I agree with this. That said, I'm bringing 5000 rand. Is that the limit for total currency? That is can I bring $2,000 US dollars and 5000 rand or does the 5000 rand cap my currency? I'll bring less US dollars if its capped just to be safe. I'm the guy that gets taken to the back room to be searched. I had a nightmare experience in the Detroit airport coming back from Amsterdam. Guess I should have removed the rolling papers and lighters from my carry on. @bahtadd Your local bank should do this. I went yesterday. They have to order the rand but it only takes a couple of days to get them in.
I doubt it, you can't do it in many banks around the world, you normally have to pre-order currency to pick up at the bank a day or two later. I know in the UK most banks (except a few of the larger branches) only keep Euros and USD, everything else has to be pre-ordered. In the US I suspect they may keep CAD, Euros and possibly GBP and MXN, everything else will have to be pre-ordered. Bureau de changes will keep a wider range of money, but it will depend on demand, ZAR might still have to be pre-ordered.
You can take as much foreign currency as you want (within reason I guess, they might be a bit suspicious if you turn up with a suitcase full of the stuff ), but I think it would be pretty stupid carrying around that much cash. I would look at other more secure ways to carry your money.
But why can't you just pre-order from your bank? Your SA rand will be ready in a day or two. You'll get a much better exchange rate than other places and its good to have a bit of cash on hand when you land. Last thing you wanna do after a long flight is stand in line at the airport ATM.
I had never even heard of this pre-order option until someone brought it up in this thread. I'll be stopping by my bank after I leave the office and ill post. Would be convenient indeed
interesting. I just went ahead and phoned my bank. If I were to do it through them, I give them the US Dollars that I want exchanged and after 3-5 business days they would call me and let me know to come pick it up. BB&T (my bank) isn't as big as Chase or Bank of America. There are no Chase branches in the DC area, but maybe I could go to a BoA.
Just ask them what their exchange rate is and go with whichever has the best rate. My bank also told me "3 business days" but I had the ZAR money the next day. BTW, I love their bills. Pictures of lions, leopards and some of the beautiful scenery that exists in SA. Compare that to showing some crooked politician and the white house.
I received my money today, by post with next working day delivery through www.bestforeignexchange.com (UK only) - they had the best exchange rate too.
I got 10.68 from Thomas Cook yesterday for cash. May seem relatively low against some others, but no commission charges, and no further charges in the unlikely event I bring any money back!
I have ZERO ZAR right now, and I m flying tomorrow. How bad is the currency exchange rate at JNB? I was planning to just get enough for taxi/train to my hotel, then go to Sandton downtown to exchange the rest. where in Sandton is best to exchange us$? Thanks.
11.05000019. To find the best exchange rate, i used the tool here: http://travelmoney.moneysavingexpert.com/holiday-money/
If you are departing from the US, dont exchange at the airport here but do it once you get into JNB. It cant get any worse than exchanging from foreign exchange companies like Travellex who are all across US airports! Safe trip!
Thank you for the tip, supaeagles. I looked earlier and their rate was ridiculous, i was LOL. Anyway, half a day left before reaching Johannesburg. Can't wait. I will exchange a bit Rand in JNB and get the rest in Sandton.