Currency Rate
South African Rand to USD
Our Currency Rate ZAR latest updates allow you to track real-time exchange rates effortlessly. By accessing and analyzing accurate and current data, you'll stay informed on the ZAR. We provide comprehensive information to meet all your financial needs effectively.
Buying rate
ZAR 0.050492
Selling rate
ZAR0.059138
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The South African rand (symbol: R; code: ZAR) is the official currency of South Africa.
Currency Details
- Country code ZA
- Symbol ZAR
- ISO Code ZAR
- Subunits 1 Rand = 100 Cents
Coins
- 1 cent
- 2 cents
- 5 cents
- 10 cents
- 20 cents
- 50 cents
- 1 rand
- 2 rand
- 5 rand
Banknotes
- 10 rand
- 20 rand
- 50 rand
- 100 rand
- 200 rand
The South African Rand, abbreviated as ZAR, is the official currency of South Africa and is also legal tender in the Common Monetary Area (alongside Eswatini, Lesotho, and Namibia). Symbolized as "R", it is subdivided into 100 cents. Introduced in 1961 when South Africa became a republic, the rand replaced the South African pound at a rate of 2 rand = 1 pound.
History and Background
The rand takes its name from the Witwatersrand ("white waters' ridge"), the Johannesburg region where much of South Africa's gold was discovered. This gold connection shaped its early value, with the rand originally pegged to gold reserves. The currency weathered apartheid-era sanctions and emerged into the democratic era in 1994, when new banknotes featuring the "Big Five" wildlife series were introduced. Today's colorful notes celebrate Nelson Mandela and South Africa's biodiversity.
The rand takes its name from the Witwatersrand ("white waters' ridge"), the Johannesburg region where much of South Africa's gold was discovered. This gold connection shaped its early value, with the rand originally pegged to gold reserves. The currency weathered apartheid-era sanctions and emerged into the democratic era in 1994, when new banknotes featuring the "Big Five" wildlife series were introduced. Today's colorful notes celebrate Nelson Mandela and South Africa's biodiversity.
Economic Significance
Managed by the South African Reserve Bank (Africa's oldest central bank), the rand is a freely traded emerging market currency. Its value heavily reflects commodity prices (especially gold, platinum, and diamonds), as well as political and economic stability. The rand is among the most traded currencies in Africa and serves as a regional benchmark. While volatile at times, it remains fundamental to the Southern African Development Community's economic activity.
Managed by the South African Reserve Bank (Africa's oldest central bank), the rand is a freely traded emerging market currency. Its value heavily reflects commodity prices (especially gold, platinum, and diamonds), as well as political and economic stability. The rand is among the most traded currencies in Africa and serves as a regional benchmark. While volatile at times, it remains fundamental to the Southern African Development Community's economic activity.
Usage and Exchange
The rand dominates daily transactions in South Africa, though US dollars and euros are accepted in some tourist areas. Visitors will find ATMs widely available in cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, with best exchange rates at banks rather than airports. Credit cards are widely accepted, but street vendors and township markets operate in cash. Unique feature: South Africa mints the world-famous Krugerrand gold bullion coins, which are legal tender but rarely circulate.
Conclusion The South African rand tells the story of a nation - from gold rush origins through political transformation to emerging market dynamism. For visitors, handling rand means engaging with Africa's most industrialized economy, whether wine-tasting in Stellenbosch or safari-ing in Kruger Park. As South Africa navigates its complex future, the rand remains both a practical currency and a symbol of the Rainbow Nation's resilience.
The rand dominates daily transactions in South Africa, though US dollars and euros are accepted in some tourist areas. Visitors will find ATMs widely available in cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, with best exchange rates at banks rather than airports. Credit cards are widely accepted, but street vendors and township markets operate in cash. Unique feature: South Africa mints the world-famous Krugerrand gold bullion coins, which are legal tender but rarely circulate.
Conclusion The South African rand tells the story of a nation - from gold rush origins through political transformation to emerging market dynamism. For visitors, handling rand means engaging with Africa's most industrialized economy, whether wine-tasting in Stellenbosch or safari-ing in Kruger Park. As South Africa navigates its complex future, the rand remains both a practical currency and a symbol of the Rainbow Nation's resilience.