South Africa travel money tips
Heading to South Africa? Here's a quick rundown of how to handle money on the ground — tipping etiquette, when to use cards versus cash, the best ATMs to use, and the most common pitfalls travelers run into. The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR, R).
Tipping
10–15% in restaurants, 10% for taxis, R10–R20 per bag for porters, R5–R10 for petrol attendants and 'car guards'.
Cards vs cash
Cards widely accepted in cities, malls, and tourist areas. Carry cash for tips, township markets, and rural areas.
Payment methods accepted
ATMs & cash tip
Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres (Standard Bank, FNB, ABSA, Nedbank) to avoid skimming.
Heads-up
- Avoid walking after dark in city centres; use Uber or Bolt for evening trips.
- Never let your card out of sight at a restaurant — wireless terminals come to your table.
About the South African Rand (ZAR)
The South African Rand (ZAR, symbol R) is the official currency of South Africa. Knowing the live ZAR rate against your home currency helps you sanity-check menu prices, taxi fares, and souvenir markups while traveling.
More travel tips
See all country tips →Tips are general guidance for travelers, not legal or financial advice. Customs vary — confirm with local sources for important plans.