South African Currency

The South African currency is RANDS and is issued in notes and coins.

One hundred cents (c) = One Rand (R)

Banking Hours are from 9am to 3:30pm weekdays and from 9am to 11am on Saturdays. These hours may vary for smaller branches. All banks are closed on public holidays. ATM's (Automatic Bank Teller's) are available which have a set daily limit for cash withdrawals. A 24-hour emergency telephone number is displayed at all ATM's. Precautions should be taken when using the ATM's. These include avoiding making cash withdrawals alone or after hours especially at deserted ATM's, and do not accept unsolicited offers of assistance.

All commercial banks will exchange traveller's cheques and major foreign currencies. Most Hotels and shops accept travellers cheques and some foreign currency. For this facility a commission is chargeable which can vary. Foreign Exchange Bureau's are also available in the Johannesburg International Airport.

International Credit Cards are widely accepted by most businesses and are electronically validated. Credit cards accepted include American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. In most instances informal traders do not accept credit cards and they cannot be used to purchase petrol (gasoline) or oil. A separate petrol card is issued by most banks.