Foreign Exchange
The foreign exchange rate between the South African Rand and other foreign currencies, especially the Dollar, Euro and Pound, is very much controlled by events outside of South Africa. For example the recent huge jump in world oil prices saw the Rand : Dollar foreign exchange rate jump from 7 to 10 Rands to the dollar almost overnight. It is not a good idea to take Rands overseas with you other than what you will need on your immediate return to South Africa. The alternates are foreign cash, travelers cheques or by arranging to use a suitable credit/debit card overseas. If you are going to take cash or travelers cheques you will need to arrange this beforehand through your local bank, and this as something that you can do online these days. You can calculate your foreign exchange, get the latest foreign exchange rates and order your foreign exchange through American Express. Click here.