How to Change Money in Africa

If you are planning a first time trip to Africa, you might be a little intimidated by the prospect of changing money abroad. Here are some tips to make changing money in Africa easier.

Take several forms of money abroad.

Most travellers have been in the following situation. You only have one form of money, whether it is a credit card, bank card, or traveller's check - and the foreign hotel, shop or restaurant won't accept it. The way to avoid this pitfall is to have a few different forms of currency - for instance, take a debit or bank card and some foreign currency on your travels.

Don't carry too much cash.

Avoid carrying too much cash - this is a point to protect your safety, regardless of what part of the world you are travelling in. Displaying lots of money can make you a target for crime. Plus, if in the unfortunate event you are robbed, you may find yourself with very little money for the rest of your trip.

Conceal your money.

A concealed money pouch is one way to avoid displaying your money. Try to keep a small amount of cash accessible however, so that you don't have to make a scene with retrieving your money every time you want to buy something! This will simply draw attention to yourself.

Research the currency and what is accepted for money in Africa.

The African continent has many different currencies. Research the area you are visiting to find out what currency is in use and what is the most commonly accepted form of money. This knowledge is invaluable in making your trip go more smoothly.

Your local bank or travel agent can be a good source for helping you to use money in Africa.

Once you know what currency is used in the region of Africa you are visiting, contact your local travel agent or bank about buying the African currency. Many travel agents as well as banks provide this service. Visit their websites to save a phone call. Money exchange shops which can be found at the airport are another possible source for changing money in Africa. Comparison shop to find the best exchange rate.

Finally, a tip for American travellers: the high population of American tourists means that there are many accessible routes for exchanging American money in Africa, particularly in the large cities. Visit a bank or tourists center to find out more. A number of African businesses also accept American dollars. However, in smaller towns and less touristy areas, you may need to use the local currency.