I.ve always been to North America (U S A & Canada) for Holidays up until now. But for a change, I'm going to South Africa this year. I've always taken my 'spending money' in cash always changing Pounds into Dollars before I go and also always taking at least twice as much as I thought I would need. (Sounds silly now, but I never even carried a credit or debit card with me). I see that one is limited to the amount of cash one can take into South Africa (5000 rand). So a couple of questions? Would 5000 rand cover me for 14 days of holiday in South Africa or would I be better off also taking a Travel Money Card with me. I've never used a card before, I assume you use them in an ATM as you would in this country. Plus are they reliable? Would hate to get there then find when I needed to draw money out it didn't work.

Thanks for any info.

Hope this helps,

Bob

Hi

I.ve always been to North America (U S A & Canada) for Holidays up until now. But for a change, I'm going to South Africa this year. I've always taken my 'spending money' in cash always changing Pounds into Dollars before I go and also always taking at least twice as much as I thought I would need. (Sounds silly now, but I never even carried a credit or debit card with me). I see that one is limited to the amount of cash one can take into South Africa (5000 rand). So a couple of questions? Would 5000 rand cover me for 14 days of holiday in South Africa or would I be better off also taking a Travel Money Card with me. I've never used a card before, I assume you use them in an ATM as you would in this country. Plus are they reliable? Would hate to get there then find when I needed to draw money out it didn't work.

Thanks for any info.

Hi Steve

So glad you asked that question. I'm going to SA this year too and have been wondering exactly the same things. Hope you get some helpful answers!

Best wishes

Sue

I went on the SA/Zambia trip last November/December (brilliant!), took 5000R with me (plus $800) and withdrew 6500R, but I was very extravagant. Budget for 5000R while there if you plan to go on the excursions. There are plenty of opportunities to use ATMs when travelling, as long as you do it with someone else (although I did it on my own a couple of times in daylight where there were plenty of people about). The guides let us know whenever there was somewhere we could get cash. I never had any problem with reliability.

Have a great time, you won't regret it.

Mike

Hi

I.ve always been to North America (U S A & Canada) for Holidays up until now. But for a change, I'm going to South Africa this year. I've always taken my 'spending money' in cash always changing Pounds into Dollars before I go and also always taking at least twice as much as I thought I would need. (Sounds silly now, but I never even carried a credit or debit card with me). I see that one is limited to the amount of cash one can take into South Africa (5000 rand). So a couple of questions? Would 5000 rand cover me for 14 days of holiday in South Africa or would I be better off also taking a Travel Money Card with me. I've never used a card before, I assume you use them in an ATM as you would in this country. Plus are they reliable? Would hate to get there then find when I needed to draw money out it didn't work.

Thanks for any info.

Hi Steve

I use the FairFX travel card. Usually costs £9.95 but free via thisismoney.co.uk. You can load it with £.. and stick it in any ATM in any country and out comes the local currency. There is a charge for using the ATM, in Europe it is €1.50 a time, but I don't think there is a charge for purchases - but check their website.

Hope this helps.

Sylvia

Sally

p.s. you'll have a great trip - it's a truly spectacular holiday.

Hi

I.ve always been to North America (U S A & Canada) for Holidays up until now. But for a change, I'm going to South Africa this year. I've always taken my 'spending money' in cash always changing Pounds into Dollars before I go and also always taking at least twice as much as I thought I would need. (Sounds silly now, but I never even carried a credit or debit card with me). I see that one is limited to the amount of cash one can take into South Africa (5000 rand). So a couple of questions? Would 5000 rand cover me for 14 days of holiday in South Africa or would I be better off also taking a Travel Money Card with me. I've never used a card before, I assume you use them in an ATM as you would in this country. Plus are they reliable? Would hate to get there then find when I needed to draw money out it didn't work.

Thanks for any info.

Went to SA last year and 5000 should be plenty. Everything is dirt cheap and most of your food is included anyway. You can pay for any optional trips before hand which will give you more than enough spendng money. Margaret