"I Will Never": SA Gent Crashes Out Over Nando’s Prices in Dubai, Mzansi Reacts

• A South African man shared a humorous video on TikTok about his experience at Nando's in Dubai, where he was shocked by the price of a meal when converted to rands
• The man revealed a huge amount of money for a full chicken, which left him feeling crushed, and sparked a conversation about the cost of living and food prices abroad versus in South Africa
• The video went viral, with many users reacting with laughter and surprise, and some offering humorous comments, while others pointed out the importance of checking currency conversions when travelling abroad
• Briefly News spoke to Dr. Roula Inglesi-Lotz from the Department of Economics at the University of Pretoria about the factors that contribute to currency conversion rates and more

A South African man has left Mzansi stunned after revealing the jaw-dropping price of a meal at Nando’s in Dubai when converted from dirhams to rands.

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The gentleman shared his experience in a light-hearted TikTok video, which has since gained massive traction on the internet, gathering thousands of views, likes, and comments within three days of its publication.

South African man shocked by Nando’s price in Dubai

@realmrhowmuch explained how hunger struck after a long walk abroad. Craving something familiar, he spotted Nando's and decided to treat himself. He also shared that it was in Dubai where he fell in love with Nando's. However, while the meal hit the spot, the cost left him shaken.

He revealed that when converting the money into rands, it was pricey. He had to pay R1007 for a full chicken, and after that, he went straight home, feeling crushed.

The video quickly went viral, with South Africans reacting with disbelief and laughter over the cost.

In Dubai, where the cost of living is significantly higher, a standard meal at a popular chain like Nando’s can easily exceed what South Africans are used to paying. While locals may not flinch at such prices, South Africans grappling with the ever-weakening rand find the conversion a hard pill to swallow.

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Online, the clip sparked a broader conversation about the price of food abroad versus Mzansi. Many users said the video served as a reminder to always check the currency conversion before placing an order while travelling. Despite the shock, the man kept a good sense of humour.

Watch the video below:

How does rand depreciation affect SA travellers abroad

While speaking to Briefly News, Dr. Roula Inglesi-Lotz from the Department of Economics at the University of Pretoria, explained factors that contribute to currency conversion rates and more by saying:

"Food prices vary across countries due to several reasons. Key among them are local operating costs (such as rent, wages, and utilities), taxes and import duties, and differing levels of consumer purchasing power. Even with global chains like Nando’s, prices are not standardised across countries—they are adapted to local economic conditions, including competition and affordability."

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She expressed that the Big Mac Index, which compares the price of a McDonald's Big Mac in various nations, is a useful tool for illuminating these variations in the literature. It provides a straightforward method of highlighting variations in purchasing power and cost of living between economies, notwithstanding its shortcomings.

Dr. Roula Inglesi-Lotz went on to explain how the depreciation of the rand impacts South Africans travelling abroad and their purchasing decisions by adding that the depreciation of the rand in South Africa leads to increased costs for goods and services abroad, prompting travellers to reevaluate their spending habits.

She emphasised the importance of checking currency conversion rates before making purchases abroad by stating:

"Conversion rates provide essential context. A R200 meal at home may seem average, but abroad, that same meal could cost double or triple that amount in rand terms. Without checking rates, travellers risk overspending or misjudging the actual value of goods and services. Keeping a rough mental calculator or using a mobile app can help people navigate foreign pricing more confidently."

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How do currency fluctuations affect perceptions of value?

The professor shared how currency fluctuations and the cost of living in South Africa affect people's perceptions of value when they travel to more expensive destinations by saying:

"Our perceptions of value are shaped by what we’re used to paying at home. When travelling to countries with stronger currencies and higher living costs, this comparison can be quite jarring. Currency fluctuations—especially when the rand is weak—amplify this feeling."

She added:

"The price of a familiar brand or meal, like Nando’s or even a Big Mac, can seem 'unfair' or excessive, even if it’s normal in that context. It’s not just a numbers issue; it’s an emotional one too, tied to what people expect for their money."

Here are the strategies South Africans use to mitigate the impact of high food prices, according to Dr. Roula Inglesi-Lotz:

She shared how it is important to plan by researching affordable local food options or grocery stores instead of defaulting to international chains.

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• Tracking spending using budgeting apps, especially ones that show live exchange rates.
• Travelling during off-peak seasons, when prices are generally lower and promotions are more available.
• Awareness and flexibility are key—understanding the economic landscape of your destination helps travellers make better decisions and avoid “conversion shock.”

SA reacts to man's Nandos

The online community reacted in the comments section to express their thoughts, saying:

Letsseewhothisis said:

"Nando's never started in Dubai."

Thamo Reddy added:

"That chicken is raised in a loving two parent home with love and care."

Sine commented:

"I would buy 2 boxes of cornflakes and eat them for my whole trip in Dubai."

Take it easy, stated:

"Now imagine how much that is in Nigerian naira. N85 940 for full chicken."

Karabo commented:

"That’s what happens when you live/visit a tax-free country."

SMT expressed:

"Well, you can pay up to R300 for Nandos with sides in SA, so ya, maybe we will reach the R1000 mark in a couple of years."

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ChandiesGp simply said:

"I will never."

People showcasing their cheap grocery hauls

• Briefly News previously reported that one young babe in Mzansi sparked widespread interest with her latest video, where she flaunted her back-to-the-res grocery haul.
• One South African lady showed off everything she got from Makro in a TikTok video making rounds online.
• A woman in South Africa showed off her broke student mini-grocery haul in a TikTok video, which has gone viral.

Source: Briefly News