SANParks.org Forums

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.

But also remember that many of these charge very high transaction fees as although they are managed by one of the banks, they are the property of the petrol station. If at all possible avoid using ATM's that do not carry the logo of a specific bank as the fees are high!

When the ATM was down I was able to draw cash from the till in the shop at a major well known 1 stop filling station using my ATM card .

Dont forget over and above the plus/minus 5% the bank charges the SpeedPoint machine loan per month etc etc also has to be paid . Mine is a little bitty one and it costs me plenty though I only have 3% taken off...for a transaction.. I know that huge places like supermarkets get a very low rate too .

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).

Lets start a list:

In which camp have you filled up and used your credit card?

Please post the name!

Woot! I know which card is going with me next time. Anxiously awaiting updates from the parks on CC and petrol status.

Hallo Everyone !

I used to draw money and then pay for my diesel. This was really the only time that I draw money. ( What a slep.... )

For more than 2 years now, I have been paying with my credit Card at Caltex dealers. Example : one in Wilderness and one in Jeffreys bay.

Bp also have a sign in Jeffreys bay saying " you can now pay petrol/diesel with your credit/debit card. I think people are coming around.

I now only go to petrol stations that take credit cards. I have a bluebean gold credit card and they do not charge a thing for transactions. I can swipe for R5 with no charge !! I then, at the end of every month, pay the outstanding balance on my credit card. This way I do not pay any interest and my credit card is my best friend. It does not only save my money ( on all transaction fees ) but it really makes my life easier.

I am sure, with all the transactions fees of drawing cash etc.for petrol/diesel you can fill your car at least once a year, with that savings.

Hope this helps everybody !!

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

I also, on my recent RSA trip, found that credit cards are still not widely accepted at petrol stations, even in the cities! Best to continue to be prepared with 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.