The official currency of South Africa is the rand. The name itself is derived from the ridge upon which Johannesburg was founded, the Witwatersrand, which translates into English as the white waters ridge.
The rand is denoted by the symbol R and it is a decimal system, based on 1 rand being worth 100 cents. Cents are denoted by the letter c. In international monetary terms, the rand is symbolised by the code ZAR, which stands for Zuid-Afrikaanse rand (South African rand in English).
The history of the rand is actually quite a succinct one, since the rand was only established in 1961, when the Republic of South Africa was born.
Prior to the rand being introduced the main currency in use in South Africa had been the South African pound, which was operational between the years 1825 and 1861. The South African pound, like its British counterpart, was not a decimal system and it was divided into 20 shillings and each shilling was worth 12 pence, so it was an imperial system of currency.
The South African pound had been brought in to try and provide some kind of unitary monetary system for South Africa. Various currencies, coins and banknotes were in circulation and there was no unifying currency, so the South African pound at least provided some kind of standard against which the economy could be measured.
The introduction of the rand and the new union of South Africa was perceived to be a new start for the new dawn of the country. However, it can also be used in other areas of southern Africa, since it is the currency of the area known as the Common Monetary Area which links together the currencies of Swaziland, South Africa and Lesotho. Namibia is no longer a member of this union but the Namibian dollar is usually pegged with the rand and the rand can be used throughout these countries, making it quite an influential currency.
The South African rand is available in both coins and banknotes. The coins are issued in 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent pieces, then 2 and 5 rand coins. Notes are available in 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 rand denominations.
Due to various problems that were experienced with counterfeit notes and coins in circulation, various anti-counterfeit measures have been put in place to ensure that the notes and coins in circulation are bone fide and not fake.
The notes have English and two of the other 11 languages used in South Africa printed on them, making the currency very multi-lingual.
During the period 2006-2008 the rand has experienced a significant slide in its fortunes, making it worth much less than it was. Whilst this is undoubtedly not good news for the South African economy, it does mean that travellers can expect to get a substantial amount more rands for their money, than they would have prior to 2006.
It is easy to acquire as many or as few rands as you wish, since within South Africa there are numerous ATM's although you should be aware that inland there are fewer and in the country areas ATM machines may be few and far between.
Most travellers to South Africa are advised that they should check with their bank or credit card provider prior to travel as to whether or not their card can be used in South Africa. Some banks or credit card providers may regard its use in South Africa as being suspicious activity and therefore cancel the card, so err on the side of caution and check beforehand that you can use it.
Travellers are also advised that they should take some travellers cheques. If your credit card is stolen or lost, then at least you have the traveller's cheques to fall back on and it is much easier than if you have nothing. It may also be advisable to ensure that you take a few US dollars or UK pounds with you, but bear in mind that it really isn't worth carrying large amounts of cash: to do so is simply to expose yourself to risk.
South Africa is not the safest place in the world to visit. There is however, some dispute as to just how unsafe it really is. Many people will attest that it is still a relatively safe country and that travellers have nothing to fear, so long as they take basic precautions.
It should also be pointed out that South Africa is quite a big country. There are areas where travellers are likely to be quite vulnerable and there is unrest in some of the townships, particularly in the Gauteng Province. Townships are where people live and often find it difficult to live, they are not tourist locations, nor are they somewhere that tourists need to visit, so venturing into these areas is perhaps to tempt fate a little, hence they are best avoided.
Before travelling to South Africa it is also best to check out the area that you will be visiting, by doing some basic research on the internet and just finding out about the area that you will be in and which are the areas to avoid. Ensure that the information is up to date and relevant, since situations can change quite suddenly, so just because somewhere was unsafe and insecure in 2004, does not mean that it is still like that today!
There are some basic precautions that everyone visiting South Africa needs to undertake. They are not meant to be alarmist or to cause people unnecessary worry about their safety, they are actually designed to give you peace of mind. South Africa has many very poor people and they often perceive all foreigners to be wealthy and so they view them as more legitimate targets for petty crime. So you need to exercise care.
Firstly it is important not to carry around a lot of money. If you are seen to be carrying a wad of notes for example, then you are really tempting fate.
Credit card fraud is quite common, so do not let your card out of your sight and if you are dining out, do not let the waiter take it away. Stay with your card at all times. Whilst this may seem distrustful to Westerners, most people in South Africa just regard this as standard practice.
There have been instances of armed robbery and people being followed and having their goods stolen. If the worst happens and you are faced with someone who has either a gun or a knife, do not attempt to fight, but simply hand over the valuables. They can be replaced and whilst this will undoubtedly cause you a lot of worry and concern, you are much more likely to be left uninjured by simply letting the robbers take what they will. The likelihood of this happening i.e. of your being robbed is not significantly high, but it is a higher risk than if you are travelling to another country, so just be mindful of your surroundings and who is nearby at all times.
When travelling it is also better to lock your car doors, so that someone cannot open the door if you are stopped at traffic lights and simply help themselves to what is on the back seat.
However, always remember that many travellers visit South Africa each year and have a wonderful time, so do not be overly afraid, but be vigilant at all times and do not place yourself in a vulnerable position.
Whilst South Africa may be a country that is struggling to adapt to the seismic changes that it has undergone over the last few years, it is undoubtedly a very beautiful country, with an abundant wildlife and plenty for visitors to see and do.
The favourable exchange rate means that you get a lot for your money and so you really get to enjoy all the treats, which South Africa has in store, without breaking the bank. It does offer particularly good value for money and prices are really quite keen, as South Africa tries to rebuild its economy and stabilise the rand.
Living expenses when you are in South Africa will not be too high. Eating out is quite cheap, particularly if you are used to UK or US prices. You also have the chance to try out some amazing dishes that you won't find on many menus back home, such as giraffe or ostrich.
Beer is a real staple in South Africa and quite a lot of it is drunk. You can of course sample some of the fantastic wines that South Africa now produces, all of which are very reasonably priced.
Whilst in South Africa you need to go into the interior and just see the wildlife and the beautiful scenery. You can also experience the beauty of some of the towns, such as Cape Town, nestled beneath the fabulous Table Mountain. Or you can go to the eastern side of the country, which has a real native African feel to it. Then there is the world famous Kruger National Park, with all the animals and birds that has to offer. For those who seek a little refinement, the Western Cape will more than suffice, with its genteel architecture and pretty little historic towns, which feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg.
Do not dismiss South Africa as being somewhere that is too dangerous to visit or somewhere that is simply poverty stricken. The reality is that it is a country that has a variety of different sides to it, some are very rugged and beautiful, some are urban and some are simply mile upon mile of beautiful scenery and fantastic wildlife. It has also had a very colourful and at times turbulent history, but this has shaped this country. This gives South Africa dimensions that other countries simply cannot rival and explains why people simply love going there time after time. It is different and it is just that little bit special. So stay safe, but enjoy!