How do you convert United States currency to African currency?

Question

I'm going to Africa, and need to know how to go about exchanging my american money into African money.

Answer 1

Hey Moecheeks

I'm from South Africa and suggest you use your debit cards (not credit card as you are toast if it gets in the wrong hands!) or if not, go to a foreign exchange office to convert your money to Rands if you are coming here. Never flash big money else you are asking to be ripped off. Good luck and enjoy your "African experience"

Answer 2

You don't really want to bring cash. You will need a little, especially if you are going to be taking a taxi from the airport, and just to be safe. For this money just change it at the airports, though they don't always have the best rates. Then just bring your debit card or ATM card, and you can withdraw at any bank in South Africac. However...warning: before you do this call your bank and check the fees they will charge you for foreign withdrawals. When I went to London I paid about $300 in fees to withdraw money, and slightly less during my time in South Africa. So if you are going to use your ATM card, then just withdraw large amounts at a time, but do not carry it all with you at once. It's much safer to bring a bit at a time, and leave the rest locked up somewhere.

Other than that, use your credit card. VISA is accepted pretty much everywhere in the world, so it's no hassle running into a store, dining place, or anywhere to use it there. You will need cash for the African markets, but as I said, just use your ATM card and withdraw money. It's much easier. If you don't have an ATM card, then get a Thomas Cook card, that you can put money on beforehand, and withdraw it once you get to Africa.

Good luck, and enjoy your trip!

Answer 3

Africa is a continent with 50+ countries. Most of these countries have their own currency, so you would have to find out which country you are going to and what the currency is. You should be able to change US dollars to the local currency easily in most countries. Most southern and eastern African countries' good hotels use credit cards and will also change US$ into local currency (at a steep cost, so better to do it at a bank, etc).

Answer 4

Um just curious? HAVE you ever visited anywhere in the world other than your next door neighbour state in the U.S...if yes apply the SAME basic common sense you used everywhere else in the world you have visited to exchange currency.
Notes get a better return especially travellers cheques,
if you enjoy charges etc etc, by ALL means use your debit/credit card pay for it when you get back..its a cashless society HAHA
Avoid banks like Nedbank or ABSA.

FNB - First national bank are usually very compitent in forex dealings, private operaters like Thomas Cook usually have a high commision rate, so its a case of win some lose some.

NOTE U said going to AFRICA NOT!!! South Africa, the above info apllies to SOUTH AFRICA only - what u do in the rest of AFRICA Hmmm good luck.
Keep smiling
Ed

Answer 5

You need to find out what country(ies) you'll be visiting and then you can exchange your money. Best place will probably be in the airport, either a big U.S. airport or in the terminal of the airport in Africa they will definitely have currency exchange places so you can switch from U.S. dollars to local currency.

Answer 6

moecheeks_68 - you're a bit of a tart!

I've been round the world at least 10,000 times . . . . . .okay, I haven't - but I've been to most countries in the world.

Just about every country prefers dollars to their own currency.
You can get a far better deal when purchasing anything from a hotel for the night to a coat if you pay in dollars.

Change some dosh but only small amounts at a time - just enough for food and small items.

Whenever I go anywhere (I'm a Brit and the same goes for the pound as it does for the dollar) I withdraw small amounts from the hole in the wall. For how much I change it's not worth hunting round for the best deal.

Bit awkward if your in the middle of the jungle, mind you!

Answer 7

I don't know how it works in other African countries, but in South Africa you don't even need to bring cash. Take only your bank account cards with you. If your debit card has got a CIRRUS logo than it should work in almost every ATM (or cash machines). Our ATM's accept Maestro cards, Visa electron, and even SOLO cards from all over the world. It's even cheaper and safer to use ATM's than bringing foreign cash to convert it. I don't know how other countries operate, you can find out from your banking institution.

Answer 8

1) you will not be able to do it in you home town.
2) in every African country the locals will be very happy to accept u.s dollars, English pounds, euros, and any other hard cash.
3) bring some money with you, but never change in the streets from money "vendors".
4) if you are to a tourist destination, you can bring credit card and drown from ATM in a big centers.

Answer 9

most places wont except your money because they probably wont want the hassle of having to convert your money to theirs!!!!

your best bet is to convert your money at the airport or at a bank(there will definately be places to convert your money)

i'm from africa and trust me you would rather want to convert your money than have to be turned down when trying to buy something!!!

Answer 10

Go to a forex place or a bank. The rte now is $1 = R7.11