When we typically travel, we put nearly everything on credit cards, at least to the degree we can. From my research, however, I understand that petrol stations in South Africa will only take cash - no credit cards, and we further realize that some local vendors my not as well. So, here's my question:

For a week in Namibia on a camping safari with a night on each end - how many Namibian dollars should I have on hand? (No gas money needed here)

For 2 days in George/Knysna/Plett Bay/Oudtshoorn and then 1 week in Cape Town, all of which includes a rental car - how much Rand should I have?

After Cape Town, we'll be at Ulusaba and figure that tipping is all we'll need there.

What about travelers checks? Are they more accepted than credit cards or about the same?

Thanks everyone who can help -just trying to plan so we're prepared!

Incidentally, I'm also trying to limit exposure to ATMs (as much as possible), since they seem to be a target for petty crime/thieves.

catch22 - I don't like to publish our e-mail address online, so is there some way to reach you through your website? Would like to get the remainder of your recommendations, if possible from the other thread.

It is correct that no petrol stations in South Africa will accept credit cards for petrol purchases. You will need cash. Most shops actually do accept credit cards. More people accept Visa and Mastercard then Amex. Traveller checks are a pain as you need to change them in a bank and you need to lug your passport around with those, but if you are extremely safety conscious then carry them. If you need to withdraw cash from the ATM do so during daylight hours at the banks or in the shopping centers.
For comfortable daily expenses you will not need more than R900-R1000 per person per day, that is excluding accoms, but allows for decent meals and such. A tank of petrol averages R300-500 depending on your car and if you are going to be in Cape Town a week then 3-4 tanks will be sufficient for a mid range vehicle. Obviously if you are going to be buying expensive souvenirs you need to allow for more cash. Hope this guide helps!

[This message has been edited by catch22 (edited 07-22-2003).]

I have one caution re credit cards in South Africa. There is a lot of fraud, and the credit card companies are aggressive in cutting off credit. We began abruptly having our credit denied, with no explanation. After the third denial, we called the US and spoke to a credit card rep. One hotel had put thru a small hold on our credit card, which apparently is a frequent technique by thieves in checking the validity of a credit card. The company immediately put the card on hold - but didn't advise any of the shops where we were denied what the problem was. It was resolved with our phone call, but was extremely annjoying. If there are more than one adult in your party, be sure each person carries a unique card. Then if one card is denied, you have another to offer.

Thanks to both of you. Very helpful guidelines, catch22. Our hotel in CPT is paid for, as is Knysna. Most of the cash usage will be petrol or incidentals. You should have received an e-mail from me earlier.

SD1k - after an experience in Cabo San Lucas a couple of years ago, we notify our credit card companies ahead of our trip and provide them our dates of travel as well as a date range of charges that potentially could still hit our account upon our departure date. This usually thwarts any fraud. However, your hotel scheme experience has put us on caution in Knysna, but we won't have any charges in Cape Town, since it was a condo-exchange (all pre-paid). Thanks, though, for the heads-up!

I had no problem using ATMs in South Africa; just use good sense and have a friend with you (not bad advice for using them at home either!). Check with your financial institution to be sure your card will work overseas (mine worked fine, my travelling companion's did not!) . I was also able to cash Travellers Checks at hotels. When going abroad, I usually to carry $50-100 USD in small ($1, $5) denominations. Merchants will often accept USD's and having close to exact change is helpful.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by pdxasflyer:
After Cape Town, we'll be at Ulusaba and figure that tipping is all we'll need there.</font>

At most game lodges you can pay your tips by credit card.

johan

1. Credit cards - advise your company before you leave that you are going to SA. Take at least 2 cards in case it gets declined.

2. ATM are OK during daylight hours in well traffic-ed areas. Some banks have controlled access to ATM. 1 person at a time. I have found that occasionally network problems prevent me drawing on my account. The solutions to this again can be multiple cards or going to a different bank's ATM.

3. Mastercard/Visa are most common, then Diners, lastly AMEX. - no Discover.