What you should know about money matters when travelling through SA

Money can be one of the least glamorous parts of travel planning. It can also become surprisingly important when you are driving hundreds of kilometres through countries where the next ATM may be a long way away.

Southern Africa is relatively easy for international travellers, but the rules change as you cross borders.

South Africa is card-friendly

In South Africa, international debit and credit cards are widely accepted, particularly in cities, larger towns, hotels, restaurants and shopping centres. That does not mean you should travel without cash.

South African Tourism advises visitors to carry some cash because smaller towns, less modernised areas and some garages may not accept cards. A small emergency reserve is especially useful on road trips.

Botswana uses the pula

Botswana's currency is the pula, divided into 100 thebe. Major cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, retail outlets and safari businesses. However, Botswana Tourism notes that remote shops and service stations may require cash. ATMs are also concentrated in larger towns and cities. Do not wait until you are deep in the bush to discover your wallet has become entirely theoretical.

Namibia makes things easier for South Africans

Namibia uses the Namibian dollar, which is linked to and equal in value to the South African rand.

The rand is also legal tender in Namibia, making cross-border travel considerably simpler for South African visitors. Major credit cards are widely accepted.

Lesotho and Eswatini have familiar arrangements

Lesotho uses the loti, which is pegged to the rand at one-to-one, and both currencies are accepted as legal tender. Card facilities are available in major towns, although ATMs can be limited and unreliable. Eswatini's lilangeni is similarly tied one-to-one to the rand, and the South African rand is accepted as legal tender.

Mozambique needs more planning

Mozambique uses the metical. Cards are accepted at many tourist establishments, but cash remains important, particularly away from major tourist centres. Mozambique's tourism authorities recommend exchanging money through reputable banks or bureaux de change.

Zimbabwe is the complicated one

Zimbabwe uses the Zimbabwe Gold, or ZiG, as its local currency, while the US dollar remains legal tender. Travellers should check whether prices are quoted in ZiG or US dollars before paying. Physical US dollar cash can also be difficult to obtain locally, and businesses may refuse damaged notes.

The golden rule

Carry two cards from different financial institutions. Keep emergency cash separately from your wallet. Notify your bank of your travel plans where necessary.

Most importantly, never assume that the payment habits of Johannesburg will apply in a remote Botswanan village. Southern Africa rewards prepared travellers.

Zoid Spawn bring ma en seun saam op verhoog

Vir Zoid-aanhangers is daar bekende musiek, maar binne ’n produksie waarin Zoid se werk deel word van iets groter; met klavier, visuele kuns en ’n ma en seun wat saam iets nuuts op die verhoog aanpak.

Africa InTouch NewsAnchen Coetzee

Why Japanese designer Ryota Iwai looks to South Africa for kid mohair

Auralee’s international popularity gives South African mohair valuable visibility, associating a Karoo fibre with a fashion business admired for the seriousness with which it treats materials.

Karoo TimesNaomi Roebert

DStv Premium is dropping to R799, but where is the catch?

A new DStv Premium deal lowers the monthly cost for satellite customers who agree to a fixed term. Before signing, check whether two years fits your budget and viewing habits.

Flip the MarketLiz Thorne

Keeping your pet cool when the Lowveld turns up the heat

For many of us, summer means swimming pools, cold drinks, shady verandas and finding any excuse to sit under a fan. Our pets, however, cannot simply tell us when they are struggling with the heat.

De Kaap EchoLynette Spencer