Credit cards for gas?
Jun 24, 2016, 2:35 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: EUG,PDX
Posts: 482
Credit cards for gas?
I was just looking at hiring a car in South Africa. On the hire website in capital block letters it states you can NOT buy gas with a credit card in South Africa. I don't remember that being the case last year when we rented a car. Is this new or just incorrect information. I am not looking to carry a bunch of Rand around and home with me.
Last edited by 2RETIREDTRAVELERS; Jun 24, 2016 at 3:58 am
Jun 24, 2016, 7:24 am
#2
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: YYZ (ex-LHR)
Programs: BA Silver, VS Red, OZ Silver
Posts: 446
I heard that too, but I asked many South Africans who said that debit cards are fine and others who said credit and debit cards are fine.
The main issue is South Africa has pump attendants who are used to taking cash from you and bringing you the change. This could be where it's coming from.
The main issue is South Africa has pump attendants who are used to taking cash from you and bringing you the change. This could be where it's coming from.
Jun 24, 2016, 11:41 am
#3
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVP 75K, DL Diamond, LH SEN, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 2,360
I paid for gas with a credit card outside JNB 2 days ago and the pump attendant simply brought the credit card terminal outside to run my card.
Jun 25, 2016, 12:07 am
#5
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: CPT
Programs: BA BD SA
Posts: 4,467
I suspect that car hire web site is out of date. It used to be that you could only use a special "garage card" to buy petrol. This was to circumvent some crazy law. That law has been scrapped/changed. I have paid for my petrol exclusively with a credit card for several years now.
The procedure is for the attendant to bring the machine to you at your car so I presume skimming is not likely.
By the way a lot of petrol stations, especially the larger ones with convenience stores on site, have ATMs on the premises. I'm not sure if this is a hangover from the days when you had to pay with cash or a garage card - but it does offer another option should you prefer it.
The procedure is for the attendant to bring the machine to you at your car so I presume skimming is not likely.
By the way a lot of petrol stations, especially the larger ones with convenience stores on site, have ATMs on the premises. I'm not sure if this is a hangover from the days when you had to pay with cash or a garage card - but it does offer another option should you prefer it.