MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted also all major credit cards are accepted and can be used in South Africa, American Express and Diners Club is not a universal acceptance. In smaller towns is it advisable to use cash.
When it comes to paying for fuel you are advised to pay in cash as your travel money card may not work and some garages still do not have credit card facilities up and running.
Road tolls, on the major routes between cities, can be paid using MasterCard or Visa.
Currency used
South Africa's unit of currency is the rand, which is divided into 100 cents. Notes come in denominations of R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200 where coins come in denominations of 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and R5.
Banking - ATM Machines
You'll also find South Africa an easy destination. From the moment you step off the plane you'll start seeing banks, bureau de change and automatic tellers all over.
Banks are open from 9am to 3.30pm Mondays to Fridays, - 8.30am to 11am on Saturdays, Airport based banks are open to accommodate international flights.
The major banks have (ATMs) and you will find them in all larger towns and large population areas.
How far will your South African rand go?
A long way as it is not an expensive place, we suggest that you sign up to TorFX market updates, this way you will be able to monitor the exchange rate and get a feel for how much money to take.
South African Rand travel money
Looking to buy holiday money consider carrying a variety, Take enough South African Rand to last you a day or so in cash, then split the rest in to travellers cheques and a rand travel money card.
Rand travel money cards are new and offer a better exchange rate than travellers cheques and travel money. With the providers above you can buy all three at once.
