Best ZAR to USD Exchange Rates - Compare & Save

ZAR to USD Market Data

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

Sell ZAR → Buy USD

1 ZAR = USD

▼-1.0%

ZAR to USD is at 7-day lows near 0.055574, 2.4% above its 3-month average of 0.054273, having traded in a quite volatile 11.0% range from 0.050563 to 0.056149

30-MAY 8PM-NY 31-MAY 1AM-LON 8AM-HK 10AM-SYD

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1 USD = 17.99 ZAR

Date	ZAR/USD	Period
10 May 2025	0.0549	2 Week
23 Feb 2025	0.0544	3 Month
24 May 2024	0.0545	1 Year
25 May 2020	0.0567	5 Year
27 May 2015	0.0831	10 Year
29 May 2005	0.1516	20 Year

ZAR/USD historic rates

What are equivalent amounts of ZAR and USD?

Here are some popular conversion amounts for ZAR to USD (South African rand to US dollar)*.

ZAR	USD
R 1	$ 0.0556
R 5	$ 0.2779
R 10	$ 0.5557
R 20	$ 1.1115
R 50	$ 2.7787
R 100	$ 5.5574
R 250	$ 13.89
R 500	$ 27.79
R 1,000	$ 55.57
R 2,000	$ 111.15
R 5,000	$ 277.87
R 10,000	$ 555.74
R 20,000	$ 1,111
R 50,000	$ 2,779
R 100,000	$ 5,557

ZAR	USD
R 17.99	$ 1
R 89.95	$ 5
R 179.90	$ 10
R 359.80	$ 20
R 899.50	$ 50
R 1,799	$ 100
R 4,498	$ 250
R 8,995	$ 500
R 17,990	$ 1,000
R 35,980	$ 2,000
R 89,950	$ 5,000
R 179,900	$ 10,000
R 359,800	$ 20,000
R 899,500	$ 50,000
R 1,799,000	$ 100,000

More amounts

*Converted at the current ZARUSD interbank exchange rate. Calculate actual payout amounts for Send Money and Travel Money exchange rates.

Forecasts for ZAR to USD

31 MayThe ZAR to USD exchange rate has recently been influenced by a combination of geopolitical uncertainty and economic developments in both the United States and South Africa. The US dollar (USD) strengthened broadly in anticipation of the latest Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes, which hinted at a hawkish stance on future monetary policy. This trend of capital flowing into the USD is reinforced by a risk-averse market environment, with investors turning to the currency as a safe haven amidst rising international tensions.

Read our full review of recent ZAR to USD forecasts.

How to get a good ZAR to USD exchange rate

There are several ways to save on exchange rates when converting South African rand to US dollar:

Shop around for the best ZAR/USD exchange rate: Exchange rates can vary significantly between different currency exchange providers, so it's important to compare rates from different sources before making a conversion.
Timing is important: Keep an eye on the ZAR/USD rate on currency markets, as exchange rates can fluctuate frequently. Try to make your transactions when the exchange rate is in your favor. You can do this easily with our BER Smart Rate Tracker.
Use a credit/debit or travel card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees: Some credit cards charge additional fees for transactions made in a foreign currency, so it's important to check with your card issuer to see if they charge these fees and what their exchange rate is.
Use a multi-currency account: Having a multi-currency account allows you to hold and transfer money in both ZAR and USD at close to the interbank rate. It also allows you to make payments or withdrawals in the local currency while avoiding high conversion fees.
Buy currency in advance: If you know that you will need foreign currency in the future, consider buying it in advance when the exchange rate is favorable.

The key is reducing excessive costs and fees

Generally speaking, if you are buying US dollar with South African rand, then it's better for the ZAR/USD exchange rate to be higher.

However working against you are the fees all foreign exchange providers charge for providing their service. These fees is usually contained within the exchange rate margin (or difference to the mid-rate).

The transaction margin you end up being charged can be considerably reduced by around a few percent (of total amount being exchanged) for travel money and possibly over 5% to 6% when sending money. The exact potential savings depends on the currencies being exchanged and the amount you are transferring and if you are willing to shop around.

Our real-time foreign transfer and travel money/cards comparison calculators make shopping around easy and help you calculate how much you can save.

Read our Currency guide to the United States — a practical currency and money guide to travel in the United States plus living and doing business with the US dollar.

It's worth noting that while these tips can help you save on exchange rates, it's important to be aware that no single method is guaranteed to provide the best exchange rate in every situation, and it may require some research and comparison-shopping to find the best option for your specific needs.

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Will the South African rand rise against the US dollar?

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 ZAR/USD 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

Currency Country Guides

United States (USD)	South Africa (ZAR)	East Timor (USD)
Ecuador (USD)	El Salvador (USD)	British Virgin Islands (USD)
US Virgin Islands (USD)	Caribbean Netherlands (USD)	Turks and Caicos Islands (USD)

What to Consider When Sending Money to the USA

Sending money to the U.S. involves more than just choosing a provider. First, make sure you have the correct recipient details, including their account number, bank name, routing or SWIFT code, and sometimes the bank’s address. Mistakes can lead to failed or delayed transfers.

If you’re converting from another currency, pay close attention to the exchange rate. Providers often apply a hidden markup, so comparing rates is essential—especially for larger transfers. Tools like BestExchangeRates.com help you find the best real-time rates. Don’t forget about fees either. These can include service charges, intermediary bank deductions, or fees charged to the recipient, particularly with traditional bank wires.

There are multiple methods available for sending money to the U.S., each with their own pros and cons. Bank transfers are widely used and secure but tend to be slower and more expensive. Online services like Wise, OFX, or WorldRemit offer faster transfers at more competitive rates, while remittance apps like Remitly and Xoom are optimized for speed and convenience. In some cases, cryptocurrency can be used, but this comes with added regulatory and security considerations.

Speed also matters. Digital services like Wise or Remitly can deliver funds within hours or a day, while banks may take several business days. For large amounts, providers may ask for ID due to anti-money laundering regulations. Transfers above $10,000 are generally reported to U.S. authorities, though personal remittances are usually tax-free.

Finally, consider the purpose—whether personal, business, or investment—and choose a method that suits your needs. Online transfer services are often cheaper and faster than banks, and may offer better exchange rates and lower fees.

For the best value, compare your options and plan ahead. A few extra minutes of research can save you a lot in the long run.

Read more at our United States (USD) country guide