Anyone used Laser card to withdraw cash in Kenya?

mel.b

Hi,

I'm heading off on safari tomorrow to Kenya and Tanzania:D I'm debating about loading up my 02 visa debit card or using my NIB Laser card to withdraw cash. The laser is part of the Maestro network so theoritcally I shouldn't have any problems getting cash out, but would always like to hear first hand accounts.

If I use the Visa debit the advantage is that I don't have to carry as much cash as I can apparently use it in shops but then I will be hit with forex fees, so it might be better to use the laser and just get out what cash i need

thanks,
Mel.b

sarkozy

Not in Kenya, but yes in Tanzania. By my recollection, some machines take Cirrus/Maestro but 'Laser' certainly will not work. Alternatively you could withdraw cash using your Mastercard or Visa card.

I found many ATMs didn't work (the same in other countries like Mozambique) but others did. Alternatively, you can get credit card cash advances in hotels. You would mostly be withdrawing and often using dollars in tourist zones/affluent areas.

Joe Schmo

To be honest you don't really want to be stuck in an area without access to your money. I would advise you to take both with you.

From travelling in Kenya and Tanzania I had no problems with Visa. I know that Visa is definitely easier to use over Mastercard. I have never had to rely on Maestro network so can't comment on that.

All in all if I had to rely on one network anywhere in the world I would pick Visa every time. It has never let me down.

My provider charged a few dollars each time I used it so I tended to carry some cash at all times. it's no problem to carry it in your shoe or bra (not mine) for safety.

mel.b

Just as a follow up to this for anyone in the future, i was able to withdraw money from the Barcley's ATM's in kenya. I tried four other banks and Barcleys was the only one that worked.