Some of the most frequently asked questions by travelers who are about to embark on a trip to Africa are in regards to money and credit cards / ATM / Debit cards.
First, it’s important to understand the basics of making payments in Africa. Typically, you will get a better exchange rate if you use a credit card versus cash. BUT, before traveling, make sure to contact your credit card company and bank, if using an ATM / Debit card, to ask if they charge a “transaction fee” for every international charge. This fee can add up quickly if you are putting all your expenses on the card.
Most of us have several cards in our wallet. By knowing which card to use, you can save yourself the shock of an unexpected expense.
Also, please never let your credit card out of your sight to be run through a machine. Make sure it is in your visual presence at all times. Most restaurants throughout southern and eastern Africa have mobile credit card processing machines, so wait staff will process your card right from your table.
It’s also important to note that US dollar bills smaller in denomination than USD100 may attract a less favorable rate of exchange and notes older than 2001 are not accepted by hotels, banks etc. The reason for this is because there were huge amounts of imitation/ fake US notes in some countries, so only the new notes are widely accepted now.
Which brings me to my next point: never accept change in USD, as there is a high rate of fakes awash in the country. Bring a mixture of denominations with you. Also, never change money unless at a Hotel Cashier or in an established official Bank or Bureau de Change.
Some travelers planning an African safari vacation also inquire about Traveler’s Checks. We advise you to avoid using Traveler’s Checks and personal checks as gratuities. Guides and staff may find them very hard to cash as they can only be processed through bank accounts. USD cash is the easiest foreign currency to use when tipping safari guides and accommodation staff.
Click here for guidelines on tipping in Africa.
As for how much US dollars to bring with you, we recommend bringing enough to tip your guides and accommodation staff, and then some extra to exchange for local currency upon arrival to your destination’s airport. Also, we recommend withdrawing cash at the ATM at the airport as it can be difficult to find ATMs during your trip (this is especially true for remote areas, as well as Zimbabwe).
