The banking system is efficient and the banking network is extensive. Banks offer all the services one might expect in Europe and ATM cash points can be found everywhere except the smallest rural towns. Bank hours vary but are often 9:00 to 15:30 weekdays and 9:00 to 11:00 Saturdays.
The major South African banks are ABSA, First National Bank, Standard Bank and Nedbank.
Currency Exchange
Cape Town airport has 24-hour services and there are a variety of other options in Cape Town and at banks throughout the Western Cape.
Credit Cards
Visa (Nedbank) and MasterCard (Standard Bank) are widely accepted, as are American Express and Diners Club. Petrol stations do not accept credit cards.
V.A.T
The current VAT rate is 14% for goods and services. It is possible to reclaim VAT on purchases subsequently taken out the country over 250R.
Tipping and Bargaining
Tipping is quite normal - bars and restaurants 10% to 15%, taxis and petrol attendants 10%, car 'guards' a few Rand. Bargaining is unusual.