South Africa

South Africa is an incredible country filled with exotic wildlife, beautiful serene landscapes and impressive coastal cities. South Africa boasts eight distinct biomes, from beaches to grassland and offers its visitors everything from mouth watering meals, fine arts, wine tasting, hiking, surfing, safaris and even skydiving. It is no wonder that South Africa is one of the top tourist destinations of the world and caters to the likings of any traveller.

1 AUD = 10.9365 ZAR

Our online rate, priced 13 Sep 2026, 01:07

Buy ZAR online Rate history

The money

As a trading centre, 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.

Currency: South African Rand
Code: ZAR
Symbol: R
One Australian dollar: 10.9365 ZAR

Bank notes

R10
R20
R50
R100
R200

Coins

10c
20c
50c
R1
R2
R5

We supply notes only. Coins are listed so you know what the change in your pocket is worth.

What things cost in South Africa

The left column is what the guide records locally. The right column is that same figure through today’s rate — the arithmetic we would do for you at the counter, done here instead.

Everyday prices in South Africa, in local currency and in Australian dollars
Everyday price	Rands	Australian dollars
Three-course meal for two, mid-range restaurant	500	A$45.72
One-way ticket on local transport	18	A$1.65
Bottle of water	9.91	A$0.91

Converted at 1 AUD = 10.9365 ZAR, our online rate as at 13 Sep 2026, 01:07. Local prices are a guide to what you will pay, not a quote.

Before you go

Be smart about your safety. Although crime rates against tourists are relatively low, that does not mean you should let your guard down while overseas. As long as you don’t expose jewellery or wear “show off” clothes in the wrong places you will be perfectly fine. It is also advised that you always take an uber when travelling at night, as walking the streets after dark could prove dangerous. Always ask a local or your hotel staff about any unsafe areas.
Be mindful of tipping etiquette. Tipping 10-15% of the bill in restaurants is common practice in South Africa. At bars, many people usually leave a few rand for the bartender to demonstrate an appreciation for their service. Tipping your uber drivers, hotel staff or guides always goes a long way in showing your gratitude.
If you hire a car, be prepared for the country’s car guards. Unemployment rates in South Africa are quite high and many people work by watching over cars to prevent theft and break-ins. Even if you don’t specifically ask, many people will act as a car guard and watch over your car while you are away. This is a job for many people so they will likely charge you a few rand (2-10 ZAR) afterwards!
Drink the tap water and help reduce plastic pollution. South Africa boasts some of the cleanest tap water in the world and is perfectly fine to drink in most areas of the country. Simply refill your water bottle everytime you go out! Rural areas and drought-struck areas are the only exception, in which case, it is safer to bring pre-bottled water.
Keep a decent amount of physical cash on you. Although many places accept credit cards, cash is king in South Africa and you will find that keeping at least some of it on you at any given time will help you a lot.
Use uber instead of conventional taxis. Uber in South Africa is very efficient, reliable and convenient and is one of the cheapest modes of transport. Furthermore, since Uber performs background checks on all of their drivers, it ensures that your transport is legitimate.

South Africa, photographed

Table Mountain — view full size
Table Mountain
Kruger National Park — view full size
Kruger National Park
Bo-Kaap — view full size
Bo-Kaap
Cape of Good Hope — view full size
Cape of Good Hope
Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve — view full size
Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve