand should you bring on your trip, how travel cards, credit cards and debit cards work in south africa, how the different travel money products work in south africa, the south african rand, find cash and atms in south africa, what you need to know about withdrawing cash from a south african atm, frequently asked questions.

South Africa is home to about 10% of the world’s plant species and the South African constitution has officially recognised 12 different languages. However, the monetary system is a little less diverse. There’s only one currency in South Africa, the rand (ZAR), and travel money options are limited.

If you’re preparing for a trip to South Africa, whether it’s for pleasure or business, it pays to find a travel money product that’s going to let you spend and withdraw rand cheaply. Most British banking products charge high fees when you make purchases and withdrawals in South Africa.

Use this page about travel money for South Africa to find the right credit, debit or travel card to take with you. As well, you’ll find information about how to exchange your British pounds to South African rand for less. A little preparation before you leave can save you hundreds in bank fees and a whole lot of stress.

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• Open an account in minutes
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How we chose these accounts

Although plastic is widely accepted in South African towns and cities, it’s unrealistic to think you can get away with just making card payments in South Africa. ATM withdrawal fees should be a factor in your comparison of travel money options for South Africa.

• Tip: Make sure you tell your card issuer about your travel plans. Credit card fraud is common in South Africa and your bank may block your card if you make a card payment or withdrawal in South Africa.

High summer season premiums will add to the cost of your trip to South Africa, but the cost of living and travel varies depending on where you are in the country. In smaller towns, South Africa is surprisingly affordable. Further south and especially in touristic places like Cape Town and Johannesburg, it can be very expensive. If you go to South Africa during high season (December to February) expect to pay a premium for everything. Off-season, prices drop dramatically.

Find out some typical holiday prices in Cape Town

*Prices are approximate and are subject to change.

A quick summary of your travel money options in South Africa

This table is a general summary of the travel money products in the market. Features and benefits can vary between cards.

Using prepaid travel cards

If you use a prepaid multi-currency travel card, you can load it with British pounds and convert the funds to a supported overseas currency at a locked-in foreign exchange rate.

If you’re spending in a loaded and supported currency, you’ll save on currency conversion fees and be protected from fluctuating currency exchange rates. The currencies you can spend in will vary from card to card. You’ll most likely incur a currency conversion fee when you make an ATM withdrawal or purchase in South Africa.

Even if you don’t have the supported or local currency on your card, you should still be able to use your travel card wherever Visa or Mastercard is accepted. If you don’t have the funds loaded on your card, the travel card will usually use a dropdown sequence to deduct the funds from your available currency wallets. Depending on the card you’re using, the currency order will be either flexible or set in a default order.

If your card is running low on funds, you can top up via an online transfer or BPAY. It can take between 24 hours and 2 business days for funds to appear in your account, so avoid bleeding your account dry before topping it up again.

Travel cards can be used to make overseas purchases at shops and ATM withdrawals, minus the fee for currency conversion, so long as you have the local currency loaded on the card. You can usually top up the card online or with BPAY and move funds into different currency wallets through the app or by accessing your account online.

• No currency conversion fee. Find a travel card that lets you convert British pounds to South African Rand without paying extra for the currency conversion.
• Dual card account. You get two cards when you apply for a travel card account, which will come in handy if one is lost or stolen while you’re on holiday.
• Locked-in rate. The exchange rate is locked in when you transfer funds between currency wallets, protecting you from negative currency fluctuations.
• Rewards. Some travel cards reward you with frequent flyer points when you spend in a foreign currency.
• Exchange rate. Travel cards are subject to the card provider’s cash rate. This is higher than the exchange rate offered to Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards. There are travel card providers that use the better-value interbank rate, but these products are not common.
• Fees. You pay fees when you use the card, either to load or reload funds, to withdraw from an ATM or to transact in a currency not already loaded on the card. Some accounts also charge an inactivity fee. Even if you use a travel card from a bank with an international ATM alliance, you could still incur an international ATM fee.

Using credit cards

A credit card can be a good way to access a higher line of credit, which can come in handy when making large or emergency purchases on your holiday. However, if the card isn’t designed for overseas use, you’re likely to rack up fees as you spend.

• Financial freedom. Unlike a prepaid card or debit card that deducts from your savings, a line of credit could come in handy when making large or emergency purchases overseas.
• Rewards. Some credit cards come linked with a frequent flyer or rewards program, meaning you can earn points as you spend. Some cards even offer bonus points for purchases overseas.
• Extra features. Credit cards often come with extra features such as complimentary insurance and purchase protection. If you’re travelling overseas, you’ll need insurance anyway, so getting complimentary cover through your credit card could save you time and money.
• Currency conversion fees . If you’re spending overseas with a British credit card, you’ll rack up currency conversion fees of around 3% per purchase. Look out for a credit card that doesn’t charge currency conversion or foreign transaction fees to keep your costs low.
• ATM fees. Credit cards aren’t designed for ATM withdrawals, so you’re likely to incur a high cash advance fee when using your card for withdrawals overseas. You might also be charged a separate ATM withdrawal fee and local ATM fee depending on your card and the ATM you use.
• Temptation to spend. Having access to a line of credit might give you a false sense of financial security that tempts you to make unnecessary purchases. Remember that you have to repay every purchase (plus interest, in most cases) charged to your card.

If you’re thinking of using a credit card overseas, opt for one with low or no currency conversion or foreign transaction fees as well as other features, such as rewards or complimentary insurance that will benefit you on your trip.

Using debit cards

Most ATMs and EFTPOS machines in South Africa accept Mastercard and Visa debit cards. While there are benefits to accessing your own funds overseas, there are some drawbacks that come with using your debit card in South Africa.

• Withdraw funds . Unlike a credit card, debit cards are designed for ATM withdrawals and won’t charge you a high cash advance fee. Unlike British banks, South African ATMs don’t charge you a local ATM fee.
• Access your own funds. A line of credit can be good financial security, but accessing your own funds in your debit card gives you a more realistic idea of how you need to manage your travel budget.
• Travel-friendly debit cards. While some British debit cards will incur currency conversion and foreign transaction fees, others are designed for overseas use and will avoid these costs.
• ATM withdrawal costs. While you won’t be charged a cash advance fee, you might be charged overseas ATM withdrawal costs. To avoid these costs, look out for cards that belong to an ATM alliance that won’t charge you when making withdrawals overseas.
• Currency conversion fees. If your card isn’t designed for overseas use, you’ll collect currency conversion fees when you spend or withdraw money in a foreign currency.

Using traveller’s cheques

Traveller’s cheques are safer than cash. They can be replaced if lost and you need photo identification to cash your cheques. The downside is convenience and cost: You need to visit a bank in South Africa to cash your cheques. Different banks charge different commissions and the exchange rate can vary from bank to bank as well.

South African banknotes come in denominations of 10 rand, 20 rand, 50 rand, 100 rand and 200 rand. The coins available are 1 rand, 2 rand and 5 rand. Small coins are 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents. Prices are rounded down to the nearest 5 cents and the notes are easily distinguished by colour.

The main banks in South Africa are:

• Standard Bank

South African banks do not charge you to use their ATMs. So you can save on ATM withdrawal fees altogether by choosing a card that doesn’t charge for international ATM withdrawals.

• ATM withdrawal limits The maximum amount you can withdraw from an ATM in South Africa is approximately 3,000 rand per withdrawal. You may be able to withdraw more than this if you visit a bank branch and supply photo identification to the teller. You can make multiple withdrawals up to your card provider’s daily withdrawal limit.
• Getting your money changed in South Africa You may be approached to get your money changed by a street vendor in South Africa. Although the rates they can give you may seem attractive, there’s a good chance you’re going to get ripped off. Plus, there’s an inherent danger in flashing large amounts of money around on the street. Get your money changed at currency exchange offices, banks or make withdrawals from a reputable ATM. You may want to get a sum of money changed to rand before you leave the UK so you at least have a little bit of cash on you at the airport. ZAR is a frequently traded international currency and you may be able to find rates at home that are comparable to the rates you can get when you change your money when you arrive. Arguably, the best way to get South African rand is to make an ATM withdrawal. This transaction is subject to the interbank rate, plus a small margin from the card issuer. The interbank rate is the exchange rate banks and large financial institution use to buy and sell foreign currency. Changing cash on the street will give you the tourist rate, whereas using an ATM gives you something close to the interbank rate.
• Use a mix of travel money options for the best result Take a mix of travel money options to transact in South Africa conveniently and cheaply. For example, take a credit card for emergencies, but keep your debit or prepaid card on hand for ATM withdrawals and day-to-day purchases. Transaction accounts cost nothing to open, so it’s not too much to ask to apply for a dedicated travel account. Consider your financial situation and how you’ll be spending your money on your trip to decide on the best combination.

What are the business hours for South African banks?

Generally, banks in South Africa have similar hours to banks in the UK. Banks open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 3:30pm. On Saturday, banks usually open at 9am and shut at 11am. You may be able to find banks in shopping centres and airports with extended hours.

Is it compulsory to tip in South Africa and how much should I tip?

While it’s not compulsory to tip in South Africa, it’s common to give extra small change to people providing a service such as carrying bags or serving drinks. When you’re at a restaurant, it’s standard to give up to an extra 15% of the total bill. Tour guides and rangers in parks depend on tips to make a liveable income. A tip is common in these situations.

Is it better to use a card with no currency conversion fees or a card that doesn’t charge for ATM withdrawals?

This snapshot doesn’t factor in travel card load and reload fees nor card application fees and interest charges.

Assumptions

• The currency conversion fee is 3%
• The international ATM withdrawal fee is £5
• There is no local ATM operator fee
• The transaction amount is £300
• ZAR loaded onto the travel card
• 20 rand travel card ATM withdrawal fee
• 2% credit card cash advance fee

We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use . When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you. Most of the data in Finder's comparison tables has the source: Moneyfacts Group PLC. In other cases, Finder has sourced data directly from providers.

Matthew Boyle

Matthew Boyle is a banking and mortgages publisher at Finder. He has a 7-year history of publishing helpful guides to assist consumers in making better decisions. In his spare time, you will find him walking in the Norfolk countryside admiring the local wildlife. See full bio

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South Africa Travel Guide

Last Updated: November 10, 2023

Offering amazing safaris, rugged mountains, world-class wineries, an endless coastline, and lively cities like Cape Town , South Africa is a magical destination that is often overlooked by budget travelers.

Annexed by the Dutch and British before gaining independence in 1931, South Africa struggled with apartheid from 1948 all the way until 1990. The remnants of that dark time can still be seen around the country today, however, things have been improving and the country has been moving forward in leaps and bounds.

While South Africa still struggles with corruption and petty crime (be sure to watch your stuff while you’re here) , its rich but tumultuous history, incredible natural beauty, and international culture make it a worthwhile stop on any round-the-world itinerary. It also has the most UNESCO sites in all of Africa!

This travel guide to South Africa can help you plan the perfect trip without breaking the bank to ensure you make the most of your time in this incredible country.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on South Africa

Top 5 Things to See and Do in South Africa

1. Enjoy Cape Town

Hike up Table Mountain, explore Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, tan on pristine beaches, visit Robben Island, and go on a wine tour. Cape Town has it all, so spend as much time as you can here. There’s also lots to see outside the city, including Boulders Beach ( where you can see penguins ) and Cape Point.

2. Learn about Apartheid’s tragic past

Gain a deeper understanding of South Africa by visiting the Apartheid Museum in Joburg, taking a tour of Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years in prison), and exploring Soweto (SOuth WEstern TOwnships), a township created by the Apartheid government in Gauteng. It’s a dark, eye-opening era to learn about.

3. Explore Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is the biggest, most popular, and busiest game reserve in the country. It’s a huge park with over 2 million hectares (almost 5 million acres) of space brimming with wildlife (including the Big 5). A basic three-day budget safari costs about 12,000 ZAR.

4. Drive the Garden Route

This route stretches along the Indian Ocean from Mossel Bay to St Francis, offering beautiful landscapes, serene beaches, picturesque towns, scenic wetlands, and sprawling wineries along the way. The journey is only about 200 kilometers (125 miles), but don’t rush — it’s best to spend a few days stopping and exploring as you go.

5. Day trip to Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)

Formerly called Swaziland, this tiny country was renamed in 2018 (Eswatini means “land of the Swazis”). There are several large game parks and reserves here, making it a great destination for more wildlife spotting. Be sure to visit Hlane Royal National Park. Borders can be a bit slow, so check the wait times before you go.

Other Things to See and Do in South Africa

1. partake in extreme sports.

South Africa offers over 100 extreme sports, including bungee jumping, sandboarding, skydiving, parasailing, jungle zip-lining, scuba diving, and more! Prices vary but expect skydiving to cost around 2,800-3,100 ZAR and bungee jumping to cost around 1,400 ZAR. The world’s third-highest bungee jump point, at Bloukrans Bridge, is here in South Africa (it’s 216 meters/708 feet). If you’re going to go cage diving with sharks, make sure you avoid companies that chum the waters to entice the sharks as that isn’t an ethical or sustainable practice.

2. Explore KwaZulu-Natal

People flock to the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) on the east coast to relax, tan, ride the waves, eat amazing food, drink, and spot animals. KwaZulu-Natal’s game-rich Zululand and Elephant Coast in the north provide great wildlife spotting. This is also the birthplace of so many famous and powerful South Africans, including former presidents, the founder of the African National Congress, anti-apartheid leaders, and one of the most influential monarchs of the Zulu Kingdom, Shaka Zulu (1787-1828). KZN has diverse landscapes, interesting activities, and a mix of city life and rural-tribal life. One thing that’s consistent throughout the region is the level of pride in the Zulu culture.

3. Surf the waves

Dungeons Beach, near Cape Town, is a great place to spend some time if you have experience riding gigantic waves. Really — only surf here if you’re a seasoned professional, as the cold water and unpredictable waters are dangerous for new surfers. Beginners should visit Jeffreys Bay (J-Bay), about 75 kilometers (47 miles) west of Port Elizabeth, which is famous for its awesome right-hand point breaking waves. Muizenberg on False Bay is one of the best options for winter longboarding when the north-westerly wind picks up, and Durban has waves ideal for newbies and pro surfers alike. Group surfing lessons cost around 350 ZAR, including equipment.

4. Explore the Cango Caves

These caves, located in the Swartberg Mountains in the Western Cape Province, are 20 million years old and stretch for 4 kilometers (2.5 miles). You can see the exquisite stalagmite formations during the subterranean tours and learn about its history from the Interpretive Center. The standard tour costs 150 ZAR, while a more adventurous (and longer) tour is 220 ZAR, though you should only take this tour if you’re comfortable crawling through very tight spaces. Wear sensible footwear when visiting.

5. Hike Table Mountain

One of the best things in Cape Town is hiking up Table Mountain. It’s a steep, tiring climb that takes around two hours, but the views are worth it. There’s a nice little cafe and a cobblestoned area to walk around at the top so you can relax and admire the view when you’re done. Once you successfully reach the summit, you can take the cable car back down. A one-way ticket is 210 ZAR for adults or 320-390 ZAR for round-trip tickets. Be sure to dress appropriately and bring water as the weather can change quite quickly.

6. Admire the Big Tree in Tsitsikamma National Park

Estimated to be about 800 years old, this majestic Yellowwood tree is located in the Tsitsikamma National Park along South Africa’s Garden Route. This tree of epic proportions stands 36.6 meters (120 feet) high and has a trunk circumference of 9 meters (30 feet). There is a 500 meter (1,640 foot) wooden walkway through the indigenous forest leading to this tree, and from there, you can journey onto a 3-4 kilometer (1.5-2.5-mile) walk if you follow the Ratel Nature Walk signposts. Admission is 12 ZAR. While you’re here, you can also hike many of the other trails in the park, which stretches 80 kilometers (50 miles) along the coastline.

7. Sleep in Gandhi’s house

Did you know that Mahatma Gandhi spent 21 years in South Africa? While he was there, Gandhi’s close friend and German architect Hermann Kallenbach designed and built this farmhouse in 1907, which then served as Gandhi’s South African base from 1908-09. The house is called Satyagraha House and is situated in Orchards, Johannesburg. It’s the spot from which Gandhi developed his plan for passive resistance against the British Empire. It’s been beautifully restored and provides free day visits or overnight stays in one of its seven rooms (prices from 3,080 ZAR).

8. Drive the Namaqualand Flower Route

The Namaqualand Flower Route is a 650-kilometer (404-mile) drive from Yzerfontein to Richtersveld National Park. While you can drive it in one day, most people break it up into sections and take a few days to do it. This region bursts into a sea of color every spring (mainly mid-August and mid-September, peaking in August) when over 4,000 species of flowers bloom. Head north to Springbok, and then make your way down in a southerly direction so the flowers are facing you. The flowers are best viewed on non-overcast days between 10:30am-4pm, so plan your trip accordingly. The Goegap Nature Reserve provides picnic areas and overnight facilities as well. Expect to pay between 320-1,200 ZAR per night.

9. Visit the wineries

South Africa is one of the biggest wine exporters in the world, exporting over 300 million liters (80 million gallons) of wine each year. Visit the vineyards to taste some incredibly fresh wine against a serene, mountainous backdrop. Cape Town is most popular for these tours, but there are great wine regions all over the country, including the Coastal Region, Klein Karoo, Breede River Valley, Olifants River, and Cape South Coast. Jump on an 8-hour day tour that goes from winery to winery, sampling all sorts of wine while learning all about the history of winemaking in South Africa. Tours start at 950 ZAR for a half-day tour.

10. Drive the Sani Pass to the Roof of Africa

Drive the Sani Pass Mountain route in Lesotho — the only route over the Drakensberg escarpment into the mountainous Kingdom of Lesotho. Since it first opened in 1955, the Sani Pass has offered an exhilarating journey as it twists and turns upwards through rocky cliffs that peak at 2,873 meters (9,425 feet) above sea level (hence the name “the Roof of Africa”). Only 4×4 vehicles are allowed on the road, which is treacherous and has been the site of countless accidents. As an alternative to attempting the drive yourself, several tour operators offer day tours, generally costing 940 ZAR. Afterward, bask in your victory as you enjoy a drink at Sani Mountain Lodge, known for being the highest pub in Africa!

11. See the Durban Beachfront

For decades the Golden Mile beachfront in Durban has been popular with cyclists, joggers, and leisurely strollers. You can also explore the Indian District, where dealers in traditional kurtas and saris hawk incense, ornately embroidered fabrics, and aromatic spices. Other sights in the city include visiting the KwaMuhle Museum, the Durban Botanical Gardens, the Tala Game Reserve, the Inanda Heritage Trail, or seeing a Sharks rugby game. Surfing is another popular activity here thanks to the ideal oceanic conditions.

12. Tour Riemvasmaak Community Conservancy

In 1973, under apartheid, 1,500 people were forcibly removed from this area. After the elections in 1994, they were able to return and now welcome visitors to their community. The park is located in the Kalahari Desert, making for some stark — but beautiful — landscapes, with unique rock formations and translucent green fluorite mineral deposits. There are many 4×4, hiking, and mountain biking trails here, as well as plenty of hot springs. There are small guesthouses and camping plots if you’d like to stay overnight.

13. See the penguins

The African penguin is the only penguin to breed on the continent. You can see them at Boulders Beach or Stoney Point Nature Reserve at Betty’s Bay (both locations are a short drive from Cape Town). You don’t often get to see penguins outside of zoos, so it’s definitely worth the drive to see this colony of penguins living their best lives on the beach. Try to arrive before 11am to get the best view of the penguins with the fewest crowds around. Entrance fees range from 25-152 ZAR and full-day guided tours cost 780 ZAR.

14. Surf the waves at Muizenberg Beach

Known for its iconic multi-colored huts on the boardwalk, this is a laid-back neighborhood in Cape Town with a multi-cultural vibe. If you want to hit the waves, you can rent a board for as little as 250 ZAR and a wetsuit 150 ZAR for the day (also available for cheaper by the hour). If you don’t know how to surf, you can also register for SUP or surf lessons at one of the surf shops nearby. Group surf lessons are 235-310 ZAR.

15. Safari in other national parks

While Kruger gets all the love, check out Pilanesberg National Park, Addo National Park, Umfolozi National Park, and the St. Lucia Wetlands. Without the crowds of Kruger, you’ll have ample opportunity to get up close to elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and more. From Johannesburg, the Madikwe Game Reserve, Pilanesberg Game Reserve, and the Dinokeng Game Reserve are just some of the options for nearby safaris.

16. Go whale watching

South Africa is one of the best places in the world to go whale watching. If you’re visiting between June and November, there’s an excellent chance of spotting Southern right whales, Bryde’s whales, and orcas. The town of Hermanus, located 120 kilometers (75 miles) southeast of Cape Town, is the base for many of the best whale-watching companies in the country. Some reputable companies include Southern Right Charters, Hermanus Whale Cruises, and Xplora Tours. Expect to pay around 900-1,020 ZAR for a two-hour tour.

  For more information on specific cities in South Africa, check out these guides:

• Cape Town Travel Guide

South Africa Travel Costs

Accommodation – A bed in a 4-8-bed hostel dorm costs 250-300 ZAR per night, and around 215-230 ZAR per night for a dorm with 10 or more beds. A private double room costs 600-935 ZAR. Free Wi-Fi is standard and many hostels also include free breakfast and/or have a kitchen, as well as a swimming pool.

For those traveling with a tent, campgrounds can be found all around the country. Expect to pay between 100-400 ZAR per night, depending on the facilities and location.

If you are looking for a hotel, budget hotels range from about 850-1,200 ZAR for a twin or double in big cities and get cheaper in more rural areas. Standard amenities include Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and air-conditioning. For a hotel with amenities like free breakfast and a swimming pool, expect to pay at least 900 ZAR per night.

Generally, accommodation prices are higher in Cape Town and Johannesburg and inside of any national parks. If you want to cut your prices, think about staying away from the city center, in lesser visited towns, and outside of the national parks when you’re going on a safari.

In the low season, you can find hostels and hotels for 10-20% cheaper.

Airbnb is also an option around the country, though it’s most commonly available in larger urban areas. A private room costs 300-600 ZAR per night while an entire home or apartment costs at least 700-900 ZAR.

Food – Due to its history of colonization and immigration, South African cuisine is a mix of indigenous, Dutch, British, Indian, and Malaysian culinary traditions.

Above all, South Africa is known for its meaty meals. A favorite pastime of South Africans is the braai , an open-air barbeque that originated in the townships of Johannesburg. Often served with your plate of barbeque are chakalaka , a dish of onions, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, and beans, and pap, a maize porridge.

Other popular dishes include bobotie (a baked dish of curry-spiced minced meat with egg on top) and potjiekos (a stew with meat, veggies, and potatoes). Common desserts include melktert (a custard tart) and malva pudding (like sticky toffee pudding).

Overall, restaurants in South Africa are pretty affordable. At a café, some coffee and a small meal cost 100 ZAR. At a casual restaurant serving traditional South African cuisine, expect to pay around 150 ZAR for a meal.

In terms of traditional barbeque, prices for one person vary, but are usually between 100-220 ZAR. Be sure to try biltong (thinly sliced air-dried meat), droewors (air-dried sausage), and boerewors (farmers sausage) if you’re a meat-eater.

A delicious dish that originated in the Indian community is bunny chow, a spicy curry served in a bread bowl that can also be served vegetarian. This dish is usually found at street food and takeaway spots, costing around 65-90 ZAR. At a sit-down Indian restaurant, expect to pay 90-140 ZAR for a typical curry meal.

In terms of fast food, a meal at Nando’s or another fast-food chain costs about 60-85 ZAR per person. A Chinese takeout meal costs around 75-125 ZAR.

At a nicer restaurant, a three-course meal with wine costs 280-320 ZAR per person, though you can find some main dishes for around 120 ZAR. In the same types of restaurants, a burger is 100-130 ZAR, a whole pizza is 120-160 ZAR, and a pasta dish is 90-155 ZAR.

Expect to pay around 30-35 ZAR for a beer and 50-70 ZAR for a cocktail. A glass of wine is 45-60 ZAR, while a bottle costs 120-250 ZAR. A bottle of water is 11 ZAR, soda is 20 ZAR, and a cappuccino is 25 ZAR.

The low-cost alternative to eating out is to buy groceries. A week’s worth of basic groceries for one person costs around 400-550 ZAR. This gets you basic staples like rice or pasta, seasonal produce, and some meat or fish. If you want to keep costs low, avoid expensive items like chicken, beef, and cheese.

Backpacking South Africa Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker’s budget of 850 ZAR per day, you can stay in a hostel, cook most of your meals, limit your drinking, do mostly free activities (walking tours, enjoying nature), and use public transportation to get around.

On a mid-range budget of about 1,900 ZAR per day, you can stay in a private hostel or Airbnb room, eat out for most meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like going on a safari or taking surf lessons.

On a “luxury” budget of 3,600 ZAR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, rent a car, do more safaris and adventure sports, drink more, and do whatever else you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in ZAR.

South Africa Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

It doesn’t cost a lot of money to travel around South Africa. Except for adventure sports and tours, everything is relatively cheap. But that doesn’t mean you can’t save more money! Here are some tips for saving money in South Africa:

• Pitch a tent – Most hostels have yards that they allow travelers to pitch a tent in. It costs much less and you still have the option to use the bathroom, kitchen, and other amenities.
• Work for your room and board – South Africa has plenty of farms and an active WWOOFing community. If you’re looking to stay for a while, cut your food and accommodation costs by spending some time working on a winery or farm.
• Sleep on the train – The Shosholoza Meyl train service connects Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London, Komatipoort, and Musina. Prices vary depending on where you are going, but a one-way ticket from Cape Town to Johannesburg costs around 690 ZAR and takes over 24 hours.
• Rent a car – Renting your own car is the best way to get around South Africa since the buses can be quite slow. Prices vary depending on what sort of vehicle you get, but they are generally around 500 ZAR per day.
• Drink in hostels – Most hostels have a small bar where socializing after a day of sightseeing is the thing to do. Local beer and wine can be purchased cheaper here than most bars and restaurants. If you’re going to drink, this is the place to do it!
• Cook your own food – Purchase groceries at discount supermarkets like Pick n’ Pay or Checkers to prepare meals at your hostel. This will cut down your costs significantly!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is generally not safe outside of urban areas so bring a reusable water bottle with a filter to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in South Africa

Looking for a budget-friendly place to rest your head in South Africa? Here are some of my suggested places to stay:

• 91 Loop (Cape Town)
• Never at Home Green point (Cape Town)
• Curiocity Backpackers (Johannesburg)
• Kruger Inn Backpackers (Kruger)
• The Kingdom Resort (Pilanesburg)
• 1322 Backpackers International (Pretoria)

How to Get Around South Africa

Public Transportation – Public transportation is available in the larger cities, though it is notoriously unreliable (and I wouldn’t recommend taking buses or vans within the cities for safety reasons). I also definitely don’t recommend taking the metro around Pretoria or Johannesburg as they’re not safe.

If you must use public transportation, I only recommend MyCiTi buses in Cape Town, which costs 7-13 ZAR for up to 20 kilometers (12 miles), and the People Mover in Durban (6 ZAR per ride, or 16.50 ZAR for a day pass).

Taxi – Instead of buses, minibusses, or shared taxis, I suggest calling for a private taxi. Rates are generally low and vary between cities. In Cape Town, rates average 12 ZAR per kilometer, often with a minimum charge of 30 ZAR.

Ridesharing – Even safer than taxis is Uber, which is available in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, and Port Elizabeth. This is how I recommend getting around if you’ll have phone service while you’re there.

Bus – Buses are generally the most reliable public transportation between cities, with trips costing anywhere from 250-700 ZAR. The most popular operators are:

• City to City

Since Greyhound pulled out of South Africa in 2021, Intercape is now the main bus provider, with an extensive reach throughout the country. For longer distances, you can choose a more comfortable reclining seat on their overnight Sleepliner bus.

City to City offers a less expensive, no-frills service that goes to many off-the-beaten-track places, including townships and mining towns.

In terms of prices for main routes, the 18-hour bus from Cape Town to Johannesburg costs around 380-600 ZAR, while the 8.5-hour bus from Durban to Pretoria is 225 ZAR.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Train – Train rides are less common but more comfortable and safer than buses. Shosholoza Meyl (South African Railways) has long-distance trains that serve Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, Durban, East London, Johannesburg, Queenstown, and East London. They’re comfortable and safe, making various stops at smaller towns along the way. Both tourist and economy classes are affordable options.

The overnight journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town costs around 750 ZAR and is a gorgeous ride with a dining car, showers, and accommodation in a two- or four-berth compartment (if available, couples are given coupes and single travelers and groups are put in compartments). If you are traveling alone and you want a coupe to yourself, you’ll need to buy two tickets.

The economy class is fine for shorter daytime trips; however, it doesn’t have sleeping carriages and is not a comfortable or safe option for overnight travel.

Tourist-class sleepers can get fully booked a month or so ahead, especially on popular routes, so plan ahead.

For those who are interested in luxury, the famous Blue Train , which runs from Pretoria to Cape Town, costs 38,000 ZAR for a luxury double berth. The trip lasts a few days and includes wine, cigars, great food, and comfortable compartments. It’s the fanciest way to see the country!

Flying – Depending on the route, domestic fares are generally affordable. It costs 750 ZAR from Cape Town to Johannesburg, 1,000 ZAR from Cape Town to Durban, or 600 ZAR from Pretoria to Durban. The main budget airlines are Kulula and FlySafair.

Car Rental – If you plan on exploring a lot, a small car can be rented for 500 ZAR per day. Check with your hostel to see if they recommend a certain company to book from. Otherwise, Around About Cars, Avis, Budget, Hertz, and other car rental companies exist in South Africa. Make sure you get insurance and keep all the paperwork as accidents are not uncommon.

You can use your driving license from your home country, provided it is in English (or you have a certified translation). However, if you get stopped by the police, they usually ask to see your passport too so keep at least a photocopy in your car.

When to Go to South Africa

The best time to visit South Africa’s parks is from May to September. This is the dry season and wildlife is easier to spot because there’s less vegetation around waterholes, so you can see the animals as they gather to quench their thirst. As this is winter, mornings and nights are chilly.

May and September are wonderful times to visit because it is less cold and, especially in September, the wildlife viewing is excellent. Most days are sunny, there is little to no rain, and there are very few mosquitos.

The winters are mild and produce average highs of approximately 17°C (63°F). This is the low season, so the parks are not crowded (save for Kruger during school holidays).

The wet season (summer) runs from October to April. This is after the first rain, so the scenery turns green and the country looks lush and fresh. This is the best time for bird watching because most of the migratory birds are around. When it does rain, it doesn’t rain for long so you can usually wait it out. Seeing animals is harder since there are more lush landscapes and more places for the animals to be hidden or blocked by trees and bushes.

Parts of South Africa see summer highs get up to 28°C (81°F), with averages closer to 25°C (77°F). Prepare for much larger crowds in the national parks when there are school holidays.

Generally speaking, temperatures are more consistent throughout the year at the coast, while the arid/mountainous areas of the interior see the greatest fluctuation in seasonal temperatures. Even in the Kalahari Desert, nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing. It’s a good idea to pack for all occasions, as often people joke about how you can experience all four seasons in one day in South Africa.

How to Stay Safe in South Africa

South Africa requires extra vigilance because there’s a lot of petty crime here. While you’re unlikely to ever be in any real physical danger, petty crime and harassment are rampant. Avoid carrying expensive gear and lots of money, especially late at night. Always keep your valuables secure and never dress flashy. Do your best to fit in at all times so you don’t stand out as a target.

Don’t walk around alone late at night. If you have a rental car, keep your doors locked at all times to prevent theft and carjacking. Never leave anything in your vehicle overnight as break-ins can occur.

Solo female travelers will want to be cautious here. Avoid traveling alone when you can and don’t travel alone at night. Always keep an eye on your drink when out at the bar and be extra careful in crowded areas as sexual harassment isn’t uncommon.

Crime rates are higher in the townships (settlements established during apartheid for forced racial segregation), but that doesn’t mean avoid them altogether. Just visit during daylight hours, especially with a local guide.

Be extra careful in Johannesburg, where crime rates are the highest in the country (although again, it’s mostly petty crime). If you’re driving, pay attention to what’s happening behind your car as well as in the front. If someone exits a car and starts approaching you, move on quickly.

If you’re going to visit Hillbrow, Berea, Joubert Park and Yeoville make sure you do it with a local as these are riskier neighborhoods to explore on your own.

If you’re worried about getting ripped off, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 10 111 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct and make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in South Africa, check out this post we wrote that answers some frequently asked questions and concerns.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

South Africa Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

South Africa Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling South Africa and continue planning your trip:

How to Save Money When You Visit Cape Town

The 4 Best Hostels in Cape Town

The 12 Best Things to Do in South Africa

Cape Town Itinerary: What to See and Do in 4 (or More) Days

Six of the Greatest Safaris in Africa

24 Photos from My Safari to Kruger National Park

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

• Travel Planning Guide

South Africa Travel Budget - Visit South Africa on a Budget or Travel in Style

• South Africa Costs

• Is South Africa Expensive?
• How much does a trip to South Africa cost?
• Port Elizabeth
• Kruger National Park
• Johannesburg
• Drakensberg
• Hibiscus Coast
• South Africa Hotel Prices
• South Africa Cities: Hotel Prices by City
• Best Family-Friendly Hotels in South Africa
• Best Hotels for Skiing in South Africa
• Best Party Hotels in South Africa
• Best Hotels for One Night in South Africa
• Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in South Africa
• Best Beach Hotels in South Africa
• Best Luxury Hotels in South Africa
• Best Adults Only Hotels in South Africa
• Best Business Hotels in South Africa
• Best Cheap Hotels in South Africa
• Best Hotels for One Week in South Africa
• Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in South Africa
• Best Hotels for Scuba Diving in South Africa
• Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in South Africa
• Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in South Africa
• Hostel Prices & Reviews
• South Africa Activities
• South Africa Tour Prices
• The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Africa
• The Best Wildlife Tours to South Africa
• The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in South Africa
• The Best Historical Tours in South Africa
• The Best 10-Day Tours in South Africa
• The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in South Africa
• The Best 3-Day Tours in South Africa
• The Best 2-Week Tours in South Africa
• The Best 3-Week Tours in South Africa
• The Best Bicycle Tours in South Africa
• Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in South Africa
• The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in South Africa
• The Best Overlanding Trips in South Africa
• The Best Adventure Tours to South Africa
• The Best Eco Tours in South Africa
• The Best Sightseeing Tours in South Africa
• The Best Cultural Tours in South Africa
• The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in South Africa
• The Best Food and Culinary Tours in South Africa
• The Tours for Animal Lovers in South Africa
• The Best Camping Tours in South Africa
• The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in South Africa
• The Best Safaris in South Africa
• The Best Budget Safaris in South Africa
• The Best Tours Under $1000 in South Africa
• The Best Luxury Tours to South Africa
• The Best Budget Tours to South Africa
• The Best Tours for Seniors to South Africa
• The Best G Adventures Tours to South Africa
• How much does it cost to travel to South Africa? (Average Daily Cost)
• South Africa trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

How much do package tours cost in South Africa?

Is south africa expensive to visit.

• How much do I need for a trip to South Africa?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to South Africa?

You should plan to spend around $92 (R1,653) per day on your vacation in South Africa. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $21 (R382) on meals
• $16 (R288) on local transportation
• $97 (R1,754) on hotels

A one week trip to South Africa for two people costs, on average, $1,286 (R23,146) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 92 R 1,653
• One Week Per person $ 643 R 11,573
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 1,286 R 23,146
• One Month Per person $ 2,756 R 49,598
• One Week For a couple $ 1,286 R 23,146
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 2,573 R 46,291
• One Month For a couple $ 5,513 R 99,195

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to South Africa cost?

A one week trip to South Africa usually costs around $643 (R11,573) for one person and $1,286 (R23,146) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to South Africa on average costs around $1,286 (R23,146) for one person and $2,573 (R46,291) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in South Africa will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to South Africa on average costs around $2,756 (R49,598) for one person and $5,513 (R99,195) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in South Africa is $325 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.

• 5-Day Group Garden Route & Addo Adventure Tour (one-way) 5 Days - 12 Destinations $ 694
• Uncover South Africa! 13 Days - 11 Destinations $ 2,800

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

South Africa is a reasonably affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 25% of countries in the world for its affordability . If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.

Within Africa, South Africa is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Madagascar or Tanzania.

For more details, see Is South Africa Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to South Africa?

The average South Africa trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these South Africa travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in South Africa

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in South Africa is $49 (R877). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in South Africa is $97 (R1,754). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 49 R 877
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 97 R 1,754

Hotel Prices in South Africa

Looking for a hotel in South Africa? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in South Africa based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $78. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• Black Leopard Camp Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 111
• Mont Rochelle Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 352

Local Transportation Budget in South Africa

The cost of a taxi ride in South Africa is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $16 (R288) per person, per day, on local transportation in South Africa.

• Local Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 16 R 288

Recommended Services

• Shuttle Transfer from Greater Kruger to Gauteng Viator $ 63
• Robben Island tour Return transfers PLUS famous stops before or after tour Viator $ 170

What did other people spend on Local Transportation?

Typical prices for Local Transportation in South Africa are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Local Transportation prices in South Africa, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Taxi Ride R 60

Food Budget in South Africa

While meal prices in South Africa can vary, the average cost of food in South Africa is $21 (R382) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in South Africa should cost around $8.49 (R153) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in South Africa is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 21 R 382

Recommended

• Half-Day Small Group Cooking Experience in Franschhoek Viator $ 114
• Private South African Cape Malay Cooking Class Viator $ 98

Entertainment Budget in South Africa

Entertainment and activities in South Africa typically cost an average of $18 (R315) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 18 R 315

Recommended Activities

• Culture Walking Tour of Durban Viator $ 64
• Panorama Guided Tour Viator $ 128

Tips and Handouts Budget in South Africa

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in South Africa is $2.71 (R49) per day. The usual amount for a tip in South Africa is 5% - 15% .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 2.71 R 49

Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in South Africa

Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in South Africa is $30 (R539), as reported by travelers.

• Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps 1 $ 30 R 539

Alcohol Budget in South Africa

The average person spends about $11 (R189) on alcoholic beverages in South Africa per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 11 R 189
• Exclusive Wine Tours by Martin Stevens Viator $ 116
• Cape Town Peninsula Day Tour ( Cape Point/Boulders/Wine Tasting) Viator $ 84

Water Budget in South Africa

On average, people spend $2.01 (R36) on bottled water in South Africa per day. The public water in South Africa is not usually considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 2.01 R 36

Related Articles

South africa on a budget.

At A Glance

• Many people choose to rent a car during their time in South Africa. This provides you with more freedom and flexibility during your travels, but there are some things which you should be aware of. Rental cars are available almost exclusively with manual transmissions. If you want an automatic they are often very expensive and in short supply. Prior to renting the car, also make sure you understand any restrictions you might be under like driving on dirt roads or geographic limits. Many rental cars also limit the waiver they provide on damage. Inquire about this prior to signing a contract.
• Road signs in South Africa are different from those found in most places. If you plan to do any lengthy driving make sure you familiarize yourself with what the signage means. Vehicles also drive on the left hand side of the road. If this is new to you, it may be tricky in the beginning.
• Cycling in the rural areas is a wonderful way to experience the country. It is generally best to avoid riding a bike in the major cities because of reckless drivers and crime, but on rural roads it is a beautiful and fun experience.
• It's a good idea to use precautions anytime you travel wherever you are. Try to use ATM's that are inside of buildings such as shopping malls or banks. Also make sure that nobody can see you enter your pin number. If someone offers you assistance, tell them no thanks and wait until they leave before you continue your withdrawal.
• If you're shopping in an indoor store, the prices are usually fixed and non negotiable. If you're in an outside market however, there will likely be some room for haggling.

Top Tourist Attractions

Popular foods, more related articles.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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Buy South African rand online

Our currency calculator is a quick and easy way to check our latest foreign currency exchange rates.

What do I need to bring to collect my foreign currency?

Why buy South African rand from M&S Bank?

Taking a dream trip to South Africa? Blessed with beautiful white beaches, adventurous activity destinations and the 'Big Five' wild animals, there's loads to do. Whether you're treating your kids to a once-in-a-lifetime safari trip or exploring Cape Town, at some point during your stay it's likely that you'll need to pay for something with South African currency.

We offer a number of benefits when you buy South African rand with M&S Bank.

• Our stores are open 7 days a week †
• Buy South African rand online and collect from your local Bureau de Change
• Exchange any leftover currency when you return using our buy back service

Click and Collect South African rand

ZAR South African rand exchange rate

The exchange rate may differ depending on the day you order your currency.

Find today's South African rand exchange rate here. Or use our South African rand converter to see how much you could get for your pound.

How to sell back South African rand

Do you have left over South African rand from your recent trip? We can buy back foreign currency from you.

How to order South African rand

Our online and in-store services make ordering your South African rand simple:

• Order your South African rand online with our Click & Collect currency service. Choose your collection date and collect from your local Bureau de Change. Or order before 4pm and collect in store the same day, using our SameDay Click & Collect service * .
• Or visit your local Bureau de Change to buy South African rand * . You can find our Bureaux de Change in M&S stores nationwide. Many are open seven days a week late into the evening, so you can buy your South African rand at a time that suits you.

Countries that accept South African rand

Besides South Africa, all countries in the Common Monetary Area accept the South African rand.

Why visit South Africa?

Located at the southern tip of the African continent, South Africa has something unique for every type of traveller.

As one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, South Africa has natural beauty in abundance. You'll find wild savannahs and rugged mountains in different areas of the country, and plenty of beaches along the coastline. From safaris in Kruger National Park to the plants in the Cape Floristic Region, you'll find no shortage of natural wonder in South Africa.

If you're more interested in city exploring, cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town have a variety of different shopping malls and restaurants, so be sure to bring some travel money along!

You can check the latest South African rand exchange rate using our currency converter if you're planning to visit South Africa any time soon.

South African rand facts and history

The South African rand is the official currency of South Africa.

Each South African rand is divided into 100 cents. We can refer to the rand by the code ZAR or by the R symbol.

The rand became the official South African currency in 1961, just a few months before the country became a republic. The rand replaced the South African pound and its introduction created a decimalised currency system.

South African rands come in both coins and banknotes. Coins include:

• 10, 20, and 50 cents

Banknotes include:

You can buy South African rand online, visit our travel money hub to learn more.

Frequently asked questions

Can i use my bank card in south africa.

You'll be able to use your bank card in all urban areas in South Africa. You'll also find ATMs in built-up areas. If you're planning to use your card in South Africa, look for any potential costs or transaction fees when using your card abroad.

ATMs are harder to find in rural areas and shops in these areas are often cash-only. When venturing out of major cities, think about bringing some travel money to pay for your expenses.

How expensive is South Africa?

The South African rand is weaker than the British pound (GBP). This makes South Africa a relatively affordable destination.

Larger cities will typically be more expensive than rural areas, and you can expect to pay more in Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town. If you're going to South Africa on a budget, larger cities will be between 10% to 20% cheaper during off-peak seasons.

Check our currency converter to see the latest exchange rates for South African rand.

Can you use other currencies in South Africa?

The only currency accepted in South Africa is the South African rand.

Do you need a visa to visit South Africa?

As a UK citizen, you'll be able to visit South Africa for up to 90 days without a visa.

You'll need to apply for a visa if you want to stay a little longer. You'll also need a work permit if you plan to earn some rands.

Other passport holders should check the entry requirements with your country's embassy.

You should always research the most up to date visa guidelines before planning a trip.

Should I tip in South Africa?

Waiting staff in South Africa earn a very basic living wage, so you should try and tip whenever you can. When dining out, you should tip between 10% and 20% of the total bill.

If your meal costs ZAR200, you should leave your waiter a tip between ZAR20 and ZAR40.

Other workers will appreciate a tip between ZAR10 and ZAR15. These include:

• taxi drivers
• hotel cleaners
• hotel staff
• safari workers
• tour guides

What languages are spoken in South Africa?

In total, there are 12 official languages in South Africa. English is commonly spoken in urban areas, and it's the main language used in South African media. English and Afrikaans are also part of the same language family. This means you may find yourself being able to understand a few words in Afrikaans as you travel.

What is the latest government travel advice for South Africa?

There is a higher risk of financial crime in South Africa. You should be vigilant of any card skimmers in ATMs and avoid using them in crowded areas. As a general rule, only withdraw money in secure areas like shopping malls or banks.

You can also visit the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for the latest government travel advice for South Africa.

What is the best time of year to visit South Africa?

A diverse climate means there's always an ideal time to visit South Africa. Whether you're looking for safaris, coastal getaways, or beach holidays, South Africa has something all year-round.

The best time for a safari is from May to October, and you'll be able to view animals in famous reserves like Kruger and Madikwe. This is the South African dry season, and less vegetation makes wildlife easier to spot.

The hot summer months from November to March are unbeatable for a Cape Town beach holiday. Most of South Africa's coast enjoys year-round sunshine and warm temperatures, making it a great destination no matter when you go.

Important documents

M&S Travel Money Terms and Conditions (opens in a new window)

You may require Adobe PDF reader to view PDF documents. Download Adobe Reader (opens in a new window)

Other popular currencies

If you are planning a future holiday or a trip that takes in multiple destinations, these other currencies may be useful:

*Subject to availability

† Subject to store opening hours

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South africa, select your destination.

Currency information

Welcome to south africa.

Howzit! Where else in the world can you wake up and look out your hotel window to see zebras contently grazing? A world filled with exotic native wildlife, breathtaking scenery and adrenaline-filled outdoor activities, the Rainbow Nation is guaranteed to be a unique destination, quite unlike anything else you’ve experienced. And let us not forget: SA brought us the great Nelson Mandela.

4.5/5 stars  –   You shouldn’t have any problem finding ATMs in major cities and even in rural towns. But come with cash packed and hidden from public view. You know, just in case.

10-15% is the customary tipping rate

Phone and Internet access

Great in the main cities, might have to forgo it in rural areas

With prices like these, you can afford  to extend your stay for as long as you’d like. (Maybe.)

Coffee:  AU$2.05 (regular cappuccino) Water:   AU$0.90 (330mL bottle) Beer:  AU$2.05 (local bottle) Food:   AU$11 (ostrich burger) Taxi:  AU$23 (O.R. Tambo – Johannesburg) Big Mac:  AU$2.75 (far cheaper than at home!)

Daily budget

Budget:   Around AU$80/day (2x cheap meals, supermarket   snacks, and entry to Cango Caves Adventure Tour) Moderate:   Around AU$150/day (2x cheap meals, supermarket   snacks, train ticket and sea kayaking in Cape Town) Luxury:   Around AU$200/day (2x restaurant meals,   supermarket snacks and a Safari adventure)

Safety rating

3/5 stars -  Don’t be scared off by the lions; anyone who has actually been to South Africa will tell you it’s a safe place to travel for any smart, savvy tourist. Just don’t go wandering alone at night.

Travel Money Trivia

Rand struck gold The rand currency is named after a spot near Johannesburg called Rand, known for its gold mines. Mascot madness   To introduce the new currency of rand to the public, a mascot named Decimal Dan (“the randcent man”) was created.  Punny money  Banknotes featuring Nelson Mandela’s face were called “randela”. Bangfor your buck It’s much cheaper to travel across South Africa than it is the US or Western Europe.

Let's talk money

There’s so much to do and see in South Africa, so to make your trip really grand, you’ll need a decent amount of rand. The cost of living isn’t high, so luxury hotels and resorts come much more affordable than they would in other countries. It’s a good idea to bring cash, but consider storing it in a hidden money belt or pouch.

• Remember to tip your tour guide
• Take taxis instead of public transport
• Travel in low season for cheaper flights
• Wine costs the same  as soft drink
• Check out the beautiful (free) scenery
• The local market jewellery is amazing
• Any Aussie will want to join in on a braai: the South African equivalent of a good ol’ BBQ

Big five safari tour  No trip to South Africa would be complete without catching an up-close glimpse of the native animals in their  natural habitat. The big swing   In Graskop, Mpumalanga you’ll find one of the world’s highest Cable Gorge Swings. Adrenaline junkies only. Table Mountain   Take the cableway up to the top for incredible views without breaking a sweat. Whale watching in Hermanus  From June to November, get close to these beautiful creatures by boat trip or  from land. The Cango Caves   Crawl, climb and squeeze your way through the huge, intricate caves. Choose from the adventure tour or walking tour for something a little more relaxed.

Get the best deal on your foreign exchange today & take off with more spending money. Order online 24/7 or visit one of our 130+ stores .

Travel Money Oz has sought to ensure that the information is true and correct at the time of publication. Prices, details and services are subject to change without notice, and Travel Money Oz accepts no responsibility or liability for any such changes, including any loss resulting from any action taken or reliance made by you on any information provided. Daily Cost: All prices are approximations. Your costs may differ depending on where you go, where you shop, and their individual factors. Daily Budget: Costs are estimated per person and do not include accommodation.

Why Travel Money

10 ways to experience South Africa on a budget

Sep 11, 2023 • 6 min read

Plan your spending in South Africa with this guide to daily costs, along with top tips to help you save © Marius Gerryts / Getty Images

South Africa – with its dramatic coastline, wildlife-filled parks, vibrant cultures and cosmopolitan cities – can be within reach for travelers of all budgets.

The country has long had a reputation for being affordable. Accommodations and food are particularly good value, especially in the upper ranges of the market, with prices at luxury hotels and restaurants considerably less than those at their European and North American counterparts.

At the budget end of the spectrum, expect good quality and standards at very reasonable prices. At all levels, your most significant outlays are likely to be for organized safaris and guided tours. But even here, with a bit of planning, it’s possible to find ways to keep costs manageable while still experiencing everything you hope to.

Plan your spending with this guide to daily costs along with top tips to help you save.

Daily costs in South Africa

• Hostel room: ZAR200–300 (per dorm bed)
• Basic room for two: from ZAR600
• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): from ZAR550
• Bus ticket Johannesburg–Cape Town (1400km/870 miles): from ZAR650 one-way
• Flight Johannesburg–Cape Town: from ZAR1200 one-way
• Coffee: ZAR30
• Bunny chow (sandwich): ZAR70
• Dinner for two: from ZAR450, excluding drinks
• Bottle of South African wine: from ZAR90
• Daily entry fee for Kruger National Park: ZAR460/230 per adult/child
• Daily entry fee for Mountain Zebra National Park: ZAR252/126 per adult/child
• Beer/pint at the bar: ZAR30–60 

Average daily cost for three meals a day plus accommodations and activities: from ZAR800 at the budget level up to ZAR3500 or more for top-end travel.

1. Johannesburg is the cheapest gateway airport for regional flights

Johannesburg is an ideal port of entry if you’re planning to include Kruger National Park or the Drakensberg area (both an easy half-day’s drive away) in your travels, or if you'll be combining your South Africa itinerary with visits to Lesotho , eSwatini (formerly Swaziland), Botswana or other neighboring countries. For international flights, Cape Town is catching up with Johannesburg, and fares are now roughly comparable between the two hubs, so choose an entry point based on geographics and where you want to focus your explorations.

2. Renting a car is the most cost-effective way to explore the country

Car hire is the best budget option for traveling around South Africa, especially if you’re traveling as a family or in a small group. International and local rental agencies have branches at major South African hubs, and many offer unlimited kilometers at reasonable rates – essential for keeping costs down while covering the country's large distances.

Solo travelers or those who don’t want to rent a vehicle should check out private shuttle services. One popular company is BazBus , which connects Cape Town with both Johannesburg and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) via the scenic Garden Route , with both direct and hop-on-hop-off options. Bus is another possibility, but suited mainly for point-to-point transfers between major towns. 

3. Use ridesharing apps to get around urban areas

Uber is generally regarded as safe and is less expensive than taxis. It’s also a good choice for affordable transport between the airport and your hotel – look out for the signposted ridesharing app pick-up zones.

4. Visit during the shoulder season to get the best deals

Throughout South Africa, prices are highest during the December to January summer holiday period, and accommodations – including those within national parks – are often booked out well in advance. February to May and September to November tend to be good months to visit in most provinces, with fine weather, lower prices and many areas to yourself. Exceptions to this are the Easter holidays, and big-ticket events like Cape Town’s Two Oceans Marathon in April. In spring, treat yourself to a profusion of jacarandas in Pretoria in October, and an abundance of blue skies and sunshine almost everywhere, while paying off-season rates. 

5. Plan a do-it-yourself park visit instead of an organized safari

South Africa offers some of southern Africa’s best-value wildlife-watching and all major parks are geared towards independent travelers. Self-drive itineraries are easy, and for those days when you do want a wildlife guide, this can be easily arranged at park reception areas. You can also save by camping or staying in park-run accommodations (all parks offer low-season accommodation discounts), and by self-catering.

If you’re traveling as a family, or if you’re planning on spending more than a week inside the major parks, consider purchasing a SANParks Wild Card . To trim costs even more, remember that smaller or lesser-known parks often have lower entry fees than their more famous counterparts.

6. Save by staying at hostels or backpacker accommodations

Take advantage of cheap dorm beds, kitchens for self-catering, bulletin boards with posts from those looking to find a group, and plenty of links to reasonably-priced local excursions. Almost all hostels and hotels have discounts for children under 12 and many hostels and backpacker establishments are also well-suited for families, with private rooms in addition to dorm beds. Private rentals, such as those arranged through Lekkeslaap , Airbnb or similar engines, can also bring significant savings, especially for longer stays.

7. Visit South Africa’s free and almost-free attractions

Small towns and off-beat destinations will be lower-priced than cities and tourism hot spots, but, it’s possible to save even in major hubs. In Cape Town, for example, Table Mountain can be visited less expensively if you hike up and down rather than taking the cable car. You can then relax afterwards with a swim at the Camp’s Bay tidal pool, or do some seal-spotting from the Seapoint promenade. In Durban , soak up local vibes on a stroll along the boardwalk. And, in Johannesburg, explore the city's many free museums, finishing with a visit to the famous Apartheid Museum , with its reasonable ZAR150 entry fee.

8.  Braai (barbecue), buy local produce and bring a refillable bottle

The braai (barbecue) is a great South African tradition – one that spans cultures and provincial borders and all walks of life. It’s rare to find a guesthouse, apartment or homestay that doesn’t have a braai pit in the backyard. 

You could also picnic South African-style by stocking up on provisions in the nearest town, filling a cool box (available for a few dollars at Checkers and other supermarket chains) and heading out for a self-catered holiday along the coast or at the national parks. As you go, don’t forget to seek out South Africa’s abundance of locally made products, especially cheeses and wine, which are often available at great prices.

Local tap water is generally safe to drink, and carrying a refillable flask will help you save while avoiding contributing to the plastic bottle problem. If you don’t want to cook for yourself, watch where locals go to eat to get the best deals. Sidewalk food vendors are good, when you can find them, as are small, local-style restaurants selling traditional food. Ask staff at your accommodation for tips about their favorite places to eat.

9. Claim back tax when you leave

Save your receipts for souvenirs and other items to claim back South Africa’s 15% Value Added Tax when leaving the country. Check out the details at the government's Vat Refund Agency page .

10. South Africa is a good place to splurge, if you can

While upmarket hotels can cost upwards of ZAR3000 per night, rates are generally well-below those at equivalent establishments elsewhere in the world. You'll experience similar levels of service, often complemented by unbeatable views over the ocean or mountains. Once you’ve taken in the views, make time to enjoy South Africa's world-class cuisine. The Cape Winelands and Johannesburg are just two locations known for their excellent dining options. Throughout the country, mains generally don’t exceed ZAR200, while a multi-course set menu at an elite-level restaurant might run to about ZAR1500. 

This article was first published Apr 22, 2023 and updated Sep 11, 2023.

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Best Travel Money Tips for South Africa

No matter if you're a relaxer, or an adventurer; as Australians, we  love  travelling to South Africa.

Whether you want a cheap getaway, or you want to escape to luxury - South Africa has you covered.

In our extensive guides we can help you work out how much everything is going to cost.

What Currency is Used in South Africa ?

The currency used throughout all of South Africa is the called the Rand. When looking for currency conversion its ISO code is ZAR, just as Australia's Dollar's ISO code is AUD.

Planning a thrilling adventure in South Africa?

Currency needs to be on your to do list.

Here is some general information about the South African Rand and some tips and tricks to get the best deal on your conversion from AUD to ZAR:

Travel cards

Travel debit cards are a good alternative to carrying cash whenever you go on a trip to South Africa. It may be a cheaper and safer alternative.

Depending on which card you choose, you might get a good deal on the exchange rate between AUD - ZAR as well. By choosing a debit card, you withdraw money from your bank account directly, which is a good option if you saved money for your trip in advance.

Learn more about your travel card options

This is a convenient way to buy currency but you need some time. You can choose where to pick the order up from, and in some instances can get home delivery. When you order with Travelex, you can choose to order cash, a prepaid Travelex Money Card or both!

Home or Office Delivery

• You can pay by Bpay or bank transfer
• It takes up to 7 days depending on your location
• Choose your cash denominations like small, medium, large or mixed

Money Changers

This is the best way to get currency quickly. You will find them in major shopping centres and towns. Our tip, is that the exchange rates are better in your CBD than what you'd find further out. So it can be worth going there if you're exchanging more than $2,000.

Find the best currency exchange in your states CBD  here .

Most banks do exchange currency. The issue is that they often have high fees, and don't offer very good rates. It's always better to compare rates elsewhere before deciding, but as a standard rule it's best to avoid your bank. Especially for a popular currency like ZAR.

Yes, you can buy currency at the airport. While it's convenient, it's also very expensive. If you have run out of time before your trip, it could be better to buy currency when you get to South Africa, or use your Aussie debit card instead.

The 3 Best Travel Cards For Aussies to Use in South Africa

It can be tricky working out which is the best travel card to use in South Africa.

The fact is, the best one for you will really depend on what you need from the card you're using.

We've listed what we think are three of the best prepaid travel cards you can use while you're in South Africa.

What are different types of travel cards?

They can be either prepaid, debit or credit cards designed specially for using overseas. You can use travel cards to make purchases online, in stores and to withdraw money at ATMs. There are 3 popular types:

• Travel Debit Cards

Prepaid Travel Cards

Travel credit cards.

Let's have a look at each one.

Debit Cards

Debit Cards offer the convenience of a credit card, but work differently. They draw money directly from your bank account when you make a purchase. It is designed for everyday money transactions and means that you're not accumulating debt.

A debit card could make you stick to your travel budget, because you can't overdraw money from your account. And for daily purchases, we think a debit card can help you stick to your travel budget, because you can't overdraw money from your account.

Generally, we recommend having a combination of a travel debit and travel credit card for safety, flexibility and convenience on your trip.

Best Travel Debit Card: Wise debit Mastercard®

Wise is our best value travel debit card..

With this card:

• It's very easy to set up and order
• You can receive foreign currency into a free multi-currency account linked to the card
• You can transfer money to a bank account overseas

It's not all good news though

• There is a 2% ATM withdrawal fee when you withdraw over $350 during a month
• It takes 7-14 days for delivery

Click here to see the full list of cards and how Wise compares

Read the full review

• No annual fee, hidden transaction fees, exchange rate markups
• No minimum balance requirements
• Allows you to make payments and withdrawals wherever you are in the world in over 40 currencies
• Local bank account details in Australia (AUD), the UK (GBP), the USA (USD), Europe (EUR) and New Zealand (NZD)
• It takes 7-14 business days to receive the card
• Can't always access local technical support depending on where you are
• Free cash withdrawals limited to under $350 every 30 days
• Only currently available in the US, UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand

For prepaid cards, you're able to load the card with a set amount of money in the currencies you need. Ideally you do this before your trip, but often you can reload them as well.

Most prepaid travel cards allow for multiple currencies to be loaded onto the card. So it's important to know what currency you'll be using on your travels. Airlines also offer prepaid cards so the money you spend can earn you reward points.

With prepaid travel cards you need to be careful, as they can have numerous fees and charges which can make it more expensive than other options. But if you're organised and travelling to multiple cities a prepaid travel card is a good option.

Revolut  is our best value prepaid travel card.

• No purchase fee, load fee, reload fee, exchange rate margin or minimum balance requirements
• Unlike other Travel Cards, its free and easy to use the balance of your currency or convert it back to AUD
• The exchange rates are unbeatable. They use the same rate you see on XE or Google with no hidden mark-up
• For the free Standard account, there is a 2% ATM withdrawal fee when you withdraw over $350 during a month
• The premium account costs $10.99 a month, which can really add up if you are not using it often

Click here to see the full list of cards and how Revolut compares

• Very easy to use app
• Free to set up
• No hidden fees or exchange rate mark-ups (except on weekends)
• You can use it to transfer money to a bank account overseas
• Additional fees for using the card on a weekend
• 2% ATM fee once you withdraw more than $350 in any 30 day period
• 3-4 business days before you receive your card
• Ongoing subscription fee for Premium and Metal cards

Credit cards have obviously been around for a long time. But now there are specialised travel credit cards. Generally, these cards give you longer to pay back what you've spent but the interest rates after this time can be quite high.

The main advantage with credit cards are the reward points you get in return for your customer loyalty when you spend. But it only works if you pay off the balance in full each month.

Credit cards are great to use for car hire, restaurants and accommodation - larger expenses that are easier for you to pay back over time. Some services only take credit cards to hold purchases so they can definitely be handy while you're travelling.

Best Travel Credit Card: 28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard

28 degrees is our best value travel credit card..

The 28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard is our best value travel credit card. With this card:

• There are no annual fees
• No overseas purchase fee or currency conversion fee
• You get 55 days interest free on purchases
• Access to free 24/7 concierge service
• Emergency card replacement worldwide

The 28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard has additional benefits including shoppers and repayments benefits cover.

• Can have 9 additional cardholders
• No overseas purchase fee, or currency conversion fee
• No foreign transaction fee
• Free Replacement Card
• High interest rates after the initial 55 days
• Minimum credit limit is $6,000
• No introductory offers or rewards

How to buy Rand in South Africa

General tips.

If you decide to buy your currency when you get to South Africa, you'd may need to make sure you have Australian dollars in cash. This way you can exchange it when you get there.

Similar to Australia, it could be best to avoid buying currency at the airport and the bank, and better to do it in one of the major city centres.

You can use this link to find  Travelex stores in South Africa.

Currency Exchange in South Africa

There are lots of banks within South Africa to help you exchange your Aussie dollars. The listed banks below have branches in  are located in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Soweto, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth and Pietermaritzburg.

African Bank Nedbank Limited Standard Bank of South Africa

There are lots of money changers to exchange your Aussie dollars in South Africa. The list below have a strong presence in South Africa.

American Express Foreign Exchange Master Currency Forex World Global Foreign Exchange Tower Bureau de Change Travelex Africa Foreign Exchange

What do the notes and coins look like in South Africa?

The notes are structured in the same way Australian ones are. The notes themselves are designed differently, but they are the same type. South African Rand are made up of:

R10, R20, R50, R100, R200

Each Rand can be divided into 100 cents. In South Africa, the coins used are:

10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and R5

The R1 and R2 look similar and R5 looks similar to 1EUR.

Is it cheaper to convert currency in Australia or South Africa?

Exchange rates change frequently, and every provider offers different rates. This makes it hard to say what the cheapest way and place to exchange currency is.

When you're travelling to a place like South Africa you can often get good exchange rates when you arrive because Australian travellers go there frequently. This means money exchangers in South Africa are happy to trade between AUD and ZAR.

Just steer clear of exchanging currency at the airport. On both ends, the rates will be much worse there than in the city centres.

To find the best way to buy ZAR, you can read our guide here.

How Much Things Cost in South Africa

South Africa is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Australians. And with the weather, food, activities and safaris - it's not surprising. Travelling somewhere new for the first time can make budgeting a bit difficult. But it becomes easier to plan your holiday once you know how much things cost in South Africa.

To give you a better idea of how much everything is going to cost, we've listed some essential things you might need on your holiday like accomodation, transport, food and more.

All the prices we've quoted in this article are in Australian dollars but you can visit our  currency converter  to find out what the exchange rate is between the AUD and ZAR.

Before you head to South Africa, learn about:

• Is it expensive to visit South Africa?
• How much you need to bring to South Africa?
• How much it costs to fly from Australia?
• The cost of food
• Buses and trains
• Tours in South Africa

Hiring a Car

Accomodation.

Is it Expensive to Visit South Africa?

When it comes to travelling in South Africa, there is a big difference between there and Australia. Let's have a look at the cost difference between some food and activities in South Africa and Australia:

Australia vs South Africa

In this table, we have a comparison of some things you might do in South Africa. The prices are approximate, and can change between different cities in South Africa.

How much money do I need to bring?

The answer to this question really depends on the type of holiday you're planning. Will you be backpacking and staying in hostels? Will you be living it up at a fancy hotel? If you want to do it on a budget, you easily can or you can splurge and go on a luxury holiday.

South Africa can be a slightly more moderate country to visit, compared with other destinations. Having said this, there are ways you can cut costs if you need to.

Here we have listed an estimate of what you'd need, per person, per day depending on your holiday.

Budget holiday:  $100AUD

Middle of the range holiday:   $100 - $250AUD

Luxury holiday:  At least $250AUD

How much does food cost in South Africa?

Food is a pretty important part of a holiday, and a great way to get to know a country. Especially somewhere like South Africa where there is delicious food to try on every corner. In South Africa, you can really decide how much you want to spend on food everyday. You could get by on as little as $30AUD or if you're fine dining you could spend a lot more! Below we've listed some general prices for eating and drinking out, and the cost of some other bits and bobs.

Eating out:

• Breakfast: $5 - $14 AUD
• Lunch: $10 - $20 AUD
• Dinner: $10 - $30AUD
• Water: $1.5AUD
• Coffee: $2.50AUD
• Beer: $2AUD+
• Bottle of Wine: $5AUD+

Some other examples:

• Big Mac meal: $6AUD
• Bottle of Wine: $7AUD+
• Bottled water: $1.5AUD
• Safari Day Tour: from $100AUD

How much does it cost to fly from Australia to South Africa?

Like flying anywhere in the world, flights between Australia and South Africa can change depending the time of year. Having said this, there are often sales that can get you there quite cheaply.

The flight prices also depend on where in Australia you're flying, there are lots of direct flights from Perth, and from other capital cities you can easily get flights.

Generally the average cost of a return flight to O.R.Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg from Melbourne or Sydney will cost you about $1,300 - $2,600AUD.

Getting Around

Despite the large distances, travelling around most of South Africa is fairly straightforward, with a reasonably organized network of public transport, a good range of car rental companies, the best road system in Africa, and the continent’s most comprehensive network of internal flights.

South Africa’s has many established intercity bus companies such as  Greyhound , Intercape   Baz Bus and Translux .  They reach most towns in the country and travel on these buses is safe, good value and comfortable. The vehicles are usually equipped with air conditioning and toilets.

If you have a limited time for your South African holiday, travelling by plane is an attractive option. South African airways offers the largest number of domestic flights. Budget airlines like Kulula , Velvet Sky and Mango , have more limited networks than the big airlines, but generally offer better deals on the major routes with several flights per day.

Shosholoza Meyl  is a long-distance passenger trains system that connects major cities on a regular basis Premier Classe  trains link Cape Town & Johannesburg weekly. It is luxury train for those on a budget The Blue Train  is a luxury train from Cape Town to Pretoria Rovos Rail is another luxury train servicing the major cities

Utilising tours is a great way to meet other travellers and learn about the area you're in. If you're looking to have a completely guided tour, you could consider looking into companies like  Intrepid , Bunniks or  Topdeck.  But even on a smaller scale, you can often find guided tours to different parts of the country which can usually be organised through your hotel or hostel. These may set you back a small fee to cover the cost.

Viator  is a great website to get information about tours you can do throughout South Africa!

You can hire a car in South Africa, in fact travelling by car is the only access to some national parks and coastal areas.

In order to drive there you will need to obtain an International Drivers Permit (IDP) which you can do in Australia. Remember that if you're hiring a car and you're under 25, it is usually more expensive than it is for older drivers. Road maps are a worthwhile investment and are readily available in South Africa.

Price of a Rental Car in South Africa, per Week:

• Budget : From $150AUD per week for a budget car that will comfortably fit two people and luggage
• Mid-range: From $250AUD for a mid-range car that will easily fit four people and luggage
• High-end:  From $400AUD for a high end car such as a large SUV or luxury vehicle

Rental Car Companies

You can somewhat be flexible about how much you spend on accomodation when you get to South Africa. If you're keeping it low key and don't want to spend much, there are hostels, or you could live it up! Below are some rough guides to how much you can expect to pay.

Accomodation on a budget, like hostels cost about $30 to $100AUD a night.

Mid-range accomodation like a double room in a 3 star hotel will probably cost between $100 and $350AUD a night.

A double luxury hotel room will cost from $350AUD up to as much as you're willing to spend per night.

Using the following sites will give you an even better idea of how much the accomodation you're after will cost you.

• Booking.com
• Rooms for Africa.com
• South African Holidays

As wages are low here, and tipping is expected.

• Restaurants & cafes -  Tip 10% to 15% of the total in restaurants and 10% in cafes.
• Hotels - A standard tip of R10 to R20 is welcomed.
• Car guards - Offer R2, or R5 for longer periods.
• Petrol stations  - Anything from R5 – more if the attendant washes the windscreen and checks the tyres etc.
• Taxis Tips not expected but rounding up the fare will be appreciated.

South Africa

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Money in South Africa

We have included only the two strongest currencies, the South African rand and Botswanan pula. Currency conversions as quoted above were correct at press time; as rates will no doubt continue to fluctuate, consult a currency exchange website such as www.oanda.com/convert/classic or www.xe.com/ucc to check up-to-the-minute rates.

The South African currency unit is the rand (ZAR or R), with 100 cents making up R1. Notes come in R10, R20, R50, R100, and R200. Minted coins come in 1-, 2-, and 5-rand denominations, and 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents -- small change doesn't buy much; gather and use for tips. The good news for foreign visitors is that the current climate has knocked the rand, despite the relative stability of the economy or the size of its gold reserves. To give some idea: In 2007, the rand was hovering at R7 to $1 and R14 to £1; at the start of 2009, it was fluctuating between R9 and R11 to the $1 and hit highs of R18 to the £1.

Even the pula, official currency of Botswana, the most expensive region in southern Africa, has taken a bit of a beating in recent years: At press time, it was hovering at P7.6 to $1 -- up from P6.15 2 years previously. It has little effect on visitors, though; lodgings and camps quote and charge in U.S. dollars almost without exception. In Zambia, lodgings do the same, quoting rates in dollars or euros; even roadside hawkers prefer foreign currency. If you do pick up some local currency, you will find the Zambian currency unit is the kwacha (K), in denominations of 50, 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000 kwacha notes.

Zimbabwe's hyperinflation -- kicked off in the early 2000s by Mugabe's "land reform" policy, in which vast swathes of productive white-owned farmland were given to so-called war veterans and now lie fallow -- led to a spontaneous replacement of the Zim dollar with foreign currencies. This "dollarization" process was finally legalized in late January 2009, and the Zimbabwe dollar was suspended in April (by which time a trillion note could not even buy a loaf of bread, and its value against the U.S. dollar was cut in half every 2 days). The payment of goods and services in Zimbabwe is thus now only in foreign currencies, including the U.S. dollar, euro, pound, South African Rand, and Botswana Pula.

Tipping Point -- In South Africa, you should exchange enough petty cash to cover airport incidentals, tipping, and transportation to your hotel before you leave home, or withdraw money upon arrival at the airport ATM. Aside from ATMs, for the most favorable rates, change money at banks rather than hotel or exchange bureaus. If you are a U.S. visitor, bring dollars in small denominations for tips in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia; if you are a non-U.S. visitor, think about changing some money into the highly valued U.S. dollar, again in low denominations, for tips and trinkets from roadside vendors before you leave home, as you will otherwise be obliged to change your currency into the local currency.

ATMs (or cashpoints) offering 24-hour service are located throughout South Africa, even in small towns. (Obviously, this does not apply to lodges in remote locations, such as nature reserves, with the exception of Skukuza Rest Camp in Kruger.) It is not worth drawing money from an ATM in Zimbabwe . Be warned that while travelers can withdraw money (in local currency) from ATMs in Zambia, banks often lose their connections with the credit card exchanges, thus making withdrawals impossible. You will find ATMs only in major towns in Botswana, and they accept only Visa.

Please be wary when drawing cash -- don't be distracted by strangers, and make sure they keep their distance. Most ATMs in cities are guarded at night, but it's better to draw in daylight. The Cirrus (tel. 800/424-7787; www.mastercard.com) and PLUS (tel. 800/843-7587; www.visa.com) networks span the globe; look at the back of your bank card to see which network you're on, then call or check online for ATM locations at your destination. This is important, as a Visa card's PIN (personal identification number) will not apply at a MasterCard-accredited ATM, and vice versa (Visa accepts only a four-digit PIN, while MasterCard accepts a five- or six-digit PIN). Be sure you know your PIN and daily withdrawal limit before you depart. Note: Remember that many banks impose a fee every time you use a card at another bank's ATM. In addition, the bank from which you withdraw cash may charge its own fee. The exchange rate may also be unfavorable (as is the case in Zimbabwe, where the exchange rate is based on the official interbank rate, which is extremely low). If you're concerned about international withdrawal fees, ask your bank before you leave.

Credit Cards

Credit cards, for use at ATMs and virtually any retailer in southern Africa, are the most convenient way to carry money in the region. They also provide a record of all your expenses and generally offer relatively good exchange rates. (Keep in mind that many banks now assess a "transaction fee" of around 1%-3% on all charges you incur abroad. And you'll pay interest from the moment of your withdrawal, even if you pay your monthly bills on time, so try to settle your account immediately on return.) With the proper precautions , credit cards that require a PIN are also the safest way to carry money. Just don't let your card out of your sight, as the use of card skimmers and cloning devices, mainly employed by organized criminal syndicates, has dramatically increased in heavily touristed areas such as airport restaurants and Cape Town's Waterfront. The new generation of card skimmers are smaller than the card itself, and it takes a fraction of a second to clone a card. A server can swipe your card through a skimmer concealed in his or her hand while you are distracted by signing the authorization slip. If you are at a restaurant, always request that a tabletop portable pay point be delivered to your seat. If they don't have this facility, follow your server to the pay point. Once your card has been swiped, immediately take it back into your possession.

If you have only an American Express, MasterCard, and/or Diners Club card, it's worth opening a Visa account, as this is by far the most accepted choice in Southern Africa (many lodgings in Zimbabwe won't accept MasterCard). Camps in remote areas do not always have credit card facilities, but in all likelihood, you will be booking and paying for these all-inclusive experiences ahead of time. For the most part, you'll find credit cards to be invaluable. (Debit cards are also useful as a back-up for drawing cash from ATMs.)

Traveler's Checks

Traveler's checks are somewhat redundant in South Africa -- and useless in Zimbabwe, where banks rarely accept traveler's checks for conversion to local currency. As mentioned above, credit cards are generally accepted throughout southern Africa, particularly MasterCard and Visa, and both credit and debit cards are an easy way to draw cash at ATMs everywhere but Zimbabwe, where the ATM exchange rate is based on the official interbank rate, which is extremely low.

Those who nevertheless prefer carrying traveler's checks can buy them at almost any bank. American Express offers denominations of $10, $20, $50, $100, $500, and (for cardholders only) $1,000; you can also purchase them in South African rands, though it's inadvisable, given the fluctuating exchange rate, usually in favor of the dollar. You'll pay a service charge ranging from 1% to 4%. You can also get American Express traveler's checks over the phone by calling tel. 800/221-7282; by using this number, Amex gold and platinum cardholders are exempt from the fee. AAA members can obtain checks without a fee at most AAA offices or by calling tel. 866/339-3378.

Visa offers traveler's checks at Citibank locations nationwide, as well as several other banks. The service charge ranges between 1.5% and 2%; checks come in denominations of $20, $50, $100, $500, and $1,000. Call tel. 800/732-1322 for information. MasterCard also offers traveler's checks. Call tel. 800/223-9920 for a location near you.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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ZAR - South African Rand

The South African Rand is the currency of South Africa. Our currency rankings show that the most popular South African Rand exchange rate is the ZAR to USD rate. The currency code for Rand is ZAR , and the currency symbol is R. Below, you'll find South African Rand rates and a currency converter.

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As a trading center, multiple currencies circulated throughout South Africa. The first official currency used was the Guilder. During the late 17th century, the Rixdollar was used and was the first South African currency to include paper notes. During British occupation, in 1826, the Cape Colony was put on a sterling basis, though other currencies, including Spanish Dollars, US Dollars , French Francs, and Indian Rupees continued to circulate. In 1921, the Reserve Bank of South Africa was established as the central bank. In 1961, the South African Rand replaced the Pound under a decimalized system. The ratio was 2 ZAR to 1 GBP.

South African Rand Stats

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Pounds GBP to South African rand ZAR exchange rate

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Delivery options, available branches and fees may vary by value and currency. Branch rates will differ from online rates. T&Cs apply .

• Buy South African rand online at Post office
• Check the GBP to South African rand exchange rate for the best deal
• Order your South African rand online and pick up in branch the next working day

South Africa: get your rand ready

Breathtakingly beautiful, culturally diverse and easier on the wallet that you might expect, South Africa has to be seen to be believed. 

If you’re making the trip, order your South African rand online from Post Office, buy currency in thousands of branches or load it onto a  Travel Money Card .  

Order holiday money online for home delivery or to pick up at your nearest branch. Orders placed before 3pm on a working day will be ready the next working day. 

We’ll buy back any spare currency notes  you bring home or refund all of your currency within 28 days or purchase if your trip gets cancelled. And we can arrange travel insurance for your trip too. 

Get our best rates online. The more you buy the better the rate.

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Order travel money online or in thousands of participating branches 

Order South African rand online for a better rate (minimum order value: £400)

Get a better rate for South African rand the more you spend

Collect in any of the 11,500 Post Office branches around the UK

Or get free home delivery on online orders of £500 or more (£4.99 charge if under £500)

Get next-working-day delivery if you order on a weekday

Order on Friday for home delivery on Saturday

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Order your money online and pick it up in your nearest participating branch.

Home delivery

Order between £500 and £2500 for free home deliver on a working day.

Travel smart in South Africa

You can top up our Travel Money Card with up to 22 currencies, including South African rand. Accepted wherever you see the Mastercard® symbol. And manage them online with our travel app.

What do things cost in South Africa?

Our reports help you get an idea of what things cost in many popular destinations worldwide. Here’s what we found about South Africa.

Three-course meal for two

£34.64

£8.41

Cup of coffee

£1.31

Costs are for Cape Town, South Africa and based on prices at the time of our last Post Office Travel Money Holiday Money Report in 2024. Meal price is based on three courses for two people with a bottle of house wine.

How far will your currency go in South Africa?

Although more expensive than many of its neighbours, travelling through the cities and savannahs of South Africa is normally cheaper than touring Europe or North America

You’ll be astounded by the awe-inspiring beauty, magnificent wildlife, cultural diversity and high levels of comfort your money can get you

At the other end of the scale, the country’s more upscale hotels and wildlife lodges can cost several thousand rand per day. But there’s also plenty of middle ground and most visitors should be able to travel comfortably on a few hundred rand per day

We’ve got plenty of information on  visiting South Africa  – and don’t forget the importance of  travel insurance

Some common questions

What is the south african rand.

The South African rand is the official currency of the Republic of South Africa. It’s abbreviated to ZAR and its issuing authority is the South African Reserve Bank.

There are legal limits on the amount of money, both in rand and in other currencies, that you’re allowed to take into South Africa with you. You need to declare currency you’re carrying if it’s over a certain amount. This amount can change, so make sure you check before you travel.

What are the denominations of South African rand?

Notes: 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 rand

Coins: 1, 2 and 5 rand and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents

Which countries and territories use the South African rand?

While the South African rand is the legal currency of South Africa, it’s also used as currency in the Common Monetary Area between South Africa, Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) and Lesotho. Areas of these countries also use the South African rand in addition to their own currencies.

Namibia was formerly part of this union but, even though the South African rand has now been replaced by the Namibian dollar, it’s still widely accepted there. Other unofficial users of the currency are Angola, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Where can you buy South African rand?

It’s easy to buy South African rand online at Post Office or in thousands of participating branches. Find your nearest branch that sells currency.

Order travel money online and you can choose either to pick up in any branch , or home delivery (free for orders over £500). Order by 3pm on a working day to get either service the next working day.

Another way to take your holiday money is on a Travel Money Card . You can load this prepaid Mastercard with up to 22 currencies, including the South African rand, and manage it with the free Post Office Travel app.

To get a better rate, order online, buy more holiday money at one time. And, if you can, do it when the South African rand exchange rate is good.

What are the highest and lowest South African rand denominations?

The 200 rand banknote is the highest value denomination in the South African currency. The lowest denomination is the 1 cent coin (worth about 0.00044 pence in GBP at the time of writing).

• Read all travel money FAQs

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Visiting several countries on the same trip or as part of future travel plans? These other currencies might be of interest.

Post Office Travel Money Card is an electronic money product issued by First Rate Exchange Services Ltd pursuant to license by Mastercard International. First Rate Exchange Services Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales with number 4287490 whose registered office is Great West House, Great West Road, Brentford, TW8 9DF, (Financial Services Register No. 900412). Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

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South Africa

Entry requirements.

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in South Africa set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the  South African High Commission in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering South Africa.  

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 30 days after the date you leave South Africa and have at least 2 blank pages. 

Dual nationals

If you are a South African citizen aged 18 or over, you must use a South African passport to enter and exit South Africa. It is illegal to use another country’s passport. See the South African Department of Home Affairs for further information. 

Visa requirements

You can visit South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days for business or tourism.

For more information on visas, contact the  South African High Commission .

Check the expiry date of your visa or entry stamp and ensure you do not overstay.

The Department of Home Affairs also has information on South Africa visas and immigration regulations . 

Travelling with children

There are special requirements for travelling to South Africa with children aged 17 and under, and for unaccompanied children entering South Africa. The  South African Department of Home Affairs has more information.

Vaccine requirements

To enter South Africa, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk . 

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s South Africa guide . 

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of South Africa . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.  

Taking money into South Africa

When you enter South Africa, you must declare cash:  

• in South African rand if you are bringing more than 25,000 rand per person
• in other currencies if together they are worth more than 10,000 US dollars

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FACT SHEET: United States Response to the Clade I Mpox Outbreak in Several African Countries

On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern about the upsurge of mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a growing number of countries in Africa. This announcement followed the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention's (Africa CDC) declaration of a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security on August 13. The significant increase of clade I mpox cases, in both endemic countries (those that have previously had mpox outbreaks) and non-endemic countries (those that have historically not reported mpox outbreaks), threatens the health security of the region, as well as countries outside Africa. In addition, clade I mpox has a newer sub-clade referred to as clade Ib. Both clade Ia and clade Ib are circulating in DRC and have been detected in neighboring countries and in Sweden and Thailand (one case each associated with travel to Africa with known clade I cases).

In 2022, the world experienced a global outbreak of clade IIb mpox, which led to more than 95,000 cases across 115 non-endemic countries and continues to occur in the United States. The Biden-Harris Administration responded by ensuring the JYNNEOS mpox vaccine was available to at-risk populations in the U.S.

In February, as the clade I mpox outbreak grew in DRC, the Biden-Harris Administration established an incident response structure across federal departments and agencies to ensure a coordinated response and to take a proactive approach to U.S. domestic preparedness for potential clade I mpox cases. Clade I mpox causes a higher number of severe infections and has a higher mortality rate than clade IIb mpox. Because evidence for clade I mpox clinical outcomes is based primarily on data from endemic countries without widespread supportive care, particularly DRC, we do not yet know how clade I mpox would impact Americans; we do expect it would cause lower morbidity and mortality in the United States.

United States preparedness for clade I mpox

The Biden-Harris Administration has been closely monitoring the spread of mpox, specifically clade I mpox, and has been working since December 2023 to prepare domestically. The risk to most Americans from clade I mpox circulating in Central and Eastern Africa and the travel associated cases outside of Africa is very low, and there are no known cases in the United States at this time. The United States is well prepared to rapidly detect, contain, and manage clade I cases should they occur domestically.

The United States continues to increase our capacity to detect cases of clade I and clade IIb mpox through existing surveillance systems, including wastewater testing, and through expanding the robust diagnostic testing capacity built during the ongoing clade IIb outbreak to ensure coverage for clade I. The ability to expedite such diagnostic testing—in particular for those with recent travel to DRC or neighboring countries—also supports rapid detection. In addition to reaffirming the importance of mpox vaccination for those who are eligible , we are working to prevent the spread of both clades of mpox by providing and disseminating recommendations for clinicians, health departments, diagnostic laboratories, and the public.

From August 2022 to August 2024, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), distributed more than one million vials of the JYNNEOS vaccine across the United States to mitigate the spread and severity of the clade II mpox outbreak. In addition to the preventive vaccine, partners across the U.S. government are working to better understand the effectiveness of existing treatments for mpox and have treatment options available in the event that clade I mpox is reported in the United States. The United States will continue to provide information to the public on transmission, prevention, and treatment of mpox. Those who have already had clade IIb mpox or who are fully vaccinated against it are expected to be protected against clade I mpox.

CDC has issued an updated Health Alert Network advisory for clinicians and public health departments and partners, as well as an updated Travel Health Notice , recommending travelers to DRC and neighboring countries to practice enhanced precautions. Through the State Department, our embassies are working to keep U.S. citizens abroad informed of these updates. At this time, CDC and WHO do not discourage travel to DRC or elsewhere due to the mpox outbreaks.

United States support to the global mpox outbreak

The U.S. government has been closely monitoring the spread of clade I mpox in DRC and the risk to neighboring countries since 2023, and we have been working closely with the affected country governments and regional and global health partners to reduce the impact of this outbreak and safeguard public health. The U.S. government support for the mpox response builds on our longstanding partnerships in global health security and development with DRC and throughout Africa, which have helped to combat infectious diseases, such as HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria for more than 20 years. In fiscal year 2023, the United States allocated more than $2.65 billion in bilateral health funding to countries in Central and Eastern Africa and is the largest global health donor.

Since March 2024, USAID and CDC together have provided an additional $20 million USD to support clade I mpox response efforts in Central and Eastern Africa, and on August 20, USAID announced up to an additional $35 million in emergency health assistance to bolster response efforts, pending Congressional Notification, bringing the proposed total U.S. government financial support for DRC and other affected countries in the region to more than $55 million.

In addition to direct financial support, the United States government is surging staff to support the mpox response. More than 200 staff including epidemiologists, laboratorians, and risk communication experts have been deployed to support response efforts in the United States and Africa. United States government support has focused on a range of critical public health interventions aimed at limiting transmission and reducing mpox morbidity and mortality. These interventions include surveillance with deployment of additional local field epidemiologists, risk communication and community engagement, laboratory supplies and diagnostics, infection prevention and control, clinical services, and vaccine planning.

In addition to scaling up surveillance, testing, and treatment of cases, vaccination will be a critical element of the response to this outbreak. Successful vaccination campaigns will require health workers to provide vaccinations, financial support to roll out vaccine and vaccination supplies, and regulatory approval for use of vaccines in affected countries. To support this effort, USAID is donating 50,000 doses of the FDA-approved JYNNEOS vaccine to DRC, as well as financial support for rollout of the vaccine doses. The United States is working with other countries that have vaccine stockpiles, WHO, and international partners to encourage additional donations that support vaccine efforts and address challenges with vaccine delivery. This includes evaluating vaccine demand, supporting country engagement on regulatory pathways, planning vaccine implementation, and providing technical assistance to deliver the vaccines.

The United States is working with bilateral, multilateral, and private sector partners to develop and implement a coordinated response – including encouraging collaboration between WHO and Africa CDC on their response plans. The United States, through the State Department, will continue working through the U.S.-Africa CDC Joint Action Plan adopted in November 2023 to increase African Union Member States' capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to health emergencies.

The Biden-Harris Administration will continue its whole-of-government response to this growing outbreak, building on lessons learned from the 2022 mpox response. To learn more about mpox, signs and symptoms, treatments, and prevention, please visit the CDC website here .

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