SANParks.org Forums

For those from the US, where do you go to find the best rate on foreign currency conversion?

Do you find you get the best rate at a bank, the airport, amex, atms???

Try Rennies Forex

For getting cash, using your US bank's ATM card should get you the best rate as it will be the closest to the bank's own rate, even if you bank charges a foreign transaction fee. Using credit cards as much as possible also gets you the best possible exchange rate.

Any other "foreign exchange" service will give you the "tourist rate", usually plus a fee, and the tourist rate is always less preferential than the "bank rate". Stick with ATMs and CCs and avoid all other forms of exchange, such as foreign cash or travelers checks.

Thanks arks. Thought that was probably the case.

I totally agree with Arks. Don't even bother getting cash at home, just raid an ATM when you arrive (you need cash for petrol) and use your creditcard for larger expenses. That will give you the best rates, and no extra costs.

Hi Skywalker2251...totally great advice....worked for me...just remember to use your debit/credit card at LARGE companies (reduce the risk of fraud)...and my debit card worked best at ABSA banks...
change to a 4 digit PIN....and put your spending cash into your PRIMARY account..sometimes the options are not as many as at home.

When are you going?

For US travelers that have used SA ATM's, what bank card/credit card have you used successfully? We're planning on bringing a few options just in case (Wells Fargo Visa check card, CITI card), but I'd feel alot better about relying on ATM's if I knew my cards will work. (not to mention my SO's reactionif they don't!!!)

Not from the US, but Mastercard and Visa give no trouble...

We had NO trouble at all with our bank Visa cards...but my SO's debit card would not work ...mine did!!! Remember 4 digit PIN only.

Best to advise your bank of all the places you are going to be so they don't block your card as stolen or as fraud.

and you are going when & where?

Good info, esp the 4-digit pin tip. I have one card to update!

We're headed to the KNP area for an all-too-brief stay in Feb. 3 nights in Thornybush, then 2 more at Satara and 2 at Olifants. I wish we could stay longer, but we're very excited and hope this will be a first trip of many. (next time will be longer, entirely in KNP, and I just might bring the kids)

Thanks CC,

We're coming in October/November and will be spending 12 days in Kruger!!!