South African Rand (ZAR)

The South African rand (ZAR) is the official currency of South Africa, and the pride and joy of every South African bartender who ever got stiffed on a tip. It is named after the Witwatersrand (”white waters ridge”), a mountainous range that once held the richest gold deposits in the world - much like the joy brought to a South African cashier when a foreigner hands over their unfamiliar currency.

Throughout its history, the South African rand has gone through a series of devaluations, fluctuations, and rollercoaster-like swings that have left economists scratching their heads, and South Africans wondering why they couldn’t just use bottle caps as legal tender instead. In fact, it’s been rumored that the rand’s value fluctuation is actually tied to the national rugby team’s performance. The worse they do, the more the rand drops. Time to put in a request for a trade agreement with a better rugby team, South Africa!

To make matters more confusing, the rand is divided into 100 cents, which are often mistaken for small candies or toy coins by small children, leading to scenes of chaos in local supermarkets. The currency is also known for having unique features, such as the Big Five series of banknotes, which feature South Africa’s most famous wildlife. Next on the list, they might consider adding a banknote with a picture of frustrated tourists trying to figure out the local currency exchange.

Despite all of its quirks, the South African rand remains an important symbol of the country’s culture and history, and can be found in the pockets of locals and tourists alike. And if all else fails, it can always be used as a makeshift frisbee, especially if you can’t find an actual frisbee in the gift shop!