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Tipping
Tipping is not a general custom in South Africa, and is at your discretion. For good service at a restaurant a 10 – 15% tip is appropriate. Some restaurants include a service charge automatically – check before you tip. It is also appropriate to tip the attendant at the filling station, R3 – R10 is acceptable.
Money
South Africa has a decimal system with 100 cents to the Rand (ZAR).
Cash
Coins have values of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and ZAR1, ZAR2, ZAR5; notes have values of ZAR10, ZAR20, ZAR50, ZAR100 and ZAR200.
Credit cards
Major credit cards – Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and their affiliates – are widely accepted throughout South Africa. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) with around-the-clock access are available in convenient locations like banks, along main shopping streets and in malls.
Travellers cheques
Travellers cheques are the safest and most convenient way to carry funds. Brands like American Express and Thomas Cook are widely accepted in South Africa, and can be cashed at banks, foreign exchange brokers, larger hotels and restaurants, and for car rental. Passport ID is required when you cash travellers cheques. Fees for changing travellers cheques sometimes vary from bank to bank.
Moneychangers
In general, South Africa’s banking hours are Monday to Friday 8.30am to 3.30pm. All 4 major banks, ABSA, Standard Bank, Nedbank and First National Bank, have branches in Franschhoek. In Franschhoek, all the banks are equipped to exchange foreign currency.
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