by SAVIOUS KWINIKA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – STANDARD Bank is set to strengthen South Africa’s reputation as a welcoming, tourist-friendly destination through an ambitious expansion of its merchant payment network.
By the end of 2025, more than 16,000 Standard Bank merchants nationwide will offer Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), allowing international visitors to pay in their home currencies with ease and transparency.
The initiative, launched in partnership with global fintech leader Fexco, will empower foreign cardholders to view prices and settle transactions instantly in their preferred currency at the point of sale.
The rollout spans key tourism and retail sectors—including hospitality, restaurants, and travel attractions—where frictionless payments are vital to enhancing visitor satisfaction and business growth.
“South Africa’s tourism sector is more than an economic driver; it’s a bridge to global cultural exchange,” said Norman Nyawo, Head of Merchant Solutions at Standard Bank.
“By extending DCC to thousands of merchants, we’re removing barriers for international travellers, ensuring they can pay confidently and enjoy a seamless experience that reflects South Africa’s warmth and innovation.”
Tourism remains a cornerstone of South Africa’s economy, contributing 8.8% to GDP in 2024 and supporting 1.68 million local jobs, according to Statistics South Africa. With the country continuing to attract leisure, business, and adventure travellers, improving the payment experience has become a key priority.
For tourists, DCC eliminates uncertainty around exchange rates and post-purchase surprises. For merchants, it delivers a share of the conversion margin, creating a new revenue stream while boosting customer trust and satisfaction.
“This launch marks a major milestone in bringing world-class DCC solutions to South Africa,” said Sean Crowe, CEO of Fexco Financial Services. “Our partnership with Standard Bank combines innovation, reliability, and customer focus to deliver real value to merchants and visitors alike.”
With deployment across hotels, retail outlets, and major tourist destinations, Standard Bank’s DCC rollout underscores its commitment to digital transformation, financial inclusion, and global competitiveness—ensuring South Africa remains a top choice for travellers worldwide.
– CAJ News