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Turn leftover rand back into US dollars
Back from a safari or a Cape Town trip with rand you will not use? Sell South African rand to US First Exchange and get paid in US dollars. We are a Los Angeles currency exchange registered with FinCEN, part of the US Treasury, as a Money Services Business. Get your quote in the order form on this page, mail your notes with a free prepaid FedEx label, and get paid once they are verified.
Your package travels by FedEx and is fully insured for the value of your currency, from the moment it leaves your hands until it reaches our facility.
Your South African rand buyback quote
Your exact buyback quote appears in the order form at the top of this page before you commit to anything. Rates are set daily, and once you place your order your quote is locked for 30 days, so you have plenty of time to ship.
Our buyback price sits below the mid-market rate you see online, which covers shipping, verification and handling of physical cash.
How to sell South African rand by mail
- Get your quote. Enter how much South African rand you want to sell. The minimum is one note. You see the exact USD amount before you continue.
- Verify your identity and choose how to get paid. Create an account and upload a valid US government-issued ID. Federal rules require this for every money services business.
- Ship your South African rand. We email you a prepaid FedEx label, so shipping costs you nothing. Sort notes by denomination, pack them in a plain padded envelope, and put your invoice inside.
- Get paid. When your package arrives, we count and verify every note. You get a receipt, and your payout is sent within 24–48 business hours.
Read our shipping instructions before you pack.
How you get paid
Exchange South African rand for US dollars and choose how the money reaches you:
| Payout method | How it arrives | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| E-check | A printable check emailed to you, ready to deposit | No fee |
| Check by mail | A paper check posted to your verified address | Processing fee applies |
Both are sent within 24–48 business hours after your notes are verified. The payout name must match the verified account holder. See how you receive your funds.
Which rand notes we buy
We buy current South African Reserve Bank notes: R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200, the Mandela and Big Five series. We do not accept old or withdrawn currency series, severely damaged notes, or coins.
We buy South African rand only. Namibian dollars, Lesotho loti and Eswatini lilangeni are separate currencies, even though they are linked to the rand. Not sure what you have? Read South African currency: a guide to the rand.
Selling rand: your options compared
| Option | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Your bank | Many US banks do not buy back South African rand, and those that do may charge high fees. |
| Airport exchange counters | Fast, but buyback rates at airports are usually among the lowest. |
| A registered currency exchange by mail | A price locked for 30 days, free insured shipping, a receipt and a traceable payout. |
Want to compare costs first? Read where to exchange currency without paying huge fees.
Why sell rand to US First Exchange
- Third-generation currency brokers with decades of experience in currency authentication.
- Your price is locked for 30 days, and shipping is free with our prepaid FedEx label.
- Registered and compliant. We are registered with FinCEN, part of the US Treasury, as a Money Services Business and follow federal know-your-customer rules. Read our compliance statement.
- A real US business. Our office is at 550 South Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013. We serve customers by mail and phone; there is no walk-in counter.
- People who pick up the phone. Call 310-982-1743, 10am–5pm Pacific Time.
- Going back to South Africa? Buy South African rand online for your next trip.
We buy South African rand by mail from customers in every U.S. state except Texas, Illinois, Washington and New Mexico. Selling more than one currency? See every currency we buy on our sell foreign currency page.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I sell South African rand in the US?
You can sell rand to a registered currency exchange such as US First Exchange by mail. Many US banks do not buy back rand, so selling by mail is often the simplest option.
Do you buy Namibian dollars?
No. This page is for South African rand only. Namibian dollars are a separate currency.
How much will I get for my rand?
It depends on today's buyback rate and the notes we accept after verification. The order form on this page gives you an exact quote.
Is there a minimum amount of South African rand I can sell?
The minimum is one note. For example, you can sell a single banknote of any South African rand denomination we accept.
Are there any fees?
Shipping is free with our prepaid FedEx label, and e-check payouts have no fee. A processing fee applies only if you choose check by mail.
How long does it take to get paid?
Your payout is sent within 24–48 business hours after your package arrives and the notes are verified.
Is my package insured when I send my South African rand?
Yes. Your package is insured for the value of your currency from the moment it leaves your hands until it reaches our facility.
Do you buy South African rand coins?
No. We buy banknotes only.