USS $ or RAN in South Africa
 

Should i take RAN with me to South Africa, get some when I am there at an ATM or do they accept US $. I do plan on going to African markets...Is there a currency app you love that I can get for my iphone. Will also be in Botswana and Zambia for a bit. Tip in local currency or US
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Wait until you arrive in South Africa and get rands from an ATM there. You will do better on the exchange rates. In Zambia and in Botswana, there is no need to change money; use either dollars or rands there.

Re: tipping, I generally tip in local currency because it is more valuable to them (they do not have to exchange money at the bank in which they lose some of it due to fees), but in Botswana and in Zambia, dollars are widely accepted everywhere.

thanks for the heads . Will do.....

If by RAN you mean ZAR (South African Rand), it is best to withdraw it at an ATM at JNB airport. Generally this is what we do on arrival, withdraw cash and go to Vodacom to buy a ZA SIM card. If you rent a car, you'll need some small coins in ZAR to give to the person who will look after the car when you park it (pay when you get back).

The currency app that I use is XE.

The currency is RAND. US dollars are barely accepted and if, then for a ridiculous exchange rate. ATMs are everywhere.