Barclays/Absa launches SA Travel Card for World Cup

Once money is loaded (South African local currency is the Rand, ZAR) onto the card, cardholders can use it anywhere, anytime in South Africa.

Charles Niehaus, GM: Visa sub-Saharan Africa, commented: "Our partnership allows us to develop cardholder programmes in collaboration with our partner banks, both globally and locally.

"For the host country, South Africa, events such as the World Cup will leave a legacy in terms of improved infrastructure, financial literacy and increased tourism. Understanding the significance of sport in Africa, Visa is proud to demonstrate our commitment to the region through comprehensive local programmes associated with our FIFA sponsorship."

As good as cash

"The SA Travel Card is as good as cash in the hands of international visitor. There's no need to carry loads of cash, as the card allows the visitor to use it everywhere in South Africa as a means of payment," said Mutsa Sibanda, Absa's head of debit & prepaid card consumer issuing.

The SA Travel Card gives cardholders instant access to cash from any ATM across the country, and allows them to pay for goods and services wherever the Visa logo is displayed. All transactions performed with the card are free of charge.

In the unfortunate event of the card being lost or stolen, the cardholder can contact the Absa Stop Card Centre on 0800 11 11 55, which is toll-free and operational 24/7, to block the card immediately. A replacement card, with the remaining balance loaded, can be requested at a range of national Absa Bureau de Change branches.

Converted on departure

Because the card is valid only in South Africa, the remaining amount on the SA Travel Card can be converted upon departure into the visitor's currency of choice at any one of the Absa Bureaux de Change.

The SA Travel Card won the international Visa Card Design of the Month Award in October last year. Its impressive, typically South African aesthetic look, showcasing the Big Five, certainly suggests the card will become a souvenir item.

Visitors wishing to make their stay in South Africa more convenient can visit an Absa Bureau de Change branch to obtain an SA Travel Card, or contact the Absa International Banking Helpline on 0860 151 151.