Traveller’s tips
Languages:
Although South Africa has eleven (11) official languages, English is widely spoken throughout the country and most locals are able to converse very effectively in English. The Native Tongue in the Eastern Cape is isiXhosa.
Time Differences:
South Africa operates two (2) hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +2 hours) all year round (Summer and Winter) making it an hour ahead of central European winter time, seven hours ahead of Eastern standard winter time and seven hours behind Australian central time
Electricity:
220/230Volts (250V in Pretoria), AC 50Hz.
Exceptions are Pretoria (230 V) and Port Elizabeth (200 / 250 V).
Most plugs have three round pins but some plugs with two smaller pins are also found on appliances. It is advisable to purchase a universal adapter before leaving home, however, most graded accommodation establishments will have adapters available for guests use.
Weights & measures: Metric
Major industries: Mining, finance, insurance, food processing
Local Currency and Foreign Exchange:
The local currency in South Africa is the Rand (ZAR), denoted by the symbol R – 100 cents make up R1 (one Rand). Foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks, and Bureaux de Changes. The US$ is the most common currency for Foreign Exchange. Most major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa, and their affiliates are widely accepted.
Tax:
14% Value added tax (VAT) is charged on most items. Foreign tourists to South African can have their 14% VAT refunded, provided that the value of the items purchased exceeds R250-00. VAT is refunded at the point of departure, provided receipts are produced.
Tipping:
Although it is not compulsory to tip, it is always appreciated, no matter how small.
Service charges are generally not included in restaurant or hotel bills. A gratuity (tip) of between 10% and 15% is usually offered on meal bills. Hotel and Airport Porters are usually tipped in the region of R20 to R30. Tipping is by no means expected, however, if you are very happy with the service you received and the quality of your experience, the following is a very rough guide:
Restaurant Bills 10% to 15% of total bill
Hotel and Airport Porters R20.00 to R30.00
Game Ranger & Tracker R150.00 per person, per night
General Staff R75.00 per person, per night
Passports and Visas:
All visitors to South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport, in order to enter the country, and in some cases, a visa. Visas (entry permits) are issued free on arrival to visitors on holiday from many Commonwealth, most Western European countries, Scandinavia, Japan and the USA. Upon arrival in South Africa, countries falling into this category will automatically be given a free entry permit sticker that outlines how long they may remain in the country. This Visa (entry permit) is usually valid for up to 90 days.
If you aren’t entitled to an entry permit, you’ll need to get a visa (also free) before you arrive.
Please note that that under South Africa’s immigration Act of 2002 (Act 13 of 2002) in force since 7 April 2003, (a) Immigration Act 2002 the passport shall contain at least ONE unused page when entering the country, which is compulsory in many top travel destination in the world. Failure to adhere to this requirement may result in refusal of entry in to South Africa..
More information regarding entry visas for South Africa can be obtained from the South African Home Affairs Department website – http://home-affairs.pwv.gov.za
For South African missions abroad, visit
http://www.dfa.gov.za/foreign/sa_abroad/index.htm
Health Precautions:
Many foreigners are unaware that South Africa has a well developed infrastructure, high standard of water treatment and medical facilities equal to the best in the world.
The most common risk is that of contracting Malaria, which is mainly confined to the eastern half of South Africa, especially on the lowveld. If you come down with flu-like symptoms during your stay, or within six weeks of leaving a Malaria area, it is advisable to consult a doctor immediately and advise them that you have been in a Malaria area in order for them to rule out this possibility, through a simple blood test.
Bilharzia is also found mainly in the east but outbreaks do occur periodically in other areas. To be on the safe side, it is advisable no to drink or swim in stagnant water.
Vaccinations:
Foreign Tourists Visitors entering South Africa from a yellow fever zone must have a valid International Yellow Fever Inoculation Certificate. Only infants under the age of one year are exempt. No other vaccinations are mandatory when visiting South Africa.
Personal Safety:
South Africa prides itself on the vast array of cultures, communities, places of interest and attractions it has to offer visitors to our beautiful country. It is safe to travel through / visit most parts of the country, provided that you take the basic precautions you would in any foreign country:
• Be cautious about walking alone, especially in dark, deserted areas
• Be careful about the amount of jewelry and photographic equipment you carry on your person while sight seeing.
• Keep your valuables, money and travel documents in a safe place at all times i.e. a money bag out of sight.
If you are in doubt as to the safety of a particular area or attraction, contact the National Tourism Information and Safety line on +27 (0) 83-123-2345 . The number may also be used for practical assistance in replacing lost documents or reporting incidents.
Food & Water:
As a rule, tap water in South Africa is safe to drink, as it is treated and is free of harmful micro-organisms. Most hotels and restaurants adhere to a high standard of hygiene and food preparation. It is safe to eat fresh fruit and salads and to use ice cubes to cool beverages. Most upmarket accommodation establishments and lodges provide complimentary Still and Sparkling bottled water.
Road Safety:
South Africa’s transport infrastructure is excellent, and roads along the main tourist routes are generally in good condition. It is important to remember, however, that South Africa is a vast country and that distances between towns are significant. If you are planning to hire a car and drive yourself, it is essential that you to plan your itinerary to ensure you don’t have to drive long distances, as fatigue is a major cause of road accidents. Where possible, avoid driving between sunset and sunrise as it is always more dangerous, especially if you are not familiar with the roads. Rural areas along the national roads are not always fenced in, which results in stray animals wandering onto the roads, which could be hazardous at night.
South Africa has very strict drinking and driving laws, with a maximum alcohol blood content of 0.05% allowed i.e. about one glass of wine for the average woman, and 1.5 or 2 for the average or larger man. The speed limits are between 100 and 120 km per hour on national roads and between 60 and 80 km per hour on municipal roads (in the towns and cities).
Driving:
All foreign tourists who intend driving while in South Africa are required to obtain an international driver’s license prior to arrival in the country. These can usually be obtained from the Automobile Association in your area (AA). There are regular road blocks on the National Roads and tourists found driving without an International Driver’s License will be fined and prevented from continuing their trip. Car Rental companies also require an International Drivers License before they will rent out any vehicle. The use of seat belts in front and back seats are mandatory and enforced by law.
Essential Travel Documents:
• Valid passport
• Valid visa – if required
• One other picture identification (e.g. driver’s licence)
• Photocopy of passport page to carry in wallet
• International Driver’s License (if you intend driving while in South Africa)
• Air tickets
• Accommodation / Transfer Vouchers
• Expense money
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy
• Vacation Itinerary for easy reference and important contact numbers i.e. travel agent etc.
Suitable Safari Clothing:
Although it is important to pack lightly for your vacation so that you do not exceed your luggage allowance on aircrafts (and of course have space for those vital momentos and curios on the way home), there are some essentials you will need while on Safari.
Comfortable shorts and T-shirts are the norm for day wear and are light and easy to pack. Long sleeved shirts and long pants are more suitable for the evenings as they provide warmth as well as protection from mosquitoes. While on Safari, it is wise to choose clothing in neutral, camouflage colours such as brown, khaki, stone / beige which will make you less visible and able to get closer to the wild animals you may want to see. It is not advisable to wear white as it gets dirty very easily and increases your visibility in the bush. Remember to pack a warm sweater / jacket for the cooler evenings, as well as a light weight rain jacket, even if you are traveling during the summer months. It is advisable to layer your clothing as this provides more warmth when necessary and allows you to remove clothing during the hottest period of the day.
Most up-market lodges offer a fully inclusive package which includes a basic laundry service. Hotels all offer laundry, at additional cost.
Essential Clothing to pack:
• Neutral coloured clothing (brown, beige, stone and khaki)
• Protective hat or cap
• Warm sweater or jacket for cooler evenings
• Light weight rain jacket
• Swimwear
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Comfortable shorts & T-shirt (daytime)
• Long sleeve shirts and trousers (nighttime)
Essential Personal Items to pack:
• Personal toiletry items including toothpaste and toothbrush
Insect repellent
• Suitable Sunblock (SPF 15+) and after sun lotion
• Moisturizer, lip balm
• UV Protection sunglasses plus protective case
• Camera, film or memory card and spare batteries
• Binoculars
• Reading and writing material (journal)
• Personal medication / prescription medication including headache, diarrhea, nausea and re-hydration medication
• Sewing kit
Other Information:
Full country name: The Republic of South Africa
Size:
1,221,037 sq km
Country’s Population: 43.1 million
Capital Cities: Pretoria (administrative); Bloemfontein (judicial) and Cape Town (legislative)
