SANParks.org Forums

We find we get a better rate with Foreign Exchange Bureaus than with banks. If you order in advance it can work out cheaper to pick up currency at your departure airport. Have a search around on the internet to get the best rate a couple of days before you fly.

Whatever form you use to get your money you will be landed with large denominations. We tend to use the larger notes to pay the tolls - just check the change they give you is correct before driving on. Takes a few seconds longer but then you have smaller notes and coins for use in the Kruger shops, where change is not always easy to come by.

Definitely no microchip on my card. Thanks.

Yes, this was what I was getting at earlier. I think each machine normally has a maximum amount you can withdraw either with the pre-selected amounts that show up on the screen or by selecting "Own amount". I was fishing for that maximum amount. Based on the responses it appears that maximum amount is either 1000, 2000, or 3000 Rand. This could actually vary by machine which could explain the various amounts noted.

My daily limit on my card will not be the limiting factor as it is roughly 3500 Rand...more than I need.

I'll be on the lookout for an ABSA bank ATM once we land.

On the issue of getting the money in advance at the airport, I checked that too and it was actually just slightly more expensive to use the airport exchange than to use my bank just down the street from where I work. I just need to order it 2 days in advance.


Many thanks to everyone!

I confess that after finding the maximum amount was R2000 when I first tried to draw more I have never actually tried more! Maybe it has increased now to R3000 across the board - apart from the mini ATMs where you get a slip and then the shop gives you the cash and it depends on what they have available to give you.....

This may be a little late since it seems that by this time you have already been to South Africa but "Consumer Reports" magazine had an article regarding security features on credit cards recently.
It seems that the USA companies have been lagging in not issuing cards with embedded chips and requiring users to use a pin and this has led to cards being refused in some places in Europe.
In Canada three of four of my credit cards [American Express being the exception] and my bank debit card have chips and require a pin.
If you want a chip card you might try Capitol One; they recently sent me a chip card and I believe they are an American issuer.

In August we'll be visiting Kruger for the second time. We will be staying at Lower Sabie, Skukuza, Satara and Letaba. I know Skukuza has ATM machines but how about the other camps?

Most camps do have ATMs but if they are working is another question. I was in KNP in December and had to go out of the park to draw money for fuel as for none of the ATM's were working and the fuel stations do not acccept debit cards - so take some emergency cash with.

Letaba does, not sure about the other camps. But often they have a mini ATM. In that case you will have to hope there is enough cash in the till.
Take a wide margin in your money planning! There is no 100% surety that there is money in the machines, or that the telecom lines are up!

Agree with DQ. Take extra cash along, do not rely on the machines working. Some rely on telecoms that fail purely as a result of being deep in the bush.

Cash is king in Kruger, but electricity not

Thanks everyone! We will take extra cash along!

If it was me, I would not carry too much cash at a time, if you have a credit card.

You will need cash for tips, petrol and launderette, other wise you can use your credit card for the shop and restaurants, and guided drives.

Hope you have a wonderful trip.

Skukuza and Letaba - Definetly
Satara had one, but not so sure now anymore
Lower Sabie ... if they do .. I've never used it ...

Either way .. I just use my card for all purchases :

Hi jhawktx,

Maybe I have missed something, but Kruger and the routes are geared for credit card payments.
The only thing (apart from trivial purchases and tips) you need cash for is petrol, if you have either a Visa or Mastercard.

Morning all,

Would anyone happen to know if it is it possible to pay for gate fees/shopping/petrol etc with a debit card at all the camps/gates?

Thanks
John