Copyright South African Tourist Board
Cape Town: Money
South Africa Is An Excellent Value For Money Tourist Destination For Visitors Carrying British Pounds, Euros & US Dollars. The Current Global Recession Has Further Weakened The South African Rand Creating Very Attractive Tourist Exchange Rates. The Falling Rand Combined With The Already Low Cost Of Living For Is Predicted To Make Cape Town One Of The Best Value Holiday Destinations In The World
The Currency Of South Africa Is The “Rand”. Prices In South Africa Are Shown In Rand & Cents. There Are 100 Cents In 1 Rand.
There Are 5 Bank Note Denominations : R10, R20, R50, R100 & R200 & 7 Coins: 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 & R5.
The Five Bank Notes Each Contain An Image Of South Africa’s Big Five Animals: Rhino, Elephant, Lion, Buffalo & Leopard.
ZAR= South African Rand
South Africa Has A Modern & Extensive Banking Network That Offers Customers The Same Facilities As Found In Western Europe.
- Cash Withdrawals
- International Electronic Transfers (Money Wiring)
- Cashing Of Travelers Cheques
- Foreign Exchange
- Secure Internet Banking
- ATM (Automatic Teller Machine)
24 Hour ATM`S Are Common Place And Can Be Found At Shopping Centers, Tourist Attractions, The City Center And Occasionally At Petrol Stations. Visitors From Abroad Will Have No Issues Using Their Bank Debit Or Credit Cards At ATM`S Simply Look For Cirrus, Master card, Visa & Maestro Signs On The Machine.
Banking Hours:
- 09:00 hr. to 15:30 hr. Mon. - Fri.
- 09:00 hr. to 11:00 hr. Sat
- Closed Sunday
There Are A Number Of Bureau De Changes Options Within Cape Town Including American Express & Rennies (An Agent Of Thomas Cook). All The Companies Offer Similar Facilities To That Of The South African Banks However Many Tourists Prefer To Use A Bureau Because They Are Familiar With The Company Name.
Tipping
Generally Speaking Tipping Is Common Practice In South Africa. However If You Are Not Happy With The Standard Of Service You Are By No Means Obliged To Leave A Tip.
- Restaurant & Bar Staff Should Be Tipped 10% Of Your Bill.
- Taxi Drivers 10%
- Petrol Attendants 2 Rand Coins
- Parking Wardens 2 Rand Coins
Cost Of Living
The Cost Of Living For Tourists Visiting Cape Town From Western Europe Is Comparatively Much Cheaper Than Their Home Countries For Most Consumer Products.
This Is Due In Part To Lower Average Wages In South Africa & Strong Foreign Currency Exchange Rates Vs The South African Rand.
The Chart opposite Is A Simple Comparison Guide For The Prices You Will Encounter When You Visit Good Quality Bars & Restaurants.
|
PRODUCT |
RAND |
POUND |
EURO |
DOLLAR |
|
Cup Of Coffee |
10 |
0.70 |
0.90 |
1.35 |
|
Coke 330cl Bottle |
10 |
0.70 |
0.90 |
1.35 |
|
Beer 340cl Bottle |
10 - 15 |
0.70 - 1.05 |
0.90 - 1.35 |
1.35 - 2.00 |
|
Wine By The Glass |
15 -30 |
1.05 - 2.10 |
1.35 - 2.70 |
2.00 - 4.00 |
|
3 Course Dinner For Two |
250 - 300 |
17.50 - 21 |
22.50 - 27 |
33 - 40 |
|
Spirits |
10 - 15 |
0.70 - 1.05 |
0.90 - 1.35 |
1.35 - 2.00 |
|
Cigarettes |
18 |
1.25 |
1.60 |
2.40 |
|
Cocktails |
18 - 30 |
1.25 - 2.10 |
1.60 - 3.10 |
2.40 - 4.00 |
|
Mineral Water 330cl |
8 - 10 |
0.56 - 0.70 |
0.70 - 0.90 |
1.05 - 1.35 |
N.B. The Prices Above Are Based On The Average Exchange Rate For Each Currency Over The Last 12 Months.
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South African Rand Currency Rates:
It Should Be Noted That Smaller Towns Do Not Always Have Banks Or ATM`S So Traveler’s Should Plan Their Journey & Finances Accordingly.
Credit Cards Are Widely Accepted Through Out South Africa And To A Slightly Lesser Extent American Express & Diners Cards. Not All Establishments Have Credit Card Facilities So It Is Best To Ask In Advance.
Credit Cards:
The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Contains Many Banks & Bureau De Changes
