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This just in.... and it is GREAT news!!!!

"The Department of Energy has announced that credit cards may now be used to pay for petrol in South Africa.
The influx of international visitors to South Africa during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and the reduction of cash on site at petrol stations, are two of the main reasons touted for the legalisation of the use of credit cards to pay for petrol at outlets countrywide.
As of yesterday, all petrol stations across South Africa may accept payment in plastic whereas before only cash or garage cards were allowed.
In recent times petrol stations have become a target for robberies in certain areas so the idea is to offer credit cards as a payment option to decrease the amount of cash on site.

It is also felt that with all the visitors from abroad heading our way in 2010, credit cards will be a far more convenient way for all to pay for petrol.

However the public should keep in mind the following:
* Initially, it will be the decision of each station management whether or not they make the credit card payment facility available to their customers.
* It may take some time for participating stations to have the required facilities on hand (speedpoint terminals etc).
* Just don’t forget that credit cards slap on a hefty percentage of interest so use with caution!"

Copyright © 2009 The Portfolio Collection

That's really great news!

When I first came here, I couldn't beleive you could only pay for gas with cash. I do a lot of long distance driving, and it means I have to travel alone with thousands of rands in cash- not cool.

Is this just for credit cards? Or would debit cards work too?

Yes, debit cards are also allowed.

As a matter of interest on my recent trip Durban to Malelane to Johannesburg back to Durban +/- 30% of service stations had signs up saying they would not accept credit cards and a few saying they would only accept the old fleet and garage cards only.

BP garage dealers association have decided not to accept credit cards as the banks want to charge them 5% handling fee. Until such time as the banks lower the fee, they have decided-no credit cards. I think many of the other fuel companies will take the same stance.

Debit cards are, I believe, accepted as the bank handling fee is under 1%.

So cash is still the most prudent way to go. Many highway stations have ATMs on the premises where you can draw money.

Just to add to above comments. Be warned, don't "bank" on garages accepting credit cards for fuel purchases.

A busy, popular Caltex garage on a main road in northern Johannesburg has a sign which reads "no credit card for fuel purchases". If this is happening here, what is happening in the more rural areas?

Make sure you have enough cash (or locals have a garage card) just in case.

Will be interesting to see how all this develops.

Any notable updates here...especially in SanParks? Are credit cards now accepted for fuel charges? If so, which specific parks? This is a HUGE concern for foreign visitors, as we just take it for granted fuel is able to be put on a credit card, but find out the hard way, it is not. Thanks to anyone who can offer an OFFICIAL response.

(Helpful Hint to USA citizens: Capitol One credit cards do not charge ANY foreign transaction fees).

I checked at Lower Sabie and Crocodile bridge during October 2009 and they still do not take credit cards. Only Garage cards or cash.

If you fill up at Malelane or Komatipoort before you enter the park both Sasol petrol stations accept credit cards :-)
Save your cash for in the park!

All I know is tht Shell are actively advertising the use of DEBIT cards, with handheld speedpoints being brought to your car where possible!

This does not cover Kruger, which has another supplier, and debit cards have a standard service fee (ATM card, is actually what it is)...

Not much help to tourists in Kruger yet...

Just to confirm what others have said - always carry some cash for fuel in KNP.

Yesterday I was at Olifants Camp and their petrol station would only take cash, as their garage card system was down.

This thread is older now (last year). Since the WS has RSA changed to allow CC to be used at petrol stations in most places? What about Kruger now? We would always have some cash of course, but would prefer to not have to carry as much around if possible. Our credit card company does not charge any transaction fee and we always pay our balance every month, so it IS the way to go for us if possible.

I would also like to know, I'm going to KTP in Feb next year. I don't live in SA anymore so don't have a petrol card, it would be great not to carry so much cash around. Any idea if TR/Nossop/Mata Mata would except debit/credit cards?

Was at the Skukuza filling station this morning and they would not accept a CC from an overseas guest. Many of the Gauteng filling stations also do not accept any CC.

This copied from another thread on the forum