FAQ: Credit Card Usage   Q What do I do if I lose my credit card overseas? A Before you leave South Africa enquire with your credit card company if they can provide you with a list of global emergency telephone numbers to use should your credit card be lost or stolen overseas. Alternatively any hotel that you are staying in should normally have emergency information on record and should be able to assist you.   Q Which credit cards can be used overseas? A All brands including Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club are accepted around the world for payment for goods and services.   Q Are there any charges involved? A Each credit card company will have their own charges for cash withdrawals and purchases made in a foreign country and it is always best to confirm with your bank before you travel what charges will apply to you.

Q Is it better to use a credit card than travellers cheques or bank notes? A Using a credit card internationally can be expensive as you have no control over the rate of exchange which your card is charged with. Once you have purchased your foreign currency in the form of travellers cheques or cash your conversion is complete and the rate is fixed. Your credit card company may also levy quite high charges on credit card usage overseas whereas with travellers cheques and bank notes there should be no further charges after purchase.   Q Do I need to declare if I want to use my credit card overseas? A Any money converted to foreign currency including that spent on your credit card forms part of the R750 000 annual single discretionary allowance.