December is deservedly one of the busiest shopping months for South Africans travelling abroad or remotely from global stores. With all the National drama that has happened this year, it is only expected that this December will not be any different. Shopping abroad gives you access to a wider range of products at prices better than those offered by many vendors back home. But the excitement can quickly turn to frustration when payments are declined, card charges pile up, or unexpected conversion fees eat into your budget.
This guide explains the simplest ways South Africans can shop abroad confidently this December, avoid extra costs, and make sure every payment goes through smoothly.
Most South Africans rely on their domestic debit or credit cards when shopping overseas. These cards work, but they come with a few limitations that travellers often feel only after they arrive:
The result is that travellers or remote shoppers either pay more than expected or end up unable to complete transactions at all.
Also read: Black Friday deals abroad: how South Africans can shop and pay easily
These are some ways you can avoid getting disappointed by your payment option when shopping internationally
Whether you're shopping on global stores from the confines of your room or checking out stores abroad, holding a card that supports USD, EUR, or GBP simplifies international payment. This ensures you can pay for items without extra conversion fees or declines. Digital multi-currency accounts are especially useful because they allow you to hold different currencies at once, top up easily, and pay directly in the currency of the country you're visiting.
Virtual cards are becoming more popular for travel purchases. They offer secure payments and reduce the risk of card theft or fraud. If your physical card fails abroad, a virtual card often still works for online purchases.
If you plan to use a traditional South African bank card, inform your bank before leaving the country. Many banks block foreign transactions automatically unless you notify them that you are travelling. Also, even if you use international cards like MasterCard and Visa, you might need to activate them for international payments to avoid declines. The downside here is that you are paying in rands, which are converted at exchange rates with markups, and that you incur high international transaction fees.
Some international payment checkouts convert your purchase into ZAR before charging you. This is usually more expensive than paying in the local currency. Always choose to pay in USD, EUR, GBP, or the local currency of the country you’re visiting.
Also read: Cheapest way to send money from South Africa to the USA
While card payments cover most expenses, some destinations still require occasional cash. South Africans travelling in Europe, parts of Asia, or smaller towns may need cash for markets and small shops.
To reduce withdrawal costs:
South African customs rules apply to both goods brought back in person and items shipped home. Be prepared to declare all items. Note the duty-free allowances for goods and consumables. Meanwhile, if you are shopping online, shipping companies will usually handle the fees and manage customs clearance.
Also read: How to pay for subscriptions in US dollars from South Africa
Shopping abroad this December can be smooth and cost-effective when you plan your payment methods. With a reliable multi-currency account and a virtual card, South Africans can avoid unnecessary charges and enjoy better value when spending abroad this December. Luckily, Grey offers seamless global payment services that simplify your international shopping, including multicurrency accounts (USD, GBP, and EUR) and a virtual dollar card that integrates with payment gateways.
Get started with Grey today for efficient international payments.
.svg)
Back to top
