Durban Travel Forum

Hello i am travelling to Durban next week. Apart from taking £ travellers cheques and rand, is it worth me taking dollars? as I hear they can be traded at good rates as cash.

The less cash you flash around the better - bring as little cash as possible. Use credit cards and draw minimum amounts of cash from the numerous ATM's. Don't even bother to bring traveller's cheques either - they are an outdated concept, hard to find people who will accept them, and those that do will charge you a hefty premium. Your bank of course will tell you that you should have traveller's cheques, but they are just putting themselves first in line to charge the premium.

Basically, bring only two credit cards (in case one gets lost or damaged) with PIN numbers. No other money arrangements need to be made. You can draw your first Rands at the ATM's in the airport.

Gerald is right. Travelers cheques are a real hassle to deal with. You'll have to find a place to cash/exchange them-usually a bank & they charge hefty tariffs for the service. ATM's are much easier to use and are all over the place. I used my debit card for drawing cash (for petrol purchases)and used either my debit or credit card for major expenses (accommodations, meals, car hire & souvenirs). Enjoy your trip - Durban has great curries!!