Beautiful scenery, a wide variety of wildlife, and energetic towns are all found in South Africa. The nation provides a memorable travel experience, from the famous Table Mountain in Cape Town to the busy streets of Johannesburg and the breathtaking scenery of the Garden Route. Knowing how to use cash and ATMs is crucial whether you’re on a safari in Kruger National Park, touring the winelands, or relaxing on Durban’s beaches. To ensure a convenient and stress-free travel, this guide covers all the information you need about cash and ATMs in South Africa, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance.
Where in South Africa can I find an ATM?
The ATM network in South Africa is extensive, especially in major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. There are many ATMs in downtown areas, on major thoroughfares, in shopping centers (like Sandton City and V&A Waterfront), and close to bank branches (like Standard Bank and ABSA). Major airports, such as Cape Town International Airport and OR Tambo International Airport, have ATMs. ATMs are less prevalent in isolated locations, tiny towns, and rural areas, such as parts of the Eastern or Northern Cape. Because ATMs are scarce in national parks and wildlife reserves, make plans and bring extra cash.
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in South Africa
In South Africa, the finest ATMs for foreigners to use are those operated by well-known banks like:
FNB, or First National Bank
Rand Bank First
The Standard Bank
Bank Capitec
International debit and credit cards can also be used at ATMs operated by other banks.
Standard Chartered is one of the foreign banks with ATMs here.
In South Africa, there aren’t any known All Points network banks or Global ATM Alliance member banks.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in ZAR) is a question that ATMs in South Africa may ask.
- If you click “Accept,” the ATM will convert your money using the exchange rate it has selected. The ATM will charge you an added percentage for this currency conversion.
- If you decline, the ATM will convert using the bank/card logo exchange rate (Visa, Master, etc.).
Therefore, choose ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in ZAR’ to avoid added expenses.
Is it possible to use a foreign credit or debit card at a South African ATM?
Yes, South African ATMs accept international credit and debit cards. Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, and Cirrus cards are most common. While certain bank ATMs take American Express, they don’t accept UnionPay and Diners cards, JCB, Discover, and Rupay cards.
What are the hours when the ATM is open?
Except for those within bank branches, which are only open during business hours, most ATMs are open around-the-clock 24 x 7.
What are ATMs called
ATMs usually display the bank name. Banks may display the term “ATM” alongside.
PIN type at ATMs
ATMs accept 4-digit, 5-digit and 6-digit PINs.
ATM language options
English is the primary language used on ATMs. Other languages, including French, German, Spanish, and other regional African languages, are available on certain ATMs.
Which currencies are available for withdrawal from South African ATMs?
ATMs dispense cash in the local currency, South African Rand (ZAR).
ATM withdrawal limits in South Africa?
ATMs in South Africa have maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of R 3,000 (African Rand R). ATMs typically do not have daily withdrawal limits so you can use the ATM multiple times if you need to withdraw more cash.
ATM Fees in South Africa
There are no fee-free ATMs in South Africa. Majority of the bank ATMs in South Africa charge R 50 to R 75 as ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders, so you can use the one with lower ATM fees.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in South Africa. These are:
1.ATM’s charges of currency conversion (Accept or Decline conversion)
2.Your bank’s currency conversion cost: Certain banks impose a fee on cardholders who wish to use their cards overseas. Verify the costs by checking with your bank.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for Decline Conversion or Without Conversion during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees
Ways to find fee-free ATMs
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs in South Africa on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you decide exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including South Africa.
How can I locate ATMs in South Africa that don’t charge fees?
Use the ATM Fee Saver iOS and Android mobile app to find fee-free and lower-fee ATMs in South Africa. For foreign cardholders, the app offers ATM PINs and information about their ATM fees and withdrawal limits. Its cost calculator assists you in figuring out precise withdrawal fees for your amount. Additionally, the app offers cash related tips and tactics for over 100 nations, including South Africa.
Safety at ATMs
There have been reports of crimes involving ATMs here, including theft and card skimming. Use ATMs within retail malls or bank institutions, which often have security guards and surveillance, to increase safety. Avoid remote or dimly lit locations when using ATMs, especially after dark. Be wary of those who offer to help and protect your PIN when making purchases. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking, keep your card visible while making purchases, carry a backup card, and routinely check your card transactions using your bank’s app for extra security.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in South Africa takes you card, you can contact the bank (assuming you used the ATM within a bank branch) and, with identification, they might be able to get it back for you. You can also call the bank’s hotline, although over the phone, they usually only retrieve and resend new cards for their own clients. In these situations, you will need to contact your own bank and request that they send you a card, either domestically or overseas.
Are there fee-free ATMs and is it possible to get cash out of South African ATMs for free?
No, South Africa does not have fee-free ATMs. When using South African ATMs to withdraw cash, be ready to pay fees ranging from R 50 to R 75.
Are foreign cards accepted from the US, UK, China, India, Europe, and Australia?
Definitely! ATMs in South Africa typically accept cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other nations.
Bitcoin ATMs
There are currently about 22 Bitcoin ATMs in South Africa, and the number is continually rising. Major cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town are home to these ATMs. For example, there is a Bitcoin ATM in Johannesburg that is open weekdays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Athol Road and Johannesburg Rd, Highlands North.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in South Africa
Bank of America: No, South Africa does not have any Bank of America ATMs.
Citibank: Citibank is present in South Africa, mostly in Johannesburg.
Barclays: Barclays is now Absa Bank and has a vast nationwide network of ATMs.
HSBC: In South Africa, HSBC does not have ATMs.
Standard Chartered: In South Africa, Standard Chartered has some ATMs here.
