MONEY MATTERS
1. WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO EXCHANGE MONEY?
We suggest you get local currency on arrival at your first destination at the bank / exchange bureau or ATM in the airport.
2. WHAT CURRENCY WILL I NEED?
South Africa – South African Rands
Botswana – US Dollars
Namibia – South African Rands
Zimbabwe – Zimbabwean Dollars at local shops (US Dollars generally accepted at Lodges)
Zambia – Zambian Kwacha
East Africa (Kenya and Tanzania) – US Dollars
3. HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY DRIVER OR GUIDE?
The following is only a guideline and tipping is always at your discretion.
Camp and Game Lodge Guides / Rangers
ZAR 120.00 OR USD US $8.00 - $10.00 per guest per day
Camp and Game Lodge Trackers
ZAR 80.00 OR USD US $5.00 per guest per day.
Porterage
ZAR 15.00 USD US $2.00 per bag.
Transfer and Touring Driver / Guides
Transfer: ZAR 20.00 or US $2.00 per person
Half day tour: ZAR 50.00 or US $5.00 per person
Full day tour: ZAR 100.00 or US $10.00 per person
Restaurants
10% to 15% on meal accounts
4. WHAT IS THE SHOPPING LIKE IN AFRICA?
Shopping varies according to destination. Generally African handicrafts such as leather goods, wooden carvings, sculptures, paintings, bead work and woven articles are popular purchases. Jewelry is an excellent purchase in South Africa.
5. CAN I PURCHASE WINE?
South Africa produces some of the world’s finest wines so if you are a wine lover we suggest you have a box shipped to you. The USA has restrictions on how much can be brought in duty free, and anything over that amount will be charged import duties.
One American liter (33.8 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages may be included in your returning resident personal exemption if:
• You are at least 21 years old.
• It is intended exclusively for your personal use and not for sale.
• It does not violate the laws of the state in which you arrive.
6. CAN I USE A CREDIT CARD?
In most cases Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted. For travel to Zambia and Zimbabwe, you may need to pay in cash for purchases at local shopping outlets.
7. CAN I GET THE VAT I PAID FOR MY PURCHASES REIMBURSED?
Yes in South Africa, provided the value of each invoice purchased exceeds ZAR 50.00 and the total value of all items exceeds ZAR 250.00 You must have a valid passport, valid tax invoices and must produce the goods if requested. The invoice must stipulate that it is a VAT invoice and show the amount charged. Follow this link for more information: http://www.taxrefunds.co.za/