South African Rand (ZAR)
The rand was introduced in 1961, the same year South Africa became a republic, replacing the South African pound and moving the country to a decimal system. Its name comes from the Witwatersrand, the gold-rich ridge around Johannesburg that has long been central to the country's economy. The South African Reserve Bank, founded in 1921, is the oldest central bank in Africa.
ZAR ⇄ USD Converter
History
When first introduced in 1961, the rand was actually stronger than the US dollar — 1 rand was worth about 1.40 USD. Decades of economic and political change have since seen the currency depreciate substantially. Unusually, older South African notes and coins — including denominations no longer minted — remain legal tender for life; the Reserve Bank is required to exchange them at face value.
Denominations
Rand banknotes currently circulate in five denominations, each featuring one of South Africa's "Big Five" wildlife species:
- R10 — rhinoceros
- R20 — elephant
- R50 — lion
- R100 — buffalo
- R200 — leopard
Coins range from 5 cents up to R5. The R500 and R1,000 notes that once existed were discontinued to reduce counterfeiting risk, and 1- and 2-cent coins haven't been minted since 2002.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the currency symbol for the rand?
The rand's symbol is R. Its ISO 4217 currency code is ZAR.
What other countries use the rand?
The rand circulates alongside local currencies in Lesotho (loti), Namibia (Namibian dollar), and Eswatini (lilangeni) — all pegged 1:1 to the rand as part of the Common Monetary Area.
Why does the rand feature animals on its banknotes?
Since South Africa's transition to democracy in the early 1990s, notes have depicted the "Big Five" wildlife species rather than political figures, a design choice tied to the country's conservation heritage.
Where can I see rates for other African currencies?
Check the full currency directory on the African Currencies homepage, which covers all 54 African countries.