Is there is a limit on the amount of cash you can take into South Africa on holiday and if so how much it?

Question

I am off there on holiday ina couple of weeks and need to get some currency

I am going to Cape Town not Johannesburg and the crime rate around there is no worse that it is in the UK.

I know the amount is something like £500 or £5000 worth of Rand or similar but would like to know for sure

Answer 1

Hey Steve

Found this site which basically says you can take any amount you like in, as long as you declare it.
http://www.guardianfx.com/information/africa/south_africa.html

My advise to you would be to take with you around £100 in cash (you can get the pounds/dollars exchanged at the airport exchange), and then use your debit card / credit card for everything else. 99% of the places you will visit, they will accept credit/debit cards, and if you need more cash, you can draw money from the ATM's there (just inspect the ATM carefully, because the ATM's are sometimes tampered with thief's can keep your card and get your PIN). Rather use an ATM in one of the up market supermarkets or malls.

Another thing is that you do need to be care full in Cape Town. I have two brothers in Cape Town, and they have been there for 15 years. Crime is increasing there, and the acts of gangs is a great concern. All I'm saying is that the attitude of the criminals there are a lot more aggressive than central London, so mind yourself and you should be ok.

Cheers, enjoy the holiday.

AJ

Answer 2

I wouldn't carry much cash there, I always draw it out the machine as I need it and the HSBC back here charges about a pound a time - this is better value then going through forex dealers. I think it is the equivalent of £5000.

Answer 3

Its very cheap in S.A so you don't need much money, using ATMs mean not having to carry much money about.
As for being mugged its possible but tell me where in the world it's not. Be sensible and try not to be on your own anywhere even in day light.
I HAVE HAD THREE GREAT SELF DRIVE HOLIDAYS THERE AND LOOK FORWARD TO GOING BACK

Answer 4

I don't believe there is a limit, just your best bet is just to draw R500-1000 as you need it instead of trying to carry around large amounts of money. The usual advice for travelling anywhere in the world.

Answer 5

I've never heard of it. Anyhows, just get a bank transfer over there; it only costs something like $20.00.

My wife's SouthAfrican and we honeymooned there. And she worked in the foreign exchange branch of a bank there for13 years.

Answer 6

go to the bank and ask du

Answer 7

I wouldnt take a penny, you will just be mugged. I wouldn't go if i was payed.