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Money, Budgeting & Tipping in South Africa
When considering your South Africa travel budget, you’ll find that the country offers excellent value for money. Whether you’re visiting on a budget or ready to splash out in a big way, you can expect a great bargain for all you get in return.
Below, we share practical advice and recommendations, including factors affecting trip price, which currency you need, acceptable forms of payment, and how much to budget for tips.
HOW MUCH DOES TRAVEL IN SOUTH AFRICA COST?
How expensive is South Africa?
Planning your South Africa travel budget is a crucial step. The good news is that the country offers excellent value. Visitors find that South Africa offers excellent value when it comes to the prices of accommodation, food, wine, and activities.
From youngsters on a road trip to retired luxury travellers, there are options to meet every budget. Here’s what to consider:
Duration
As you’d expect, the longer your holiday, the more it will cost. However, thanks to the very favourable exchange rate of the South African Rand, most Europeans find their money goes further.
No matter the length of your stay, your overall South Africa travel budget depends on how you allocate funds between destinations like Cape Town, Route 62 and Kruger National Park.
Season
When you visit can significantly impact costs. For instance, during the peak season (December to February), you can expect higher prices for flights and accommodations, particularly along the coast.
By contrast, visiting in the shoulder seasons (September to November and April to May) lets you take advantage of specials while still enjoying great weather.
Seasonal price differences are also notable in accommodation and entry prices to South Africa’s national parks, with price spikes also coinciding with local school holidays.
Entry and conservation fees
South Africa’s national parks and private reserves are comparatively affordable, but the costs can impact your South Africa travel budget as fees add up.
For instance, the daily conservation/entry fee for Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve is roughly 31 USD. If visiting multiple national parks or spending several days, the SANParks Wild Card offers exceptional value for international travellers.
An All Parks Cluster Family subscription costs about 420 USD, covering entry fees and conservation levies for up to 2 adults and 5 children for up to one year for international guests.
Also, if you’re only visiting parks in certain parts of the country, such as Hluhluwe-iMfolozi and iSimangaliso in KwaZulu-Natal, you can purchase the region-specific Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Cluster for further savings.
Tour type
Your choice of tour style also plays a big role your South Africa travel budget. A private guided wine tour or safari will be more expensive than joining a scheduled group departure.
Independent travel using a rental car can be very cost-effective, especially for couples and families.
Accommodations
With a robust tourism infrastructure, South Africa has a wide range of accommodations, from budget hostels to ultra-luxurious game lodges and hotels. Also, prices vary by location, season and comfort levels.
A popular option is to mix mid-range city options with more upmarket game lodges or beach destinations. By doing so, you get good value without sacrificing comfort.
By taking the above into consideration, and working with our travel experts, you can create an itinerary that is both fulfilling and affordable.
AfriCamps White Elephant offers you your own private hot tub overlooking Pongola Game Reserve — the perfect way to end a day on safari.
WHICH CURRENCY IS USED IN SOUTH AFRICA?
The currency of South Africa is called the South African Rand, abbreviated as ZAR and using the “R” symbol. Coins and notes are available in various denominations, making it easy to calculate everyday expenses.
Likewise, understanding South African money is simple, with the exchange rate providing excellent value for travellers from Europe. To assist in planning your budget, check the exchange rate between the South African Rand and the Euro or US Dollar.
Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted at most tourist destinations, cities and towns. Some vendors also have card facilities.
It is a good idea to carry some local currency for incidental expenses, like gratuities or when visiting remote areas.
WHICH FORMS OF PAYMENT ARE USED IN SOUTH AFRICA?
Visitors to South Africa will find a wide range of familiar payment methods available, making ist simple to manage expenses while travelling.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Certain establishments will not accept Diner’s Club, American Express and Discover Cards due to high transaction costs.
Remember to notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid having your account flagged.
Contactless payments, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, are widely available. While some establishments have gone cashless, it is still useful to keep cash handy when paying tips or filling up in remote locations.
ATMs are widespread in all cities and towns, although the service may not be available in remote locations. Only use ATMs in secure locations. Always store your money before leaving the ATM, and don’t accept offers or requests for help from bystanders.
Toll roads and many fuel stations accept tap-to-pay card payments. However, it is a good idea to have sufficient cash available.
Most rental cars are equipped with e-tags for contactless toll payments, with the final amount payable added to your account.
Some remote accommodations prefer cash for extras or tips, so always plan ahead.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at airports, banks and South African currency exchanges. However, using cards and withdrawing cash locally normally provides better exchange rates.
TIPPING IN SOUTH AFRICA
Who to tip on your South Africa trip
Understanding tipping in South Africa ensures you show appreciation for good service while travelling.
In restaurants, it is customary to tip 10-15% of the bill, if not already included in the total.
Hotel staff, such as porters and housekeepers, generally receive 1-2 USD per service. For safari guides and trackers, tips of 10-15 USD per person per day are common at private reserves, like the Sabi Sands and Timbavati.
Drivers can be tipped 5-10 USD per day, depending on the length of the trip.
Tipping of petrol attendants and informal car guards is also a common practice in South Africa, with 1 USD being the norm.
While tipping is customary across South Africa, it is, at all times, discretionary. Tips can be given directly to individuals or collectively, via a member of the management staff.
When to tip on Safari?
Tipping on safari is usually done at the end of your stay. Many lodges provide envelopes for guides, trackers and general staff, enabling you to leave an individual or group tip.
This ensures everyone who enhanced your experience is fairly acknowledged for good service. Rather pay tips in cash, using South African Rands.
DISCOVER EXCLUSIVE SOUTH AFRICA TOURS
OUR EXPERT ADVICE
CARRY SMALL DENOMINATIONS OF LOCAL CURRENCY HANDY FOR TIPS
Any gratuity given for impromptu services will be received with gratitude. With relatively low salaries and high unemployment, your kindness by way of a small tip will go a long way in showing your appreciation to friendly and helpful locals. So be sure to include gratuities in your South Africa travel budget.
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