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

USD to ZAR Rates - 2026 Forecast

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.

 

USD/ZAR Outlook:

The USD/ZAR exchange rate is likely to decrease as it currently trades below its recent average and is near recent lows. This is primarily due to recent decreases in US economic growth, which can undermine the dollar's strength.

Key drivers:

Rate gap: The Federal Reserve's cautious stance on interest rates contrasts with the South African Reserve Bank's recent cut, allowing the rand to hold its ground.

Risk/commodities: Higher oil prices support the ZAR as South Africa relies on oil-import dynamics, making the rand more competitive against the USD.

One macro factor: The South African government's efforts to improve public sector efficiency have lifted investor confidence, favoring the rand's performance.

Range:

USD/ZAR is expected to drift within its recent range, potentially testing lower levels.

What could change it:

• Upside risk: A hawkish shift from the Federal Reserve could bolster the USD.

• Downside risk: A prolonged decline in global commodity prices may weaken the ZAR.

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 =
16.00We compare provider deals to this wholesale mid-market rate. Read more
ZAR
1d−0.3%
 
USD to ZAR at 15.99 is 2.9% below its 3-month average of 16.47, having traded in a fairly volatile 9.8% range from 15.74 to 17.29
|
Tracker

Manage Tracker   


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
09 Feb 2026
15.91
0.6% 2 Week
25 Nov 2025
17.21
7% 3 Month
23 Feb 2025
18.38
12.9% 1 Year
24 Feb 2021
14.50
10.4% 5 Year
26 Feb 2016
16.06
0.3% 10 Year
28 Feb 2006
6.1745
159.3% 20 Year
USD/ZAR historic rates & change to 23-Feb-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.

 
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