“They Don’t Want Our Cash”: American Woman Stunned She Can’t Use US Dollar in South Africa

• An American, Kenyata Whitley, was surprised by South Africa's non-acceptance of US dollars for transactions
• She shared her views on her YouTube video, 'Things No One Warned Me About Living in South Africa (In a Good Way)'
• South Africans shared their thoughts on Kenyata's experience with the rand's dominance in the country

An American woman named Kenyata Whitley was shocked to discover that South Africa doesn't use the US dollar during the exchange of goods and services. South Africans, of course, sounded off in the comments.

Kenyata, who moved from the United States to South Africa with her children, shared a snippet of her YouTube video (Things No One Warned Me About Living in South Africa (In a Good Way)) on Instagram on 10 February 2026. Before stating that the US dollar doesn't have much power in the country she now calls home, the traveller commented:

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"In most countries you go to, the USD is a currency that is widely used. Here, I haven't been able to use a dollar yet. So that was definitely different for me."

She added in her caption:

"Apparently, it’s illegal to exchange USD (currency) for goods and services here. Basically, they don’t want our cash. Visa/Mastercard are welcome, though!"

According to Western Union, the South African rand is the only currency widely accepted in South Africa.

Take a look at the Instagram reel posted on Kenyata's account below:

South Africans talk about the currencies

Social media users, most coming from South Africa, hopped into the comment section to express their thoughts about Kenyata's realisation.

@earthangeldiva_sa shared their opinion:

"Yes, the USD is useless in SA because it’s a hassle to exchange it for ZAR."

@tshepisoxaba added under the post:

"As South Africans, we love what we have, and when it comes to our currency notes, we don't compromise."

@lavida_nola said to the public:

"I feel like countries with weak currencies or shaky economies are the ones that accept USD. But in SA, we use our own currency."

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@tjduplessis remarked with a laugh:

"Why would South Africa accept USD when we have our own stable currency? It’s like going to the US and being annoyed I can’t pay in ZAR."

@champ_phiri advised Kenyata:

"Just go exchange it at a bank or something. Our currency still works well."

3 Other stories about Americans in South Africa

• In another article, Briefly News reported that a Texan man gave his review of South Africa after visiting a coastal city.
• An American man shared his experience in South Africa so far and discussed some of the things that have been new to him.
• An American couple gained viral attention after showcasing their dream-come-true life in South Africa.

Source: Briefly News