I got on-line this morning to put a travel notification for my credit cards for my upcoming trip to Zimbabwe. Unfortunately Zimbabwe wasn't even in the list of countries you can put a credit card travel notification on with my cards.

I guess Zim is a cash only venture.

BH63

I used my Amex and M/C extensively in Vic Falls 15 months ago after notifying both companies in advance. Guess things have changed....

Just back from being in Zim for a few days. I could use Visa everywhere but few places would take my AMEX.

The three times I have gone to Zim I notified my banks in advance and not once have my credit cards worked over there.

I was in VF 3 weeks ago. No problem with using VISA, except at the Falls entrance. I gave them two different VISA cards and they said both declined. Called, both banks to inquire, both banks said charges never presented. Had to pay cash at the falls. Everywhere else card worked, even after being"declined" at the falls entrance.

Sounds like some of you need better banks/cards....

Gentlemen,

Credit, and debit, cards works according to who actually issue them.

It makes no difference that it says VISA or MASTERCARD.

A card from one bank works, and from another won't.

It might be an idea to talk to your bank about it when travelling to certain countries.

I will call my bank card company to find out what the policy is on use of the cards in Zim. I plan to spend at least one night in a hotel and the card would be more convenient.

BH63

Smart move take US Dollars and declare them at customs upon entry

I notified my Bank and used a Visa for Dinner in Harare a couple weeks ago.

I visited Vic Falls in mid-July. Credit cards were accepted at the hotel but that was all. Used cash everywhere else.

quote:

Originally posted by shotgun46:
Smart move take US Dollars and declare them at customs upon entry

I do plan on taking plenty of greenbacks. I am a little concerned about declaring how much money I will be carrying though. Back in 2003, the PH told me just to write down 300 bucks and let it go (I was actually carrying almost 100 times that much).

Upon departure, I guess they could confiscate any monies over what you declared upon entry, so I guess I will go ahead and declare the full amount this time.

BH63

I just got home from Zim last weekend. They are in a terrible financial crisis. So many people are taking USD's out of the country because of it that they have a real shortage of bills. The bills you receive as change look like they are 200 years old, they are dirty and and nasty.

Upon arrival, we declared our cash on our customs form. When we were leaving, we were asked for a receipt of which we had none. They basically were saying without a receipt you will not be allowed to take more than $1K out of the country, and would have to confiscate our cash. It got pretty heated but they finally backed off.

They have no computers in immigration and customs, everything is written out by hand still. My only of advice is, upon arrival, declare your cash and make them write you a receipt and keep it!

Just got back. Amex not really accepted. Take cash, no problems with under declaring. However, they have started counting each round of ammo in and out.

I guess I will declare the true amount and then make a mad dash to the outfitters car.

BH63