Major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa and their affiliates are accepted in South Africa. However, use may be restricted in small towns and country areas and non-existent in small retail shops. Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are situated outside most banks in towns and cities, and operate 24 hours a day. N.B. In South Africa, petrol (gasoline) can only be paid for with a special "garage card" or cash. Ordinary credit cards may NOT be used for the purchase of petrol.
The currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R1. R1=100 cents. South Africa has recently introduced new notes and coins, but the old currency is still in circulation. Old and new 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c and R1 coins, and R5, R10, R20, and R50 notes are all in use. New R2 and R5 coins and new R100 and R200 notes were recently introduced. Foreign currency can be exchanged at commercial banks, American Express and Rennies Travel.
The currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R1. R1=100 cents. South Africa has recently introduced new notes and coins, but the old currency is still in circulation. Old and new 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c and R1 coins, and R5, R10, R20, and R50 notes are all in use. New R2 and R5 coins and new R100 and R200 notes were recently introduced. Foreign currency can be exchanged at commercial banks, American Express and Rennies Travel.
The following banks offer foreign exchange services:
- ABSA
- First National
- Nedbank
- Standard
