Money & tipping
Paying and tipping
The currency is the South African rand, shown as R or ZAR. Cards are widely accepted at restaurants, shops, hotels and attractions; keep a little cash for small purchases and tips. For table service, 10–15% is a customary restaurant tip when service is not already included. Check the bill before adding it.
Petrol attendants and car guards may be tipped for helpful service; carry small change and use your judgement. There is no single compulsory tip amount. A tip does not replace a parking ticket or buy protection for belongings left in the car.
VAT refunds on shopping
Qualifying overseas visitors can apply for a value-added tax (VAT) refund on eligible goods they take out of South Africa, rather than on meals or accommodation consumed here. Keep original tax invoices and make the goods available for inspection before checking in baggage.
The South African Revenue Service (SARS), the tax authority, says qualifying exported purchases must total more than R250 including VAT. Goods generally need to leave within 90 days of the invoice date, and the refund request must reach the refund administrator within 90 days of export. Follow SARS’s current traveller-declaration and airport inspection instructions; eligibility and documentation matter (check before you go).
Sources
Last checked 14 Nov 2026. Rules and prices change; check the linked sources before you rely on them.