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Frequently Asked Questions
Most definitely. Members of the public are advised to check the banknote's security features before accepting them.
Like any other surface that large numbers of people come into contact with, banknotes can carry bacteria or viruses. However, the risk posed by handling a banknote is no greater than touching any other common surface, such as handrails, doorknobs or credit cards.
No. The SARB will only accept and exchange South African currency.
No, all circulation R5 coins retain their respective face value of R5 only. The SARB does not buy back currency from members of the public.
No, circulation coins will always retain their respective face value irrespective of their date of issue.
A counterfeit note is an imitation of a banknote produced without the legal sanction of the government. Producing or using counterfeit notes is illegal and a form of fraud.
Such banknotes or coins should be reported to their nearest police station.
No, counterfeit notes have no value and cannot be exchanged for genuine banknotes.
Any information about counterfeit notes operations should be reported to the nearest police station.
A banknote is deemed mutilated when its condition requires special examination to consider the value, if any, to be paid. Such banknotes could be burnt, discoloured, decomposed, damaged with portions missing and/or contaminated.
Mutilated/damaged banknotes can be exchanged at a commercial bank branch where a member of the public holds an account. Alternatively they can be exchanged at the SARB Head Office during weekdays.
Yes. All reproduction images of South African currency should be approved by the SARB before use.
No. Approval of reproduction is granted for a particular period only.
Yes. All approved reproductions should reflect the word “SPECIMEN” on them.
When the Reserve Bank issues a new series of banknotes, the previous issues remain legal tender but are referred to as “old” series banknotes.
At the designated commercial bank branch where an individual’s account is held or at the SARB Head Office in Pretoria.
No. Old series banknotes retain their respective face value and cannot be sold for a higher value.
Dye-stained banknotes are banknotes that are stained by permanent inks used in currency protection devices to secure banknotes in automated teller machines (ATMs), safes and during transportation of cash.
When a banknote is stained by the activation of the currency protection devices, the staining ink penetrates the banknote and leaves traces which are normally more pronounced on the edges of the banknote and in some instances the banknote is completely saturated by the staining ink.
No. These banknotes are not fit for circulation and they will not be replaced for value.
If the dye-stained banknote came from an ATM, you must immediately report it to the relevant bank.
You should always refuse to accept dye-stained notes and notes that are not whole. Only accept clean banknotes and banknotes that are not damaged.
