Upmarket boutiques and supermarkets generally coexist with a mass of street traders selling arts, crafts and anything else profitable. Stores are modern. Special purchases include Swakara hand-crafted gold, coats, gold, diamond and semi-precious stone jewelry, leather, suede and fur goods, ceramics and crafts, of which there are now a bewildering variety including many from the rest of the continent. Local wine, brandy and liqueur are cheap and usually excellent.
Shopping hoursMon-Fri 0900-1700, Sat 0900-1400, although there is an increasing trend to open later and all weekend
in major tourist spots.
Currency Information:CurrencyRand (ZAR) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of ZAR200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of ZAR5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Currency ExchangeMoney can be changed at banks, bureaux de change, some hotels, and larger shops and restaurants. Automated foreign exchange machines are available at various locations. Proof of identify may be requested; therefore, it is advisable to carry a passport.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsMasterCard and Visa are preferred. American Express and Diners Club are also widely accepted. ATMs are available. Some ATMs will give cash advances with credit cards. Credit cards are not accepted at petrol stations.
Traveller's ChequesValid at banks, hotels, restaurants and shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.
Banking HoursMon-Fri 0900-1530, Sat 0830-1100.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Apr 07 |
| £1.00= | ZAR14.18 |
| $1.00= | ZAR7.17 |
| €1.00= | ZAR9.58 |
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