Books & magazines

Books and magazines in South Africa: prices and how to buy

Updated 11 November 2026

Books and magazines in South Africa cost about R 50 to R 480 for a paperback, up to R 1,540 for an illustrated book, and R 215 to R 920 for a print magazine issue. These are approximate prices, according to sellers' websites, November 2026. To get current offers for the title you want, post a request on BlaBlaPrice.

Check the edition and the condition

Several listings for the same title differ in edition, so name the edition, the publisher year and the language in your request. For second-hand copies, ask the seller about wear, missing pages and the cover. A print magazine issue is a single copy, so name the exact issue and month, because older issues are often priced lower than the current one.

Your rights when a book arrives damaged

The Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 entitles you to goods of good quality, in good working order and free of defects. If the supplier does not meet the requirements of the Act, you may return the goods within six months of purchase. Photograph the parcel and the damage on the day it arrives.

Season and when to buy

Summer runs from December to February, when many people buy holiday reading and gift books before Christmas. Winter, June to August, is the time for indoor reading, and digital magazines and ebooks sell steadily all year. Order gift books in early December if you need delivery before the holidays.

How it is bought here

Prices are quoted in rand, and a magazine issue or a book is usually one item, so check whether a set or a series costs more. Name your city in the request, whether Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria or Gqeberha, and ask the seller to confirm the delivery cost before you pay. Digital titles need no delivery.

What to write in your request

Give the title or author, the language, the edition, the condition (new or used), the number of copies, the reader's age if it is a children's book, and your budget in rand. Add your city. Sellers reply with their price and what is included.

On BlaBlaPrice, sellers answer your request in the chat with their own offer, price and delivery terms. Your contact details stay hidden, and you choose the seller you exchange contacts with. You can also send your request link to bookshops you know, by SMS, e-mail or WhatsApp. Post a request, or browse hobbies, leisure and sport.