ZAR to USD Converter
South African Rand to US Dollar
South African Rand to US Dollar (ZAR/USD)
This page converts the South African Rand (ZAR) used in South Africa into the US Dollar (USD) used in the United States. The current rate loads in your browser; type any amount into the converter above to see its value.
What moves the ZAR/USD rate
The South African Rand is mainly influenced by South African Reserve Bank policy, gold and platinum prices, and global appetite for emerging-market risk. The US Dollar is mainly influenced by US Federal Reserve interest rate decisions, US inflation and jobs data, and the dollar's role as the main global reserve and trade currency. When these forces push the two currencies in different directions, the ZAR/USD rate moves; when they move together, the rate tends to stay steadier.
How this rate is calculated
Rates are fetched from Frankfurter, which publishes the European Central Bank's daily reference rates (updated once per working day), and from ExchangeRate-API for currencies the ECB does not cover. All rates are stored against the euro, so the ZAR/USD figure is a cross rate: the euro value of USD divided by the euro value of ZAR. These are indicative mid-market reference rates and may differ from the rates offered by banks, card issuers and payment providers.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert ZAR to USD?
Enter an amount in South African Rand and the converter multiplies it by the latest daily ZAR/USD reference rate to show the value in US Dollar. To go the other way, USD to ZAR, divide by the same rate or use the swap button.
Where does the ZAR to USD rate come from?
Rates come from Frankfurter, which republishes daily European Central Bank reference rates, with ExchangeRate-API filling in currencies the ECB does not publish. They are cached in your browser for up to an hour.
Is this the ZAR to USD rate my bank will give me?
No. These are mid-market, indicative rates. Banks, card providers and transfer services usually add a margin or fee, so the US Dollar you actually receive is typically a little lower.