Where can I exchange foreign currency in South Africa safely?
South Africa is famous among international travelers. It has diverse cultures, natural resources, tourist attractions, a growing economy, and more. Where can I exchange foreign currency in South Africa? Find a list of South African banks offering this service and essential tips.
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Banks are the safest places for forex trading. Please note that foreign exchange fees in South Africa vary from one bank to the other. This article can help you find safe places to do foreign currency exchange transactions in South Africa.
Where do you exchange foreign money in South Africa?
The South African banking system comprises local banks, foreign banks, mutual banks, and cooperative banks. There are over 50 branches and representative offices of foreign banks nationwide.
1. Local banks in South Africa that offer forex exchange
Below is a list of South African banks that facilitate forex exchange. These depository institutions are locally owned and operated.
- Rand Merchant Bank
- RMB Private Bank
- South African Bank of Athens Limited
- Sasfin Bank Ltd
- Standard Bank of S.A. Ltd
- Wesbank
- Capitec Bank Ltd
- FirstRand Bank Ltd
- Grindrod
- Habib Overseas Bank Limited
- HBZ Limited
- Absa Ltd
- African Bank Ltd
- Albaraka Limited
- BoE Private Clients
- Bidvest Limited
- Investec Ltd
- Mercantile Bank Limited
- Nedbank Group Limited
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2. International banks in South Africa that offer forex exchange
International banks offer financial services to foreign clients. Multinational banks in SA that facilitate forex exchange include:
- Bank of Taiwan, S.A. Branch
- Barclays Bank plc
- ABN AMRO Bank NV
- Bank of Baroda
- Bank of China, Johannesburg Branch
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Johannesburg Branch
- Société Générale, Johannesburg Branch
- Standard Chartered Bank, Johannesburg Branch
- State Bank of India
- China Construction Bank, Johannesburg Branch
- Citibank NA
- Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft
- Deutsche Bank AG
- HSBC Bank plc, Johannesburg Branch
3. Financial organizations offering forex exchange in SA
- Banking Association South Africa
- Institute of Bankers in South Africa
- BankservAfrica
- South African Reserve Bank
Where can I exchange currency other than a bank?
The main foreign exchange bureaus in SA are:
- Inter Africa Bureau de Change
- American Express
- Bidvest
- Travelex
Where is the best place to exchange money in South Africa?
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The South African currency is the Rand (ZAR). Exchanging money in SA is straightforward. Banks follow local and international forex exchange laws and policies. Please note that not all banking institutions in SA exchange foreign currency. The safest places to get these services are:
Major local banks in SA
- ABSA Bank
- Capitec Bank
- First National Bank
- Nedbank
- Standard Bank
Foreign banks in South Africa
- Bank of China
- Bank of Baroda
- Bank of Taiwan
- BNP Paribas
- Bank of India
- Citibank
- China Construction Bank
- Canara Bank
- Deutsche Bank
- HSBC
- JPMorgan Chase
- ICIC Bank
- State Bank of India
- Standard Chartered Bank
- Société Générale
Main foreign exchange bureaus in SA
- Inter Africa Bureau de Change
- American Express
- Bidvest
- Travelex
One South African Rand (R) equals 100 South African cents (c). The Rand is minted in Coins (10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, R5) and Notes (R10, R20, R50, R100, R200). South African money is also accepted in Lesotho, Namibia, and Swaziland.
Tips when exchanging currencies at the bank in SA
- You may only buy foreign currency for traveling up to 60 days before departure.
- It is illegal to purchase currency outside of official channels.
- You can exchange unused foreign currency upon returning to your home country.
Other ways to exchange currencies in South Africa
You can also exchange money in South Africa without going to the bank. Here are safe ways:
Use a cash passport or a travel wallet
A cash passport or a travel wallet is available at your local bank. It's an excellent alternative for people requiring more than one currency. You cannot link your bank account to the card and enjoy lower bank fees when using it. Load foreign currency onto the card to top up your balance online and use the card to withdraw at an ATM or swipe at stores.
Use credit and debit cards
Get a debit or credit card (Visa or Mastercard) from a bank in your home country. Most ATMs in South Africa accept both of these cards for withdrawals. You will get competitive rates on bank fees compared to exchanging notes at the bank or forex bureaus. Always notify your bank that you will travel abroad so that they do not freeze your account if they suspect unusual activity.
How long can I keep foreign currency in South Africa?
Keeping foreign currency with you for more than 30 days in S.A. is illegal. Only a business person going on a business trip within 90 days of returning to S.A. (from a previous business trip) can retain foreign currency for the next business trip. But again, if a person travels abroad with a foreign account, he may not deposit any unused portion into his foreign bank account and use it for investment purposes.
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Can I exchange foreign currency at any bank?
Major banks in SA only offer forex exchange services to customers with checking or savings account in any of their branches. Some require you to have their credit card. Most banks charge a fee. Some institutions do it for free include:
- Bank of America
- Citigroup
- U.S. Bank
- T.D. Bank
- PNC
How much foreign currency can I exchange in South Africa?
The maximum is R1 million. SA's 1961 Currency and Exchanges Manual for Authorized Dealers (Regulations) stipulates that a person can take abroad foreign currency worth up to R1 million (maximum) and only in the form of travel allowances.
What do you need to exchange money at a bank in South Africa?
Whether you are purchasing or exchanging Forex, you will need the following information:
- Proof of I.D. and passport.
- Proof of travel (air ticket or eTicket in your name), where applicable.
- Proof of residence, no older than three months.
- You do not need to have a bank account in South Africa to exchange foreign currency.
How does a Bureau de Change South Africa work?
A Bureau de Change is a business that, in competition with other similar businesses, makes its profit by buying foreign currency and then selling the same currency at a higher exchange rate. It may also charge a commission or fee on the purchase or sale. The bureau sells at a lower rate than that at which it buys.
What exchange rate system does South Africa use?
The ZAR/USD exchange rate measures units of the South African Rand per U.S. dollar.
How much cash can you carry into South Africa?
There are limits on the amount of currency you can bring into South Africa. For cash in South African Rand (ZAR), the limit is 25,000ZAR. For other currencies, the limit is US$10,000 (or equivalent).
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What determines the value of the Rand?
Market forces determine the exchange rate of the Rand. The buying and selling rates for dollars are based on the supply and demand for dollars in the market at any time.
Where can I exchange foreign currency in Johannesburg?
You can exchange foreign money at Tambo Int'l Airport in Johannesburg.
Where can I exchange foreign currency in Cape Town?
The main foreign exchange bureaus in South Africa are:
- Bidvest
- American Express
- Travelex
- Inter Africa Bureau de Change
Can I exchange foreign currency at FNB?
You can use FNB currency exchange services in South Africa. First National Bank is one of the country's country's most prominent local banks.
Can I exchange foreign currency at Capitec bank?
Capitec Bank is one of SA's major local banks. It offers forex exchange services to locals and foreigners.
We hope the article has provided helpful information regarding the question, "Where can I exchange foreign currency in South Africa?" These details can help you avoid scammers by exchanging your money at a legal and reputable place.
DISCLAIMER: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
Briefly.co.za explained how a credit card works in South Africa. Credit cards function on a deferred payment basis. You use the money on your card to buy things and pay bills, then refund it later.
Credit cards enable you to build your credit score. The money on a credit card is a loan. Your bank balance is not affected when you swipe the card.
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Peris Walubengo (Lifestyle writer) Peris Walubengo is a content creator with 5 years of experience writing articles, researching, editing, and proofreading. She has a Bachelor of Commerce & IT from the University of Nairobi and joined Briefly.co.za in November 2019. The writer completed a Google News Initiate Course. She covers bios, marketing & finance, tech, fashion & beauty, recipes, movies & gaming reviews, culture & travel. You can email her at perisrodah254@gmail.com.
Bennett Yates (Lifestyle writer) Bennett Yates is a content creator with over five years of working experience in journalism and copywriting. He graduated from the University of Nairobi (2017) with a Bachelor's in Information Technology. In 2023, Bennett finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. He started working for Briefly in 2019. You can reach him via email at bennetyates@gmail.com.
