Traveller cheques in Africa?

Question

I am soon to go on a safari taking me from Capetown to nairobi (troubles permitting). My question is that I know US dollars are widely accepted, as are SA Rand, but in terms of traveller cheques.........are there many places where I can cash these in in places like Malawi and Tanzania. My tour company says places are scarse but is there any one who knows from experience

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

You can use a VISA or a MASTER card anywhere in South Africa. The same with Kenia and Malawi. Nobody use travellers cheques anymore. Credit cards are accepted everywhere in the world and it is so much easier and safer. There are ATM's everywhere in SA as well as in Kenia and Nairobi. I would not visit Kenia now....too dangerous.

Source(s):

I live in South Afica and have been to Kenia and Malawi in the past

Answer 2

Don't bring traveler's checks. They are useless.

You're better off bringing a VISA card that allows you to make cash withdrawals. There are ATMs all over Africa - even in smaller towns these days, and then you get your money in the currency acutally used there. Mastercard is accepted sometimes too, but less often. Check that the VISA has "cirrus" or "plus" or that sort of network identifier on the back of the card.

SA Rand are useful in South Africa (and perhaps neighboring countries) but they really aren't used all over Africa. In Kenya and Tanzania, you'll get a MUCH better exchange rate on dollars or Euro.

Source(s):

I've lived in or visited a dozen African countries over the past 10 years.