Switch .com Best Exchange Rates .com Best Exchange Rates .com Best Exchange Rates
BER

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 market is currently bearish.

Key drivers include:

  • The Federal Reserve is expected to reduce interest rates further, weakening the USD.
  • South Africa's economy is projected to grow modestly, supported by improved infrastructure and electricity access.
  • A new inflation target of 3% set by South Africa's Finance Minister may stabilize the ZAR.

Over the next 1–3 months, the USD/ZAR is likely to remain steady within a defined range, reflecting its current price significantly lower than its recent average.

Upside risks include stronger-than-expected growth in the US, potentially bolstering the USD. Conversely, persistent weakness in commodity prices, particularly oil, could further depress ZAR, especially as it often moves in relation to oil trends.

As of now, USD/ZAR trades at 16.61, about 2.9% under its 3-month average.

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 =
16.59We compare provider deals to this wholesale mid-market rate. Read more
ZAR
1d−0.4%▼
 
USD to ZAR at 16.61 is 2.9% below its 3-month average of 17.11, having traded in a quite stable 5.7% range from 16.60 to 17.54
|
Tracker

Manage Tracker   

  1 ZAR = 0.060288 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
17 Dec 2025
16.77
1% ▼2 Week
02 Oct 2025
17.28
3.9% ▼3 Month
31 Dec 2024
18.90
12.1% ▼1 Year
01 Jan 2021
14.66
13.3% ▲5 Year
03 Jan 2016
15.47
7.4% ▲10 Year
05 Jan 2006
6.1499
170.1% ▲20 Year
USD/ZAR historic rates & change to 31-Dec-2025

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.

 
Track Rate
 

Manage Tracker   

 

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