Exchange your pounds to rand with Sainsbury’s Bank
South Africa is a land of stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures. Whether you’re going on safari to see the Big Five, exploring Table Mountain in Cape Town or admiring the scenic beauty of Johannesburg, you’ll need South African currency.
Don’t leave it until the last minute – be sure to purchase South African rand (ZAR) before you travel. Sort your travel money before you fly with Sainsbury’s Bank, so you can focus on enjoying your trip from the moment you arrive.
Why buy South African currency from us?
- Better ZAR exchange rates for Nectar members*
- 0% commission on South African currency
- Buy South African rand online for collection at an instore bureau
- FREE home delivery on cash orders of £400 or more**
Pound to rand rate – how much will I get?
At Sainsbury’s Bank we want you to make the most of your trip to South Africa. We offer a competitive exchange rate when converting pounds to rand – as well as over 50 other currencies if you’re continuing your trip elsewhere.
Use our simple online currency converter to find out the current exchange rate of pounds sterling to rand. Rates may vary depending on whether you buy rand online, instore or by telephone.
We don’t charge commission when you buy travel money at Sainsbury’s Bank. Plus, Nectar members get an even better pound to rand rate*.
How to order your South African rand
Order online
Buying South African currency online is convenient and easy. You can order travel money at home, at work or on the go, and get it delivered to you or collect from a Sainsbury’s Travel Bureau – it’s up to you.
Visit us
Head to a Sainsbury’s store with an instore travel money bureau to collect your currency. You can even pick up yours with the next weekly shop.
Benefit from great rates instore and pay 0% commission. Plus, if you’re a Nectar member you can get an even better exchange rate instore.
Are you a Nectar member?
Nectar members can get an even better exchange rate when buying currency from us*.
You’ll need your Nectar card number when you place your order for ZAR currency. Rates may vary depending on whether you buy instore, online or by phone.
Not a Nectar member yet? Just download the Nectar app or register at nectar.com to make the most of the improved exchange rate.
Don’t fancy carrying cash? Use our travel money card
Don’t fancy taking your debit card with you to South Africa? You can use the Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card™ just like a regular debit card abroad. Withdraw cash, use chip and PIN, contactless or even buy items online with rand while you’re in South Africa. Just load it up with £50 to get started.
Getting your travel money card is easy. Order it online and collect it at your nearest bureau the next day. Or you can opt for home delivery and we’ll send it in the post so it’s with you in five to eight days.
Download the Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money App now to start managing your holiday spending online or find out more.
Buying South African rand: FAQs
What is the currency in South Africa?
The Republic of South Africa’s currency is the rand, abbreviated to ZAR. There are legal limits on the amount of money, both in rand and in other currencies, that you're allowed to take into South Africa with you. Currently you’re required to declare if you’re bringing more than 25,000 rand in cash per person when you enter South Africa. This number can change so it’s important to check before you travel if you’re taking large amounts of cash.
Can I sell my unused South African rand?
If you’re coming home with unused rand after your trip to South Africa, visit one of our travel money bureaus to exchange it for pounds. We offer competitive rates on buying back notes.
Can I use pounds in South Africa?
Sometimes foreign merchants take payments in major currencies. However, in South Africa if you try to pay in GBP or USD it’s unlikely to be accepted. You can exchange your pounds for rand with Sainsbury’s Bank, so you’re prepared ahead of your trip.
Should I take cash to South Africa?
It’s a good idea to take a combination of cash and cards with you to South Africa. Cash is still widely used, but most shops, restaurants and hotels also take card payments. If you have both, you will be covered for every trip, meal or souvenir without the need to find an ATM.
Planning a trip?
Holiday planning
Getting ready to book your trip? Get our top tips on planning for the travel adventure of your dreams.
Order your travel money card
Buy your travel money card today so you can get organised ready for stress free spending on your trip.
Buy back
Worried about having left over South African rand when you return from your trip? We’ll buy them back for a great exchange rate.
Any questions?
We’ve got the answers to our customers’ most common questions about travel money.
Terms and conditions
*Nectar members receive better exchange rates on single purchase transactions of all available foreign currencies. Excludes travel money card home delivery orders and online reloads. Exchange rates may vary depending on whether you buy instore, online or by phone. You need to tell us your Nectar card number at the time of your transaction.
**You can order currency for a secure home delivery by 1pm on the day of your choice by Royal Mail (Mon- Sat). For next day delivery your order needs to be confirmed before 2pm (Mon- Fri). Please note that whilst Royal Mail make every effort to delivery on schedule, we cannot guarantee this as it is beyond our control. Highlands and Islands (including Channel Islands) are not guaranteed next day delivery. Delivery is free on all cash orders £400 or more (£4.99 for orders between £100 and £399.99). The minimum order for home delivery is £100. The delivery day quoted is dependent on the order day being a working day; if one of those days is a public holiday then additional day(s) will be added accordingly. All home delivery orders are sent via Royal Mail Special Delivery, unless we advise you otherwise, to your billing address, and a signature will be required upon delivery. A valid telephone number is required for home delivery.
Sainsbury's Bank Travel Money Card™ is issued by PrePay Technologies Limited pursuant to license by Mastercard International. PrePay Technologies Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900010) for the issuing of electronic money and payment instruments. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.