Where to exchange money in Johannesburg
If you’re planning a trip to Johannesburg, 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 Johannesburg. 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
Where to exchange money in Johannesburg
If you’re planning a trip to Johannesburg, 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 Johannesburg. 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
Spend abroad without hidden fees
Currency exchanges in Johannesburg
If you have a need to use cash, here are some recommendations to exchange foreign currency in Johannesburg.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Travelex Rissik Street | 81 Rissik St, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa | +27 11 492 1414 |
| MASTER CURRENCY FOREIGN EXCHANGE | Ricci's, 4 Rissik St, Marshalltown, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa | +27 11 333 1223 |
| Collectors Exchange | 141 Commissioner St, Marshalltown, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa | +27 11 331 9459 |
| Travelex Fordsburg | Corner Central Avenue and, Hanover St, Mayfair, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa | +27 11 837 4822 |
| Rand Bureau | Shop 129, Level 100, Carlton Centre, Commissioner St, Marshalltown, Johannesburg, 2107, South Africa | +27 11 331 6231 |
| Forex World | Gold Reef City | 411 Northen Parkway Road, Ormonde, Johannesburg, 2192, South Africa | +27 11 496 3242 |
| Travelex | Athol Road & Johannesburg Rd Shop 123, Balfour Park, Highlands North, Johannesburg, 2037, South Africa | +27 11 440 7800 |
| Forex Trading South Africa | Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa | +27 81 720 8005 |
| American Express | Shop B36, 5th floor, I Block, Nedbank,, Sandton City Mall, 5th St, Sandown, Sandton, 2196, South Africa | +27 11 883 9009 |
| TRAVELEX | Shop 6 Benmore Gardens Shop Ctr, Grayston Dve, Sandhurst, Sandton, 2196, South Africa | +27 11 783 3274 |
| Southeast Exchange Company | Mint Rd, Fordsburg, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa | +27 11 492 0822 |
| Wealth Forex Academy | Katherine & West Suite 18 Second floor, 114 West St, Sandton, 2030, South Africa | +27 72 765 7966 |
| American Express Foreign Exchange | Shop U169 Eastgate Shop Ctr, 43 Bradford Rd, Bedford Gardens, Bedfordview, Germiston, 2007, South Africa | +27 11 616 0479 |
| GLOBAL FOREIGN EXCHANGE | C301 Rosebank Mall, 50 Bath Ave, Rosebank, Sandton, 2196, South Africa | +27 11 880 6904 |
| The Document Exchange (Pty) Ltd | 95 Market St, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa | +27 11 333 6991 |
| Travelex Rosettenville | Shop LO1B, Geranium St, Rosettenville, Johannesburg, 2190, South Africa | +27 11 436 2975 |
| Mukuru | Kotze St, Hillbrow, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa | +27 860 018 555 |
| Globex360 (PTY) LTD | 3rd Floor, Sandton Office towers, 158 5th St, Sandhurst, Sandton, 2196, South Africa | +27 11 568 3097 |
| TOWER BUREAU DE CHANGE | Shop 34B, Highpoint Centre, Pretoria St, Hillbrow, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa | +27 11 720 7244 |
| NEC Money Pty. Limited | 1st Floor, 43 Mint Rd, Fordsburg, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa | +27 81 013 7386 |
South African rand rate today
The accepted currency in Johannesburg 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 Johannesburg
When exchanging money in Johannesburg 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.
Consider an alternative to physical currency exchanges
Say goodbye to overcomplicated currency exchange. Wise can help you get a better deal on currency conversion in over 40 currencies, with the mid-market exchange rate and low fees.
Open a personal Wise account online or in the Wise app, and order a linked debit card for a one-time fee to spend and withdraw money in 150+ countries.
There’s no fee to spend any currency you hold, and no foreign transaction fee to worry about. Use your account when you travel or shop online in foreign currencies, send payments in 70+ currencies, and get your own local bank details in 9 currencies.
Other currency exchanges
Bottom line
As you can see, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to exchanging money in Johannesburg. Don't forget to do your research on the exchange rate before converting your money, and check Wise out if you want a fuss-free alternative to exchanging cash.
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