Travel Money South Africa
Travel
Money South Africa
Currency
Rand
(R) Notes are in denominations of R200, 100, 50, 20 and 10.
Note:
the R200 note looks a lot like the R20 note!
Currency
Exchange
Money
can be changed at banks in major cities or tourist centres, bureaux
de change and some hotels. Automated foreign exchange machines and
ATMs are available in major centres
Currency
Restrictions
The
import of local currency is limited to R5000 in cash. The export of
local currency is limited to R500 in cash. The import and export of
foreign currency is unlimited provided it is declared upon arrival or
departure.
Banks
In
South Africa banks are generally open from 09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays
and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays. Most banks change travellers
cheques in major currencies, however commission can vary greatly:
Rennies
Travel is an agent for Thomas Cook. American Express has branches in
some cities. Nedbank is associated with American Express. First
National Bank is the Visa agent.
Most
ATM machines will support your card if it bears the cirrus logo
Travellers
Cheques
Travellers
cheques are useful as they can be replaced if lost or stolen.
American Express, Visa and Thomas Cook are all widely recognized.
However,
if you’re travelling into more remote areas you will need to carry
cash preferably in a very safe place, such as a leather pouch under
your waistband.
Make
sure you keep the purchase agreement and a record of cheque serial
numbers safe and separate from the cheques themselves.
In
the event that cheques are lost or stolen, the issuing company will
expect you to report the loss to their office in South Africa. Most
companies claim to replace lost or stolen cheques within 24 hours. To
avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to
take travellers cheques in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.
Credit
and Debit Cards
Credit
and debit cards are useful for hotel bookings and for paying for more
mainstream and upmarket tourist facilities, and a credit card (not a
debit card) is essential for car rental. Visa and Mastercard are the
cards most widely accepted in major cities, while American Express
and Diners Club are less widely accepted.
Credit
cards are unlikely to be accepted in small towns and rural areas such
as the Wild Coast and Northern Cape, where you will need cash for
most transactions.
Proof
of identity may be requested in some instances, so it’s useful to
carry a passport or some form of photo identification at all times.
Note:
credit cards are not accepted at petrol stations.
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