How much spending money do you need for South Africa?

For a two-week trip to South Africa, a sensible amount of spending money is roughly £400 to £800 per person — assuming your flights, accommodation, safari and main transport are already booked as part of a tour. South Africa is excellent value for British visitors: the pound goes a long way, so meals, wine and everyday costs feel noticeably cheaper than at home, and your money stretches further once the big items are paid for.

That range covers the meals that aren't included, drinks, tips (which are a real feature here, especially on safari), curios and a few optional extras. The single biggest local custom to budget for is tipping — restaurant staff, safari guides and trackers, porters and even petrol attendants — so we set it out clearly below.

Here's what everyday things cost, what to tip, and how to handle cash and cards safely. (Figures are approximate, in pounds; the local currency is the South African rand, and exchange rates move over time.)

The quick answer

• Budget roughly £400–£800 per person as spending money for two weeks, on top of a pre-booked tour.
• South Africa is very good value — meals and wine cost far less than in the UK.
• Tipping is customary and expected, especially on safari — set aside a dedicated tip budget.
• Cards are widely accepted; carry some rand cash for tips, markets and small purchases.
• A restaurant main course is often £5–£12; a good bottle of wine a few pounds.
• Petrol attendants and car guards get small tips (the equivalent of 50p–£1).
• Tell your bank you're travelling and draw cash from ATMs inside malls or banks.
• Keep a contingency of £100 or so for extras and the unexpected.

On an organised trip, the costly things are already covered, which keeps daily spending low. Typically included: your flights, accommodation, safari game drives, park fees, transfers and often breakfast (and, at safari lodges, usually all meals).

What you'll usually pay for yourself: lunches and dinners outside the lodges, drinks, tips, curios and craft shopping, optional excursions (a wine tour, a cable car, a boat trip), and personal bits. Safari lodges are often fully inclusive of meals and drives, so your safari days cost little beyond tips — while city and Garden Route days, where you eat out, are where most of your spending goes. Always check exactly what your itinerary includes, as it's the biggest factor in how much cash you'll need.

South Africa's good value shows up in the everyday prices (approximate, in pounds):

• Casual lunch: £5–£10
• Dinner at a good restaurant: £10–£20 (fine dining is a fraction of UK prices)
• A bottle of excellent local wine with dinner: £5–£12
• Coffee or a soft drink: £1.50–£3
• Cable car, museum or attraction: £5–£20
• A curio or craft souvenir: a few pounds upwards

Because safari lodges are often all-inclusive, your spend concentrates on the city and coastal days. Allowing roughly £30–£50 a day per person for meals, drinks and bits on those days is comfortable, with your tip budget on top. Over two weeks that lands you in the £400–£800 range, more if you dine out lavishly or shop enthusiastically.

Tipping matters more in South Africa than in many countries, and it's genuinely appreciated. As a rough guide:

• Restaurants: around 10–15% if service isn't already added.
• Safari guide/ranger: roughly £8–£12 per guest per day; trackers a little less. Lodges usually explain the norm and provide envelopes.
• General lodge/hotel staff: a shared tip is customary — often a suggested amount per night.
• Tour guide/driver: a few pounds per person per day.
• Porters: the equivalent of £1 or so per bag.
• Petrol attendants (South Africa has attended fuel stations): a small tip, the equivalent of 50p–£1.
• Car guards (who watch parked cars): a few coins, around 50p.

Keep small rand notes and coins handy for these. Over a fortnight, tips add up — budgeting £50–£120 per person across the trip, depending on how many safari days you have, is realistic. On a guided trip your leader will advise on the local norms.

Currency and payment

• The local currency is the South African rand (ZAR); you generally can't buy it easily in the UK, so draw cash from ATMs on arrival.
• Cards (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels, shops and restaurants.
• Carry modest rand cash for tips, markets, petrol and small towns.
• Tell your bank you're travelling and check foreign-transaction fees.

Staying safe with money

• Use ATMs inside malls, banks or hotels in daylight, and be discreet.
• Don't display cash or count it in public; change larger sums only in secure places.
• Keep spare cards and the bulk of your cash in the hotel or lodge safe.

How our experience helps

On our trips the big costs are handled, and your tour leader can advise on sensible tipping, point you to good-value restaurants, and help you change or draw money safely. Because safari lodges are often all-inclusive and so much is arranged in advance, most travellers find they need less spending money in South Africa than they expected.

Frequently asked questions

Is South Africa cheap for UK tourists? It's very good value — the pound is strong against the rand, so meals, wine and everyday costs are well below UK prices. Your spending money goes a long way.

How much should I budget for tips in South Africa? Tipping is expected, especially on safari. Budget around £50–£120 per person for a two-week trip, more with several safari days, and keep small rand notes handy.

Should I take rand, pounds or dollars? Draw rand from ATMs on arrival for day-to-day spending and tips, and use cards where you can. You don't need to bring much foreign cash from home.

Can I use my UK card in South Africa? Yes, widely — in hotels, restaurants and shops. Carry some rand for tips, markets and small purchases, and tell your bank you're travelling.

Do I tip on an all-inclusive safari? Yes — game rangers, trackers and lodge staff are customarily tipped even when meals and drives are included. The lodge will usually explain the going rate.

How much cash should I carry day to day? Just what you need — modest amounts for tips and small purchases — and keep the rest in the safe. Cards cover most larger spending.

Related reading

• Is a South African safari suitable for over 60s?
• Is South Africa safe for travellers over 60?
• How many days do you need in South Africa?