Can I use a prepaid travel card (loaded with South African Rand) to purchase attraction tickets online?
I am travelling to South Africa this year and want to buy some attraction tickets beforehand. Can I do this with a prepaid travel card, which is loaded with South African Rand?
The attraction website allows you to pay by international PayPal or credit card. Would it allow me to use the prepaid card as it is loaded with the correct currency and treated as a MasterCard?
Best Answer
I'm assuming you're referring to "MasterCard Everyday Prepaid Cards".
From MasterCard's official website:
You can use your MasterCard Everyday Prepaid Card anywhere Debit MasterCard cards are accepted—that's millions of locations worldwide from retail stores to online, mail, and phone orders. You can also use your card to pay bills online.
So, as long as an establishment accepts MasterCard debit cards, it will also accept "MasterCard Everyday Prepaid Cards".
While the source doesn't say it explicitly, the specific mention of "debit cards" may suggest that some establishments may only accept credit cards (and not debit cards.) The implication seems to be that these establishments (if they exist) may not support prepaid cards either. That's something I would check with each establishment.
However, I very much doubt that this would be a problem. These days, almost anyone who accepts credit cards accepts debit cards too. Also:
All major credit cards can be used in South Africa, with American Express and Diners Club enjoying less universal acceptance than MasterCard and Visa. If you have a so-called "chip card", you will be required to enter a pin code. Pin-based debit cards are often accepted too. Remember to notify your bank in advance that you will be travelling.
According to the first source, the "MasterCard Everyday Prepaid Cards" will play exactly like normal MasterCard debit cards.
The emphasis is mine in both quotes.
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Can I use my travel money card online?
Use it wherever the Mastercard Acceptance Mark is displayed. Plus, you can move money from one currency to another whenever you like via our app or online. Order online, via the app or in branch and load any of the 23 currencies on your Travel Money Card.Can a prepaid Mastercard be used internationally?
You can buy a gift card from a retailer in their country. You can also opt for a virtual Visa or Mastercard prepaid card, which are accepted in many different countries internationally.Which prepaid card is best for international travel?
The Best International Prepaid Debit Cards- Wise Multi-Currency Debit Card.
- Revolut.
- N26.
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Can I use a travel card anywhere?
Accepted worldwide Use Mastercard Prepaid Travel Cards wherever Mastercard debit is accepted\u2013\u2013at hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, ATMs and more.Buying a Prepaid Sim Card in South Africa 🇿🇦
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Answer 2
For a MasterCard (or Visa, or AmEx, etc.) branded card, so long as there are sufficient funds in the account when the authorization is done, yes. It behaves just like any other Credit or Debit card.
Also, the currency in the account is not so much an issue. The hold and settlement will be done at the prevailing rate.
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