Hello,

I'm just back from two weeks in Botswana -- a brief trip report will be posted shortly. I encountered something a bit odd that I thought was worth passing on to anyone travelling in the near future.

In the past I've been able to use both MC and Visa with no problems to pay for souvenirs and tips. However, on this past trip two of my camps would only accept Visa (Selinda and Chitabe). It's not a big deal, just something to be aware of if you plan to pay using a credit card.

Cheers,
Julian

Welcome home. Your statement confirms Visa's slogan "It's everywhere you want to be." Those are places I'd really like to be.

I always take MasterCard, Visa, and AmEx Blue so I am covered.

Jasher,

Hope you post at least a short trip report very soon as we leave for Botswana in 12 days and would love to read about your trip before we go. Which camps were included in your itinerary? We will also be at Selinda and Chitabe Trails. How was Selinda, are the newly refurbished tents and baths lovely? How was the game viewing? Everyone here always talks about Zib, but little information on Selinda.

We don't use credit cards much, and only have Master Card and AmEx, so I'm not sure what we will do at Chitabe and Selinda. I'm quite sure we used Master Card at Little V two years ago. I guess you just need the credit card for shopping, can't think of anything else that isn't already covered, except for tips for the guides and staff (and thought we would just bring enough US dollars for that).

Thanks!

It was also reported on Virtual Tourist website that Visa is the only credit card accepted in Zimbabwe and most camps are requiring payments for drinks, etc be in cash.

Thanks for the info about the credit cards. I will make sure to take a Visa card.

We are leaving in 8 days and the packing is in full motion. Please post a quick report of Chitabe at least because we will be there.

Any recommendation for location or room or guide? Please advise

Who from the LA area is traveling between now and the end of the year?

I thought it would be fun to get together after everyone returns to share our stories.

I remember from 11 years ago that my agent's advice about credit cards was rather discouraging about any card except Visa, so that's all I've ever taken. Julian's experience doesn't surprise me, though I know acceptance of other cards has improved over the years.

John

I used MC at most of the places, including Selinda and WS. Looks that for these operators this has changed now. My Amex always stays at home, absolutely worthless on a safari.

A few places in Namibia are accepting Visa only too.

Good to know on the Visa, but did anyone try to use their ATM card? I live in LA and use Wells and was able to in Shanghai and Costa Rica, but haven't checked on Africa.

thanks

heather

Hey Spiegelcjs, I'm headed to Nairobi, then Tanzania on June 11. Yes, let's have another LA Fodor's GTG and compare notes, photos, etc.

Welcome back!

Keep me informed of any LA GTG's, I'm in Altadena. Heading to SA/Botswana in Oct/Nov.

nancy

Julian, so good to hear you are back! Did you go to River club; I believe a while back you mentioned you would be there - If you could give a quick reply as to your thoughts - as we will be there next week - much appreciated. I know EVERYONE is waiting for your Bots report too! Thx, Sam

ATM - for Namibia and Kenya - +PLUS

Likely the same in neighbouring countries?

The brief trip report has been posted here :

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35005435

Cheers,
Julian

(from Simi)I am leaving on May 30, Selinda, Mobile camping, Vic Falls (Ilala), Matusadona, Mana Pools, Hwange (Somalisa). I will be home on July 4. Let me know on the LA GTG, as I would love to catch up with everyone, and share experiences!
Suzi

Hi Suzi,

We might bump into each other while out on drive. Have a safe trip over!!!

Hari

I'm in LA, westside, and not leaving til end of July so would love to get Suzi's and others input. Have a great trip.

Heather

Hello Heather,

I've never tried to use an ATM card in Botswana, but I did use one in Vic Falls. There was another weird Visa / MC thing there as well -- you could use debit cards with a Visa logo in the ATM, but for those with a MC logo you had to go to the counter in the bank (which meant queueing).

Cheers,
Julian