South African Rand · R · Official currency of South Africa
The South African rand (R) was introduced in 1961 on a decimal system, replacing the earlier South African pound. Its name comes from the Witwatersrand, the gold-mining region around Johannesburg.
Five denominations circulate: R10, R20, R50, R100, and R200, most notably the 'Mandela series' featuring former president Nelson Mandela's portrait. Each note's reverse depicts one of South Africa's iconic 'Big Five' wildlife species.
Card payments are widely used in cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg, but cash is needed in smaller towns and markets. Exchanging at a bank or licensed money changer in the city is usually better than at the airport, and if using an ATM at night, it's worth choosing a well-lit, secure location. The rand also circulates in neighboring countries like Namibia and Lesotho, worth knowing if you're crossing borders.
You can view the real banknote designs on the South African Reserve Bank's official page.
See South African Rand banknotes at today's exchange rate →