Money Matters in Cape Town

Most shops, restaurants, hotels, and B&Bs in Cape Town take credit cards, but you generally need cash to buy gas. Surveillance cameras cover most ATMs in the city center, but the money machines are still a magnet for fraudsters. Improvements in security in the central business district have led to increased ATM crime outside the center, so be alert wherever you withdraw cash. Keep your card in your hand, don't be distracted while using an ATM, and decline offers or requests for help. If your card gets swallowed, stay at the ATM and call the help line number displayed. If possible, withdraw money during the day and choose ATMs with security guards present or those inside stores.

Don't even think about changing money at your hotel. The rates at most hotels are outrageous, and the city has plenty of banks and bureaux de change (exchange counters) offering better rates. Most suburbs have banks in the main streets and malls with currency-exchange facilities and American Express branches open during business hours (weekdays and Saturday mornings). Rennies Bank's Waterfront branch is open until 9 PM daily. At the airport, Foreign Exchange exchanges currency weekdays 7 AM-11 PM and weekends 8 AM-11 PM.

Exchange Services

American Express (Ground fl., Thibault House, Thibault Sq., Cape Town Central. 021/425-7991. www.amex.co.za). Rennies Bank (2 St. George's Mall, Cape Town Central. 021/418-1206.)