The South African currency is the Rand (ZAR – often called the "buck" by locals) which is divided into one hundred cents. Notes are in denominations of R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10, and coins are in denominations of R5, R2, R1 and 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c and 1c.

A generally favourable exchange rate ensures that Europeans, North Americans and Australasians find South Africa a very affordable holiday destination. Home users of Euros or US Dollars particularly will be pleasantly surprised at their purchasing power in South Africa.

Visa, American Express, Diner's Club and MasterCard are honoured by most restaurants, stores, hotels, car rental firms and other points of sale and service, but not at petrol stations. Proof of identity may be requested in some instances, so it's useful to carry a passport or some form of photo identification.

It is customary to tip caddies, taxi drivers, hotel & railway porters, room maids, stewards, waiters/waitresses, tour guides & game rangers 10 to 20%. Because of poor wages, staff often rely heavily on tips for income. Many hotels have an "envelope system" with tips distributed evenly among staff. We even tip at petrol stations too!