Currencies

Buy South African rand

How to buy South African rand

South Africa offers a wealth of experiences, from its incredible wildlife and natural wonders to its vibrant cities and rich cultural heritage. South African rand is available to order online or exchange at select Bureaux.

Competitive rates

We monitor the currency exchange market every day to ensure we offer you a great rate for your upcoming holiday.

Delivered to you

Order South African rand online with next working day home delivery, or click and collect from your local John Lewis or Waitrose.

 

No commission fees

You won’t have to pay a commission fee when you buy rand online or in-store.

Exploring South Africa

There’s so much to experience when touring around South Africa. Home to the world-famous Kruger National Park, this renowned game reserve is where you can find the Big Five (lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalos) as well as an abundance of other fascinating wildlife. Wine lovers can also indulge in some of the country’s best reds and whites at vineyards located in Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. Durban is home to the country’s most picturesque coastline, and Johannesburg is the place to be for a metropolis city break.

Whether you’re travelling to South Africa to catch a rugby game or playing tourist, getting cash before you go can save time and money. Taxis and many local vendors outside of major cities may not be able to accept card payments, so it’s handy to have some for your trip.

 

Be prepared and exchange your South African rand before your trip. Rand is available to order online with next working day home delivery. You can also buy rand at select John Lewis Bureau de Change.

Sell your leftover South African rand

After your trip, you can sell your leftover rand notes, and we’ll exchange them back into pounds. Visit a John Lewis Bureau de Change with a valid form of ID and your cash.

Guaranteed return within 35 days

If your trip to South Africa is cancelled, you can return your currency to any John Lewis Bureau de Change. You’ll receive a full refund, even for online orders. Returns will need to be made within 35 days of the purchase date. Bring your original order receipt or order confirmation, your proof of cancellation, and the ID you used to make your purchase with you. 

 

Please note that you can only return or buy back currency in-store.

Frequently asked questions

What countries use South African rand?

South African rand is the official tender in South Africa. Rand can also be used as currency in Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini.

Can I use rand in Namibia?

Yes, South African rand can be used in Namibia. Namibia’s currency, the Namibian dollar, has the same value as South African rand. However, Namibian dollars cannot be used in South Africa and will need to be exchanged into rand.

Can I buy South African rand at a John Lewis Bureau de Change?

Only select Bureaux de Change will have South African rand available to buy. 

 

To find out if your closet Bureau carries rand, please visit the store to ask a partner or call 0330 123 3396.

 

Buy backs and returns can be processed at all John Lewis Bureaux de Change.

What is the minimum and maximum order?

For online orders, you can buy between £250 to £2,500 worth of South African rand. Please note, the cash limit when travelling to South Africa is 25,000 rand per person (roughly £1,080) or up to $10,000USD (roughly £7,800) worth of other currencies.

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Our partners


We have carefully selected our travel money supplier as First Rate, with their choice of over 60 currencies, to provide our Foreign Currency Exchange services.

 

Our International Payments service is provided by trusted global money transfer provider Xe. Xe Money Transfer Service is provided by HiFX Europe Limited and Xe Europe B.V., trading as Xe.

Travel money

John Lewis Money, John Lewis Finance and John Lewis & Partners Bureau de Change are trading names of John Lewis plc.

John Lewis plc introduces the panel of carefully chosen providers in Bureau de Change products and services, who each hold the appropriate licences with the Financial Conduct Authority and HMRC.

Travel Money online from John Lewis Money, John Lewis Finance, and John Lewis & Partners, is provided by First Rate Exchange Services Limited (company number: 04287490 and Money Service Business licence number: MLR-64068). Registered office: Great West House, Great West Road, Brentford, West London, TW8 9DF, England.


International Payments

For UK clients: International Payments are provided by HiFX Europe Limited. HiFX is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Payment Services Regulations 2017 (firm reference number: 462444), for the provision of payment services. HiFX is a limited company registered in England and Wales (company number: 3517451). Registered office: Maxis 1, Western Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 1RT.

For EEA clients: International Payments are provided by XE Europe B.V.. XE Europe B.V. is authorised by the Dutch Central Bank (De Nederlandsche Bank) under the Payment Services Directive II (licence number R149006) for the provision of payment services. XE Europe B.V. is a limited company registered in The Netherlands (company number: 72587873). Registered office: Rozengracht 12,1, 1016NB Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

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