Travelling through South Africa, most everyday payments can be handled simply by card or contactless. Still, it is practical to carry a small cash reserve for small purchases, tips, or situations where a card machine or connection is not working. Before your trip, we recommend confirming your card works abroad, knowing your PIN, and keeping a second card stored separately. On combined trips, we also factor in that different countries use different currencies, and payment options can vary along the route.
Cards and contactless payments
Card and contactless payments are common in cities, larger shops, restaurants and accommodation. Before travelling, it is worth confirming your card works abroad, knowing your PIN, and ideally having a second card stored separately.
A small cash reserve
There is no need to carry large amounts of cash. A small reserve is useful for minor purchases, tips, or smaller businesses and more remote areas. Card payments tend to be easier in cities than in the countryside, so we tailor the payment approach to the specific route.
Withdrawing cash
It is sensible to withdraw cash from ATMs in busy, well-overseen locations, for example inside a bank or shopping centre. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN, do not accept help from strangers, and avoid unnecessarily displaying your card or cash.
Several countries, several currencies
On a combined trip, different countries may use different currencies, and payment options can vary. There is no need to buy large amounts of every currency in advance. We will clarify what is practical to bring and what can be handled on the ground, based on the specific route.
In practice, on the road
The basics are a card for everyday payments, a backup card, and a reasonable cash reserve. Zuzka works with clients along the way on where card payment makes sense, where cash is useful, and when a safe withdrawal is worthwhile.
Let us plan a practical trip. Tell Zuzka where you want to travel and which countries you plan to combine. Plan your trip.