Where can I break large US$ bills to smaller bills? Which businesses accept South African Rand?

by Michael
(Cape Town, S.A.)

I am coming to Zimbabwe from South Africa by bus. I only have 100 US$ denominations and 100 Rand denominations. Where are the best places in Zimbabwe to break large bills? And is it easy to pay with South African Rand? Which businesses accept it?

Comments for Where can I break large US$ bills to smaller bills? Which businesses accept South African Rand?

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Nov 09, 2022

Try the banks and restaurants in Victoria falls
by: Tony

Hi Michael

You can try going into one of the banks and asking them for change or go to a restaurant and buy some food and drink and they will find you the change. You can pay at restaurants with Rand but not so easy everywhere else.

Good luck

Nov 09, 2022

Is South African Rand convertible in Zimbabwe?
by: Michael

Thanks for the response, Tony. One more question:

I will not go back to South Africa, but continue my journey to Livingston, Zambia. In case I have some Rand leftovers before I leave Zimbabwe, what is the easiest/cheapest/safest way to convert it to dollars or Kwacha: bureau de change, bank, black market? Or is rand usable or convertible in Livingstone?

Nov 10, 2022

Bureau d chnages
by: Tony

Michael. I would use one of the many bureau de changes. The guys on the street might offer a marginally better rate sometimes but they also tend to rip you off when they can. As far as I know Rand is not that easily useable in Livingstone. Kwacha is definitely their preferable choice

Nov 26, 2022

South African Rand is well accepted
by: Michael

I had no problem selling off my Rand during my stay in Zimbabwe (Beitbridge, Bulawayo and V. F.): my visa fees at the border, in taxis, in supermarkets, Extracity bus tickets.
It is generally accepted 20 Rand for 1US$. The official rate being about 18 rand for 1US$.

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