Travel money in Africa

[Quickstatus]

Looking for suggestion for Travel money in Africa

Countries visited:
Kenya
Zambia
Zimbabwe
South Africa

Will have USD in cash and a debit card

Should we have any other currencies in cash?

 

[Steady]

Looking for suggestion for Travel money in Africa

Countries visited:
Kenya
Zambia
Zimbabwe
South Africa

Will have USD in cash and a debit card

Should we have any other currencies in cash?

Not sure if relevant but IIRC you need the correct change in USD cash to buy a visa on entry/arrival into to Zambia.

 

[Quickstatus]

Not sure if relevant but IIRC you need the correct change in USD cash to buy a visa on entry/arrival into to Zambia.

Already have Zambia evisa
Question is for day to day spending money

 

[drron]

Everyone accepts USD though you would pay more than the local currency equivalent.We have always used USD except in South Africa.but the speed that the ZAR is declining means you won't lose by keeping USD.

 

[turtlemichael]

I guess it depends on how long you'll be there, what you'll be doing and what you'll be buying. For example, we tend to tip in ZAR in South Africa and you will definitely need to tip small amounts if you have a car to the car guards. In South Africa credit cards are widely accepted at passably decent restaurants etc In other countries we tend to use small denomination USD and cards for bigger items. So more information would help.

 

[JohnM]

As long as you have USD and debit/credit cards, you shouldn't need anything else apart from changing some USD into local currency for minor expenditure, but that may depend on your specific needs. Prudent to avoid taking large USD (>$50).

If renting a car in South Africa, just be aware cards may not accepted for fuel in some places, although that may have changed.

 

[turtlemichael]

If renting a car in South Africa, just be aware cards may not accepted for fuel in some places, although that may have changed.

Having driven over much of South Africa in the last couple of years it is rare to find a service station that does not accept cards. But then you need small denominations or coins for the boys and girls who fill your car and also for the freeway toll booths in many places.

 

[Quickstatus]

thanks all
Just poor uni students on a budget
Day to day spending $$ for tips, incidentals, border/immigration "fines" , activities, meals, minor shopping
No hire car
Accom, flights transfers and most meals paid for

Would appreciate some tips on tipping in Africa.

 

[JohnM]

Would appreciate some tips on tipping in Africa.

No rigid expectations.

Try this for tips on tipping: Tipping ettiquette worldwide.

 

[Quickstatus]

What about tipping in the “Z” countries

10% in SA

Would hotels breakdown $50US notes?

 

[JohnM]

What about tipping in the “Z” countries

10% in SA

Would hotels breakdown $50US notes?

Much the same throughout but you won't get your throat cut if you don't tip or just give a nominal rounding up. Don't get hung about it. For impoverished students, tell them not to worry too much about tipping at all would be my advice.

If you're only in Zimbabwe and Zambia around Vic Falls, then USD is the standard and there's no problems changing USD (if you even need to). Vic Falls town in Zim is to all intents and purposes a totally separate country from the rest of Zimbabwe. It's no different than any other modern tourist-oriented place around the world. Cards are accepted everywhere there.