Need cash when I land, best place in South Africa? Airport or places in the city?
Landing in Johannesburg, I used an FNB ATM right in arrivals and withdrew R2,000 with my Visa card. Worked fine, and the rate was better than the counter. Later in Cape Town, I saw exchange offices in the V&A Waterfront that gave decent rates for USD, but ATMs were simpler. Restaurants and hotels take cards, but markets, taxis, and tips need cash. My advice is: withdraw at the airport, then top up in town as needed.
Landed in Joburg in April and felt unsure what to do - went straight to the Bidvest counter. They gave me cash quickly but the rate was trashy. A traveler I met at the hostel showed me how to use my card at a Standard Bank ATM - super easy and no drama if you decline the ATM’s currency conversion. I’ll skip airport exchange next time and just grab money from an ATM inside the terminal. Better control and fewer surprises.
I arrived late at night and exchanged R1,000 at the airport to cover a taxi and food. The rate wasn’t great, but I didn’t want to hunt for ATMs while jetlagged. The next morning I found an FNB ATM at the V&A Waterfront that offered a much better rate. In hindsight, I’d only exchange a tiny amount at the airport next time. Also - avoid small forex kiosks in touristy areas; their commission fees are brutal.
I used my no-FX-fee Mastercard at an Absa ATM inside Cape Town airport - much better deal than using the Travelex counter. The ATM gave me the option to decline conversion, which I always do. I got about 6-7% more than what the airport exchange office offered. If your card supports international withdrawals, just grab local cash from a major bank’s ATM after landing. Better rates, and safer than carrying cash from home.