I have not purchased traveler's checks, even for international travel, in
years. I use my credit card for most bills. When I need cash I get local
currency from ATMs. Is this a practical option in South Africa and
Zimbabwe?
The guidebook I read say that in Zimbabwe most people prefer foreign
currency. It also said that if you pay by credit card you may not get an
unfavorable exchange rate.
I concluded that in SA, I can follow my usual practice of paying with
Mastercard or Visa and getting my cash from ATMs. For Zimbabwe (Victoria
Falls), I should bring US dollar traveler's checks.
In the USA, there is a fee (usually between $1 and $3) for using an ATM.
That charge is imposed by the owner of the ATM. It is in addition to any
fee the customer's bank may charge. What fees, if any, do the owners of ATMs
in SA charge?
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