Best way to take spending money to South Africa

Toyota66

Going on holiday next month - can anyone recommend the best way to take spending money to South Africa (visiting Durban and Cape Town). Thinking of taking part of money in Rand with me but heard from friends that ATM's are expensive.

Any help would be appreciated.

Wannie_2

Consider the Travelex Cash Passport Globe ordered through the Travelex website via TopCashBack(choosing the Globe card). Make sure that your bank's debit card does not charge you for the initial top up. All credit cards and some debit cards, including Barclays, Lloyds TSB, Natwest, Santander & RBS and perhaps Co-op charge a fee for topping up.

If you prefer to use a 'normal' debit and credit card, look at Metro Bank.

If not near London, think about a Halifax Clarity CC and pay off the full amount as soon as you are home.

michbright

If you use your debit card at an ATM to withdraw cash, it will be your bank that charges you, so check with your bank what the charges are.

I would not advise taking a lot of cash with you as the crime rate is high and, if you do, split it up and don't carry it all at once.

Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, so you'll be fine with a credit card. Also be aware that South African debit cards are all electron, so if you do use your debit card anywhere, for whatever reason, and are told they don't take debit card tell them to put it through as a credit card and it will work (unless your debit card is actually electron).

Also, if you're going to Durban, please say hi to the sun for me! I'm an expat from Durban, now living in the UK and eagerly saving for our Christmas holiday next year in Durban.

Most of all, enjoy your holiday.