SANParks.org Forums

A quick note on buying sim cards.

I was in SA with my family in December. And tried to buy a SA sim for my cell phone. I wasn't allowed to do so because there is some new rule that all sims need to be registered to an address and I didn't have a utility bill or similar to prove my address.

Fortunately I was with a family member who was able to do so on my behalf.

But it is something foreigners should be aware of.

I got one in August simply giving proof of my hotel accommodation. Receptionist at hotels seem to know this so they provide with the document needed.

I would use the credit card wherever I could and use cash only if you cannot use the card.

Thanks for all the info everyone.
I'm convinced - I see that public phones is almost extinct.
So I need to bring a cell phone and buy a sims card.
Where is the best place to buy a sim's card?
And will a receipt saying that I have accommodation in KNP be enough proof of accommodation? We're not going to be at all in any other hotels.
Is there an option that I give a Johannesburg friend's address?

Agreed about using an ATM for some folding money. The rates and fees are equal to, and usually better than, the exchange counters. I also agree with using your credit card. That was our main way of purchase, but beware of card cloning. Don't let the card out of your sight, and make sure your cc company knows you are going to be in SA.

I saw a bunch of places at JNB where you could get a SIM card. You shouldn't have any problems at the airport.

Enjoy your trip!

The receipt is enough proof
But dont worry
They might need a copy of your passport

I agree with DuQues - on the subject of changing money - don't. The rates are awful. My wife was in Joburg in December and the rates offered by the banks were 20% less than the spot and >20% less than I could get here from the bank! The best deal was from a bureau de change to indicate how bad it was.
Make sure your credit card is loaded and use it on ATM's. The rates are better, even taking commission into account.
I use cash wherever I can and especially at petrol stations. I've had an Amex card cloned in Jnb and that taught me to never let the card out of my sight if I have to use one.
Having said that it was once in more than 30 years of frequent visits so it's important to keep things in perspective. Just be smart...

Agree on this one. Use a debit card if you have the option.

Hi pinchaskut,

On the subject of SIM cards, phone shops don't all know how to apply the rules to foreigners and you may get different answers in different stores. We were told in December that it was not possible without proof of address (utility bill, etc), and then that it was possible with a letter from a police station. It seems others have managed with hotel letters. I guess the answer is to take what documents you have, and if one phone store won't do it try another. I expect at the airport they will be used to this so maybe that is the best place to start.

Have a great trip!

So are American and other International Visa and Master Cards accepted at all, if any which, at Rest Stop petrol stations?

My experience is no and none.

Some do & some don't...best have an emergency stash of cash..Just in case....
Engen is a MAJOR player...here
and remember...power can be temperamental in the bush....

When are you going?

We are going, seventh year now running, just for what you say because I know it's value, especially for students.
For most of them, it's first small look into the real wild.

For me, I'm just looking for ATM's that spit enough cash to pay multiple petrol bills at Berg-en-Dal and other rest camps.

I reckon you are indeed sadly correct and I've learned there are no in Park ATM's worth a visit save for Skukuza.
I cannot use an American Credit Card for petrol.
I cannot get a ZA petrol card so...I'll just continue to pack in Rand from Malelane.
As for Komatipoort I've not been there but I did shoot part of a documentary in Musina years back so yes, I know a tiny bit about border towns.

Dear All,

The only two official ATM's in the Park are in Skukuza and Letaba and being relatively remote in terms of communication infrastructure, they even have a risk of sometimes being down due to breaks in communication. Some other camps have ATM facilities in shops or restaurants but this is not reliable and as these are manually operated, there are a number of dependencies, including cash availability with disbursing agent and also connectivity.
Do not rely on these.
Guests must plan cash needs well in advance and draw suitable cash before entering Park.
Credit cards are also widely accepted at receptions, shops and restaurants.
Please note that credit cards (or debit cards) can not be used to purchase fuel at Kruger filling stations.

Kind regards.

JOEP

When we visit Kruger, I will be trying to use our foreign (USA) credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) for as many purchases as possible.
That said, we will need to budget for some cash needs as well.
After reading posts on the forum, it sounds like the biggest cash need is for petrol.
To be safe, I'm going to budget R200 per day for petrol as suggested on another thread by Bush Baptist. That should cover me there with perhaps a little margin for error.
Are there any other expenses that you can think of that we will likely not be able to use a Visa or Mastercard for?
Specifically, do you think all of the following purchases can be made by Visa or Mastercard:

- Groceries bought at Spar or Pick 'n Pay at Malelane
- Meals at the camp restaurants (Lower Sabie/Satara)
- shops at the camps (Lower Sabie/Satara)
- International Wild Card bought at the entrance gate

Anything else you can think of that I should budget cash for?

On a different topic, if we head back to the Nelspruit airport by exiting the park at the Malelane gate, is there a petrol station close to the airport along the route between the Malelane gate and the airport that we can fill up at for the final time on the way back to the airport? Thanks.