5 Things to Know About Fuel & Filling Up in South Africa

• By: Editor
• On: 27/Feb/2009
• In: South Africa Travel Tips

Fuel & Filling Up in South Africa

1. Fill up whenever possible: It’s a big country and there may be a large distance between petrol stations (it can be hundreds of kilometres). If it looks like you are going to run out of petrol before the next town try and stop next to one of the SOS Phones that can be found on the side of most major roads. Obviously a mobile phone would be a good idea but coverage can be sketchy in some of the more rural areas.

2. Prices are Fixed: The prices are controlled by the government so they are the prices will be the same no matter where you go within a given area. With this in mind it means you won’t have to skip any petrol stations in the hope of finding a cheaper station elsewhere.

3. Bring Cash: Credit Cards will not be accepted in any petrol station so you will have to pay in cash. Fortunately most petrol stations have an ATM so you can withdraw the cash there. But if you would prefer to not carry that much cash or would prefer not to use an ATM, you can always purchase a Garage Card which is basically a temporary Credit card that you can purchase in any garage or bank.

4. Tip the Attendant: The garages in South Africa are generally not self-service so when you drive into a station you will be guided into a clear pump by an attendant who will then fill you up, clean your windscreen, check your oil & water and even your air pressure if requested. It is always a good idea to have all of these checks on a long journey and it will only cost you about 5 Rand tip for the attendant.

5. Get the right Petrol: While Leaded Petrol has been discontinued in most western countries, and though it is being phased out, it is still being used in South Africa. Do NOT put leaded petrol in an unleaded car and vice versa. You may also notice the local brand of petrol Sasol, who make petrol out of coal and natural gas, this is perfectly acceptable to use in a normal petrol car without modification.

Getting around South Africa, there is no other way about it, you WILL need a car to get around this vast country. So see all our options on our car hire South Africa page.

So if you have any questions or tips to give other travellers why not leave your message in the comment box below.