2012 Trip Dates

South African Money

Currency Exchange

The South African rand (ZAR) has undergone something of a roller-coaster ride against other international currencies since the 1994 election. At one point, the exchange rate dropped as low as ZAR 13 to the U.S. dollar, but it has since recovered to trade within a band of around ZAR 6-7. Major credit cards and traveler's checks are widely accepted. In cities and large towns, ATMs are plentiful sources for obtaining local currency using any major international credit or debit card. Smaller towns and villages will often have at least one ATM, but don't count on it being in working order. For security reasons, we recommend that you only use ATMs that are inside a bank or other institution.

Currency Exchange Rates

US Dollar S African rand US Dollar S African rand $10 74.68 $200 1,493.65 $20 149.37 $400 2,987.30 $30 224.05 $600 4,480.96 $40 298.73 $800 5,974.61 $50 373.41 $1000 7,468.26 $60 448.10 $1200 8,961.91 $70 522.78 $1400 10,455.56 $80 597.46 $1600 11,949.22 $90 672.14 $1800 13,442.87 $100 746.83 $2000 14,936.52

Taxes
South Africa has a value-added tax (VAT) that is included in prices marked on goods. Nonresidents can obtain a refund of the VAT on certain purchased goods. The total value of the items should exceed ZAR 250. To claim your refund at the airport, have the unused items with you in your carry-on luggage to present to the refund officer. You'll also need the original receipt, a VAT refund form and your passport.

Tipping
Tip taxi drivers about 10% and give a small tip to hotel porters. In restaurants, tip at least 10% if a service charge has not been added to the bill.