Where to exchange money in Cape Town
If you’re planning a trip to Cape Town, it will definitely be useful to know how to obtain the local currency. Additionally, you may want to be aware of the current exchange rate and the most convenient places to exchange your money.
On this page, we’ll provide you with a list of the best places to exchange currency in Cape Town. We’ll also introduce you to an alternative, Wise, which may be more cost-effective and save you the hassle of visiting a physical location
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Currency exchanges in Cape Town
If you have a need to use cash, here are some recommendations to exchange foreign currency in Cape Town.
Just remember, there's no such thing as completely free or 0% commission when exchanging money. Always check the mid-market exchange rate beforehand so you know the real value of your money.
| Money Changer | Address | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| Currencies Direct South Africa | Suite 1405 14th, Portside Tower, 4 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa | +27 21 418 0105 |
| Inter Africa Bureau de Change | 196 Long St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa | +27 21 421 5360 |
| Travelex | Shop 181, Entrance 3, Century City, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa | +27 21 555 3255 |
| Currency Partners | 3rd Floor, The Terraces, 25 Protea Rd, Claremont, Cape Town, 7806, South Africa | +27 21 203 0081 |
| Domisa Treasury | Unit B13, 1 Westlake Dr, Tokai, Cape Town, 7945, South Africa | +27 21 205 1980 |
| Travelex Green Market Square | Shop 5, Protea Assurance Building, 140 Longmarket St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa | +27 21 426 5310 |
| Travelex | Shop E27, Blaauwberg Rd, Table View, Cape Town, 7439, South Africa | +27 21 557 4742 |
| Sable International: Cape Town office | Regent Square, Doncaster Road, Kenilworth, Cape Town, 7708, South Africa | +27 21 657 2120 |
| Tower Bureau de Change - Cape Town (St Georges Mall) | Ground Floor, JDN House, 26A Shortmarket St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa | +27 21 422 1643 |
| Rennies Foreign Exchange Century City | Lower Level Canal Walk, Century City 7446, Century City, Cape Town, 7441, South Africa | +27 21 555 2155 |
| Khwezi Trade | 130 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa | +27 21 300 3117 |
| Travelex Cape Gate | Shop L56 Okavango Rd & De Bron Rd, Cape Gate, Shooping Centre, Cape Town, 7562, South Africa | +27 21 981 7390 |
| Cape Gold Coin Exchange | 12th Floor The Pinnacle Building Corners of Strand and, Burg St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa | +27 21 461 8030 |
| Travelex | 25 Plein St, Stellenbosch, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa | +27 21 882 9316 |
| Forex Varsity (Head Office) | 235 Blaauwberg Rd, Table View, Cape Town, 7439, South Africa | +27 21 556 0997 |
| FiveWest | 4 Bree St, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa | +27 21 203 1678 |
| FX TMA (PTY) LTD. | 219 Voortrekker Rd, Glenlily, Cape Town, 7500, South Africa | +27 72 561 2853 |
South African rand rate today
The accepted currency in Cape Town and across South Africa is the South African rand.
However, when you visit a currency exchange, you'll find that they use currency codes. Specifically, the currency code for the South African rand is ZAR. Keep an eye out for this code if you're comparing exchange rates.
What you should know about exchanging money in Cape Town
When exchanging money in Cape Town or any foreign city, it's important to be aware how to get the best deals and avoid excessive charges and hidden fees. If you are planning on staying in South Africa long-term or looking to make a larger investment you could consider opening a local bank account. Otherwise, use the tips below to help avoid getting overcharged.
1. Pick local currency on ATMs and card payments
When using an ATM abroad, choose to be charged in South African rand for a fairer rate and fees. The same applies if you get the option on card machines.
2. Know the exchange rate
Check what the current exchange rate is so it's easier to spot a bad deal from currency exchanges.
3. Avoid exchanging money at airports or hotels
It may be highly convenient, but airports and hotels will almost always offer poor rates and high transaction fees. Avoid this where possible.
4. Use ATMs strategically
Check if your local bank has partnerships in South Africa banks to avoid unwanted ATM fees. Also try to plan ahead and make as few withdrawals as possible to avoid multiple extra fees.
5. Be wary of 'zero fee' services
Some services claiming 'no commission' often offer poor exchange rates. These may not reflect the mid-market rate, similar to what you'd see when checking the rate on Google. This can lead to higher costs for you and more profits for them.
Money exchange at the tip of your fingers
Out with carrying only cash when you're abroad. The world has gone digital and so can you.
With a Wise account you can exchange currency at any time, almost everywhere in the world.
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Other currency exchanges
Bottom line
From the list above you should have plenty of options for finding a physical currency exchange in Cape Town. If you'd like more options, try searching on a search engine like Google.
Finally, don't forget to check out Wise - The digital alternative to exchanging and spending cash abroad.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
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