Obviously you have to bring money to live. The same basic rules apply while visiting South Africa as when visiting any foreign shore as a tourist.

Use any security devices in place in your place of accommodation like Room Safes or Reception Strong Rooms, don't take too much more than you need in cash/cheques on day trips (remember, in most cases, the exchange rate is very much in your favour).

Currency: The unit of currency in South Africa is the Rand where R1 is made up of 100 cents. Bank notes are R200 (orange) R100 (blue), R50 (pink), R20 (brown) and R10 (green). Coins are R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c and 1c. Please be aware that there are 'old' and 'new' coins in circulation at present until the transition to the 'new' coins is complete.   Exchange Rate: Is in your favour. Generally, you will find that fine cuisine , wine and entertainment cost a fraction of the tariff charged by equivalent establishments elsewhere in the world. Click this pic for an online Currency Converter Cheques & Coin: Most banks change travellers' cheques in major currencies, usually at a commission of around 1%. Although the First National Bank has a higher minimum charge, it takes a lower commission so it can work out cheaper if you're changing a few cheques. Keep a few exhange receipts as you'll need them to reconvert your rands when you leave. South Africa has introduced new coins and notes, but old coins are still common so it's hard to become familiar with what you're jangling. The R200 note looks a lot like the R20 note, so take care. Banks: Banking hours at most commercial banks is from 09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays and Saturdays from 08h00 to 11h00. Major hotels have foreign exchange facilities and some shops, lodges and travel agencies will accept traveller's cheques. Costs of Dining: Use the online examples here for an indication of the prices you should expect to pay for eating out; A family restaurant example: Spur A refined Evening Restaurant: The Butchershop Souvenirs & VAT: A range of African Souvenirs are available from handicrafts to animal skins. As you would expect from a country rich in gold and diamonds there is an excellent selection of jewellery and the opportunity to watch goldsmiths in action. Golfing equipment, including clothing is reasonably priced. Overseas visitors taking goods out of South Africa will be able to reclaim VAT which they paid on those goods. VAT reclaim is only applicable for goods which you are able to produce at the airport and is not valid for any services whatsoever. When purchasing your products you must inform the shop attendant that you are a visitor to South Africa and you must request a tax invoice from him/her. The shop's VAT number must appear on this invoice. As you are checking in at the airport ready to depart from South Africa you must approach the customs official who will compare your invoices with the goods purchased. When the customs official has approved and stamped your invoices the VAT Reclaim Office will refund you the appropriate amount. VAT Reclaim Offices are found at the three major airports (Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town). Tipping: It is customary to tip 10 to 15 % of the bill at hotels and restaurants and 10 % of the fare to taxi drivers. It is also the custom to tip local guides and drivers. Hairdressers and theatre ushers are not usually tipped for their services. Credit cards: The Credit cards - Visa, American Express, Diners Club and Mastercard - are honoured by most restaurants, stores, hotels, car rental firms and other points of sale and service. Proof of identity may be requested in some instances and it is therefore useful to carry a passport or other form of photo identification at all times. Credit cards are not acceptable at petrol stations which will only accept cash. Rand travellers cheques are handy to have. More and more ATMs will give cash advances, but you shouldn't rely on this service away from major centres. Check with your bank at home to find out if you can access funds through Cirrus-friendly ATMs.