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Money & duty free for South Africa
Exchange rates:
RandC$1 = R7.02
€1 = R12.07
£1 = R14.31
US$1 = R9.4
Money & Currency
Currency information:
Rand (ZAR; symbol R) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of R200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of R5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.
Credit cards:
MasterCard and Visa are preferred. American Express and Diners Club are also widely accepted. ATMs are available in all towns, cities and shopping malls and most petrol stations, and accept international cards. Almost all hotels, shops, restaurants, national parks and game reserves accept credit cards. They are now acceptable at most petrol stations too, but since that is a relatively new measure, it’s worth checking before you fill up.
ATM:
ATMs are available in all towns, cities and shopping malls and most petrol stations, and accept international cards. Be alert when using ATMs, and do not accept help from anybody as conmen are adept at switching cards. Check your statements afterwards for a few weeks too, as cloning machines are occasionally planted in ATMs. More obviously, be aware of who is hanging around and don’t withdraw money if your instinct tells you not to.
Travellers cheques:
Valid at banks, hotels, restaurants and some tourist-orientated shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.
Banking hours:
Mon-Fri 0900-1530, Sat 0830-1100.
Currency restriction:
The import and export of local currency is limited to R5000 in cash. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited provided it is declared upon arrival.
Currency exchange:
Money can be changed at banks, bureaux de change and some hotels. Proof of identity may be requested so take your passport. Visitors are restricted to bringing in and taking out a maximum of R5,000 in cash.
South Africa duty free
The following goods may be imported into South Africa by passengers over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes and 20 cigars and 250g of tobacco.
• 1L of spirits or liquor and 2L of wine.
• 50mL of perfume and 250mL of eau de toilette.
• Other goods up to a value of R3,000. Additional goods up to R12,000 are charged duty of 20%.
Note: Most retail purchases include VAT of 14%, which foreign tourists can claim back at the airport by presenting the original tax invoices and completing the necessary forms.
Restricted items
South African bank notes in excess of R5,000, gold coins, coin and stamp collections and unprocessed gold; endangered species of plants or wildlife, including articles made from them, plants and plant products, such as seeds, flowers, fruit, honey, margarine and vegetable oil; animals, birds, poultry and related products. Medicines (excluding sufficient for one month for own personal treatment accompanied by a letter or certified prescription from a registered physician).
Banned imports:
Narcotics; automatic, military and unnumbered weapons, explosives or fireworks; poisons, meat, cigarettes with a mass of more than 2kg per 1 000, counterfeit goods, unlawful reproductions of any works subject to copyright and prison-made goods, processed cheese and other dairy products.
Banned exports:
Goods that require an export licence include acacia trees, mineral ores, Tigers Eye gemstones, and a variety of industrial chemicals and metals.
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