I have just read in Fodor's that ATMs in South Africa only accept 5-number PINs. Is this correct? Should I change my 4-number pin to a 5-number pin before leaving the U.S.?

We have a family member in South Africa right now (who got there 2 weeks ago), and I know he has used a 4 digit PIN on his card.

it is not correct.

4 digit is fine.

Hello,

Four-number PINs are fine in SA.

Cheers,
Julian

Thanks to all of you for the valuable information--you've saved me a lot of trouble and time. The item about the 5-number pin, which I read about in the 3rd edition of Fodor's South Africa, must be out of date!

It's simple. The ATM reads the PIN on your card and compares it with what you have entered. Depending on the card, that could be 4 digits, it could be 5 digits.

That's always been the case in S.A. and while not a banking or ATM expert, I can't see how it could be any different elsewhere. So unless many years ago S.A. ATMs were initially programmed to only accept the local 5-digit cards, it would seem that the info in Fodors is not out of date, it's incorrect. And it would have to be many years ago. I can recall a U.S. visitor drawing money over ten years ago.

I have no ATM experiences in SA....but, i would prefer to carry travellers cheques with me over going to the ATM to draw cash......

Hari