The unit of currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR) and is indicated with a capital R so that, for example, three Rand and fifty cents would be written R3.50. South Africa has a decimal currency system with one Rand equalling 100 cents. Denomination of Rand notes are R200, R100, R50, R20, and R10 and of the coins are R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c and 10c.
The following exchange rates were applicable as at 31 March 2021:
| 1 United States Dollar = ZAR 18.01 | 1 Euro = ZAR 19.80 |
Facilities for cashing traveller’s cheques are available at banks (operating hours are Monday – Friday 09h00 – 15h30, Saturdays 08h30 – 11h00) and at most hotels. Banks are closed on Sundays. Foreign exchange agencies are open during the week and on Saturdays. Automatic teller machines (ATM) are open 24 hours and are located at most banks as well as at the Congress Venue. International credit cards (Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard, and American Express) are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and shops.
Price Guidelines (for illustration purposes only)
Prices will vary, but the following is an indication of what delegates might expect to pay:
| Tea or coffee | ZAR 20.00 | € 1.00 | US$ 1.11 |
| Restaurant meal | ZAR 200.00 | € 10.09 | US$ 11.11 |
| Cinema ticket | ZAR 80.00 | € 4.03 | US$ 4.44 |
| Wine (750ml) | ZAR 120.00 | € 6.06 | US$ 6.67 |
| Big Mac Burger | ZAR 80.00 | € 4.03 | US$ 4.44 |
| Beer (340ml) | ZAR 20.00 | € 1.00 | US$ 1.11 |
| Cola (340ml) | ZAR 15.00 | € 0.75 | US$ 0.83 |
| Sandwich | ZAR 40.00 | € 2.02 | US$ 2.22 |
*this is a guideline only
Tipping
Gratuities are not obligatory but are expected in South Africa. A guideline for visitors is the following: Airport porters ZAR 5 per item, taxis 10%, waiters, and waitresses in restaurants 10%.
Traveller’s Cheques
Most international traveller’s cheques are accepted, provided they are in an acceptable currency and may be cashed at most banks. Many hotels and shops also provide this service. Please note that Credit Cards or Cash are generally a more acceptable form of payment.
VAT / Tax Refunds
VAT of 15% is levied on nearly all goods and services. Foreign tourists may claim back VAT paid on goods or products (not services) that will be taken out of the country. Original tax invoices, foreign passport, plus all the items on which a refund is claimed, must be presented at the VAT Refund Administration Office or an appointed RSA Customs and Excise Official on departure, and the total VAT on these items will be refunded.
