South African Rand

The Rand is the official currency of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho (which form a common currency space) and although Namibia is separated from this union, the Rand remains legal tender there. Its ISO code 7214 is ZAR and is represented by “R” symbol. Each Rand is divided into 100 cents.

History

The rand was introduced in 1961, the same year that the Republic of South Africa was proclaimed to replace the South African pound. In the beginning, the Rand had a higher value than the dollar, but suffered a major devaluation and has not come to be equated to its value at the time.

 

Notes and coins

South African Rand notes are 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Rand. They are issued by the South African Bank Note Company (SABNC) along with the Federal Bank of South Africa. In the front of the banknotes shows images of “the big 5“, the five most representative mammals of Africa: rhino, elephant, lion, buffalo and leopard. On the back of all the bank notes is the image of Nelson Mandela.

South African Rand coins are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1, 2 and 5 Rand. They are issued by the South African Mint, who depends on the Federal Bank. On the coins different species of flora and fauna appear.

 

South African Rand rate (ZAR)

If you need to exchange your Rand, you can check our daily updated rate of the Rand on our website. Moreover, you will be able to order your Rands and collect them from your nearest collection branch or to choose home delivery.

Have a nice trip!