Johannesburg - Post Report Question and Answers
Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Credit cards are accepted. I would not use ATMs due to security concerns. Getting a local back account is recommended. - Aug 2023
Most US credit cards work fine here, although skimming is prevalent, so keep a close eye on your statements. It’s inevitable that your credit card numbers will be compromised at some point during your tour, so it’s a good idea to have a backup card available, since sending a replacement from the States takes several weeks. Opening a local bank account does incur a monthly fee, but it’s by far the most convenient option for making payments here. - Aug 2022
Credit cards are widely accepted at shops. Online purchases with my Canada-based credit cards have often been problematic. Local bank accounts are available, and you can get a credit card that way, though retail banking is super expensive (I can't figure out how to pay less than R200 per month just to keep my bank account active). ATMs are a known target for robberies as you would expect, so get to know a few and learn which ones in your neighbourhood you can trust. - Jun 2022
You can use credit cards everywhere. Lots of people in SA do not carry cash on them. ATMs are common and I used them regularly without problem. In some locations, you might run the risk of getting mugged by someone casing the machine. Happens from time to time. - Oct 2019
Credit cards and ATMs are both widely available. South African vendors will bring the credit card machine to you to swipe to help prevent fraud. We try to only use ATMs in very safe locations due to theft/scams at ATMs being very common. - Apr 2017
Just like the States. - Sep 2016
credit cards are widely accepted (they bring the credit card machine up to the table at restaurants). ATMS are regularly used here. it is recommended to use them in malls, etc. for security purposes. Never accept help or assistance in any form at an ATM it is more than likely a scam. - Aug 2011
It's okay to use credit cards, but be careful identity theft does occur so make sure you have the appropriate protections in place. Using cards at major chains, etc. is usually okay. Also at restaurants if the waiter brings the machine to your table. ATMs are okay if you are security conscious, we usually use them only in malls, just make sure to not let anyone "help" you with the atm retrieval process and you will probably be okay. - Jul 2010
You can use a credit card everywhere except to buy petrol--you need a SA credit card to do that. ATMs are all over the place. There is just a ton of corruption in Joburg, so sometimes you have difficulty using foreign cards. - Oct 2009
