As the festive season approaches, many South Africans are preparing to travel north for holidays or family visits in Zimbabwe.
But before you hit the road, it’s important to understand how money works across the border, because things are not as simple as ‘bring rands and you’re good to go.’
Here’s what you need to know about using money in Zimbabwe right now.
Don’t expect to see much of the ZiG currency
Although Zimbabwe launched the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency last year, most visitors won’t actually see it in use.
The ZiG mainly exists in digital form and is mostly used by government departments and civil servants. In everyday transactions, the currency has yet to gain widespread acceptance, meaning tourists are unlikely to handle it, or even notice it.
The rand is often undervalued in Zimbabwe
While South African rands are accepted almost everywhere in Zimbabwe, travellers should brace themselves for unpredictable exchange rates.
In many markets and informal shops, traders typically treat US$1 as equivalent to R20.
That means officials may treat your R1 000 cash as only US$50, significantly reducing your purchasing power.
Essentially, you’ll be operating in what feels like a black market environment, where the value of your rand depends on where and how you spend it.
In the current rate R1 000 is equivalent to $58.12.
International Visa cards work well, but in US dollars
If you prefer to avoid carrying cash to Zimbabwe, your South African Visa card will work in major supermarkets, fuel stations, and fast-food outlets.
Banks and service providers usually process these transactions in US dollars and charge them using accurate exchange rates.
Some ATMs also allow withdrawals in US dollars using international cards, though expect standard bank fees for foreign transactions.
Zimbabwe’s public transport pricing can be confusing
Local public transport, mainly commuter minibuses, typically charges R10 per trip within the city. However, if you decide to pay in US dollars, expect an uneven conversion rate.
In some cases, drivers treat US$1 as R15, meaning if you hand over a dollar, you’ll only get R5 in change. It’s a small difference, but it adds up quickly for frequent travellers.
E-hailing services like InDrive now operate in Zimbabwe
App-based transport platforms such as InDrive are now fully functional in major cities like Harare and Bulawayo. Most drivers accept cash payments in both rands and US dollars, and some even allow digital payments through EcoCash, a mobile money platform linked to the US dollar.
This flexibility makes e-hailing a convenient and transparent option, especially for visitors trying to avoid confusing exchange rates or cash shortages.
