Banks to take R200 notes until July 31st

"It has come to our attention that there are members of the public in more rural areas who are experiencing difficulties in accessing a branch of the South African Reserve Bank," it said in a statement.

After July 31 it would only be possible to exchange them at SARB branches.

"These notes remain legal tender, and there is no time limit on when such can be presented for exchange."

The SARB encouraged the public to rely on the post-2005 upgraded series R200 notes.

"Retailers are obliged to accept them."

The SARB began recalling all older-series R200 notes earlier this year to fight counterfeiting.