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USD to ZAR 2026 Forecasts

Analysis of recent dollar → rand forecasts for 2026. We collate forecasts from respected FX analysts together with the latest US dollar to South African rand performance and trends.

 

The USD to ZAR exchange rate is currently range-bound.

Interest rate differentials play a key role, with the South African Reserve Bank recently easing its repo rate to 6.75%, while the Federal Reserve is expected to implement future rate cuts, which may weaken the USD. Enhanced economic growth forecasts for South Africa suggest a 1.4% increase in 2026, supported by better infrastructure and electricity availability, contributing positively to the ZAR.

In the near term, fluctuations are likely to stay within a stable range, potentially between the current level and recent trading highs. Upside risks for the ZAR could arise from further international commodity price increases, while downside risks may stem from localized economic challenges impacting South Africa’s growth.

Overall, current USD/ZAR levels are about 3.2% lower than the recent 3-month average, indicating relative strength for the ZAR, particularly as oil prices are holding steady near recent highs, which could additionally support the ZAR going forward.

USD-ZAR Rate Calculator

 
   
   
   
   
 
   
 
 

USD to ZAR Market Data

US dollar (USD) to South African rand (ZAR) market data - latest interbank exchange rate, trend, chart & historic rates.

 
Sell USD   →   Buy ZAR
1 USD =
16.49We compare provider deals to this wholesale mid-market rate. Read more
ZAR
1d−0.3%▼
 
USD to ZAR at 16.49 is 3.2% below its 3-month average of 17.03, having traded in a relatively stable 7.3% range from 16.35 to 17.54
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  1 ZAR = 0.060650 USD

Compare & Save - US dollar to South African rand

Exchange rates can vary significantly between different currency exchange providers, so it's important to compare US dollar (USD) to South African rand (ZAR) rates from different sources before making a conversion.

Use our USD to ZAR calculator to see how much you could save on your international money transfers. makes it easy to compare the Total Cost you are being charged on Dollar to Rand currency rates and the possible savings of using various providers.

 
 

Will the US dollar rise against the South African rand?

This is always a difficult question as exchange rates are influenced by many factors, so a good method to consider the US dollar vs South African rand current value is to look the USD/ZAR historic rate and change over a range of periods.

The following table looks at the change in the USD to ZAR exchange rate over periods from the previous week back to the last 10 years.

DateUSD/ZARChangePeriod
26 Dec 2025
16.67
0.8% ▼2 Week
11 Oct 2025
17.50
5.5% ▼3 Month
09 Jan 2025
18.94
12.7% ▼1 Year
10 Jan 2021
15.31
8% ▲5 Year
12 Jan 2016
16.59
0.4% ▼10 Year
14 Jan 2006
6.0364
173.8% ▲20 Year
USD/ZAR historic rates & change to 09-Jan-2026

It is almost impossible to predict what an exchange rate will do in the future, the best approach is to monitor the currency markets and transact when an exchange rate moves in your favour.

To help with this you can add USD/ZAR to your personalised Rate Tracker to track and benefit from currency movements.

 
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Rather than requiring you to set a target rate, our Rate Alerts keep you informed of recent trends and movements of currency pairs.

Add rates to your Rate Tracker and select to receive an daily email (mon-fri) or when a rate is trending

 

Forecasts disclaimer: Please be advised that the forecasts and analysis of market data presented on BestExchangeRates.com are solely a review and compilation of forecasts from various market experts and economists. These forecasts are not meant to reflect the opinions or views of BestExchangeRates.com or its affiliates, nor should they be construed as a recommendation or advice to engage in any financial transactions. Read more