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-   -   credit cards in South Africa (https://www.fodors.com/community/africa-and-the-middle-east/credit-cards-in-south-africa-1129871/)

BRR Sep 10th, 2016 04:31 PM

credit cards in South Africa
 
Any issues with using credit cards in South Africa? Any advice? Planning to get cash from ATM machines and use credit cards. Would appreciate any advice from experienced travelers!

tripplanner001 Sep 11th, 2016 04:48 AM

Our Visa and MasterCard cards worked just fine. Make sure you have a chip on your cards. I noticed that most machines used the chips rather than the magnetic strip.

KathBC Sep 11th, 2016 09:17 AM

Used them all the time with no problem.

RoamsAround Sep 13th, 2016 12:14 PM

We just got back from South Africa. Hardly used any cash. Charged just about everything to my MasterCard - no problems.

Lolazahra Sep 14th, 2016 07:47 AM

No issue with credit cards and plenty of ATM's everywhere. Enjoy!

sdb2 Sep 14th, 2016 04:37 PM

I've used credit cards widely across Africa, including SA, with no issues. The only thing I'd suggest is giving your credit card's issuing bank a call to let them when and where you'll be so they don't shut down your account fearing fraud. My own bank (Capital One) in the last two years notified me that advance notification was no longer necessary but I don't know that applies for all banks.

christabir Sep 14th, 2016 11:53 PM

I've used Visa, MC and Amex (at most locations) with no problems. I always call to let them know I'll be traveling. ATM cards have been more trouble - call twice to make sure you can use them. Always have some Rand for tips and incidentals, but credit cards are used almost everywhere.


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