DebbieLS
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
Hi All,

Just wondering looking at rates of exchange where some of you purchase south african rand. Look like we get higher rates by buying currency online at Post Office, Thomas Cook etc. Any thoughts on past experiences welcome

lynne0911
(Member)
Hi Debbie

I've bought mine from Travelex (I'm off to South Africa on 9 Sept). They usually have better exchange rates than the places like the Post Office, Thomas Cook, M&S etc and do next day delivery, or you can order online and pick up at the airport if you want.

They also do a South African Rand Cash Passport which you load up with Rand and then use as a cashpoint/debit card. Due to the limit on taking 5000 Rand in cash into South Africa (which certainly wont be enough!!), I think this is safer than taking my credit/debit cards.

Hope this helps

Lynne

BGray
  • (Member)
(Member)
Hi Debbie I got the max 5,000 Rand from my local bank, I had to order it and collect it the following week. I'm going to tell my bank when I'll be away, so I can use my ATM card while there, as we will certainly need more cash than that! It's a real pity that we can't use credit cards to pay for excursions, but I'm sure we will have access to ATM machines - otherwise we will be badly stuck!

Cheers,

Bob

Hils
  • (Member)
(Member)
'DebbieLS' wrote:

Hi All,

Just wondering looking at rates of exchange where some of you purchase south african rand. Look like we get higher rates by buying currency online at Post Office, Thomas Cook etc. Any thoughts on past experiences welcome

Hi,

I always get all my currency at M&S. The coach will stop at loads of places where there are ATMs in S.A. I did this trip in February - you will have a fantastic time, especially if you have booked the Zambia/Victoria Falls add-on. If you love wildlife, it is really worth doing the trip to Botswana - you do a

river safari and a game drive, and the food is very interesting! Enjoy!

BGray
  • (Member)
(Member)
Hi Hils, thanks for the encouraging remarks! Was it easy to get to an ATM in Zambia or did you just bring dollars for the excursions there?
Hils
  • (Member)
(Member)
'BGray' wrote:

Hi Hils, thanks for the encouraging remarks! Was it easy to get to an ATM in Zambia or did you just bring dollars for the excursions there?

Hi Debbie,

I can't remember going to any ATMs in Zambia, but they will take Rand. Your Tour Manager will advise before you fly to Zambia. I always take US dollars with me as well.

2468rosemary
(Member)
I nearly always get my Currency from M and S they are quite competitive (I work there) but last time they told me to go to "Tesco's" and I got a lot more for my money. Worth a try !!

Well I hope you all have a Wonderful time

Regards Rosemary