It is advisable
to make your travel arrangements as far in
advance as possible to avoid disappointment.
This includes accommodation, flights and car
hire reservations. If you are unsure of how
to go about your arrangements, contact a
professional trip advisor - JV Davies comes
highly recommended. Visit his site
www.travelplanner-sa.com
Climate
This beautiful country is not called "Sunny
South Africa" for nothing! Summer usually is
from mid-October to mid-February, autumn
from February to April, winter is during May
to July and spring falls between August and
October. Summers are generally hot and
lightweight clothing is advisable although
the evenings can be cool. Sunscreen, hats
and sunglasses are very highly recommended
and remember that sunburn can occur even in
overcast weather. In the interior, afternoon
showers are common during the summer months,
while in Cape Town, four seasons can be
experienced in one day, therefore it is best
to be prepared. The winter months are cold,
particularly in the interior - warm clothing
and raincoats are required.
Travelling
OR Thambo International Airport is the major
international airport in South Africa with
flights arriving from all five continents.
There are also direct international flights
to Cape Town International. South Africa has
an excellent network of domestic carriers
offering flights to all major cities
throughout South Africa. A flight between
Johannesburg and Cape Town is approximately
2-hours.
South Africa is a vast country and areas of
interest are widespread. It is often best to
combine flying and driving to make the most
of your visit. As a rule, public transport
is not reliable and it is advisable to hire
a car to get around the cities and
attractions. If you prefer not to drive long
distances, consider one of the local bus
companies such as Intercape or Greyhound -
tickets can be booked at Computicket. The
Baz Bus is an affordable hop-on-hop-off
option for backpackers. Alternatively, join
an organised tour to suit your interests and
your schedule.
For more info click
here...
Time difference - South Africa is two hours
ahead of Greenwich Mean Time throughout the
year. Therefore it is an hour ahead of
Central European Winter Time, seven hours
ahead of Eastern Standard Winter Time and
seven hours behind Australian Central Time.
Passports & visas
Travelling to South Africa is fairly easy. All foreign nationals must
be in possession of a valid passport - and
in some instances a visa is required.
Travelers from Europe, most Commonwealth
countries, the USA, Scandinavia and Japan do
not need to apply for a visa for vacation
purposes. A free entry permit for a period
of up to 90-days will be issued on arrival.
For visitors wishing to stay longer, an
official visa needs to be applied for.
For more info click here...
Tax
Value-added-tax (VAT) is charged on most
items. Foreign tourists to South Africa 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 and receipts from purchases must
be kept and produced.
Currency & banks
The South African currency unit is the Rand,
denoted by the symbol R. One hundred cents
make up one R1 (one Rand). Currently the
Rand is weaker than many European currencies
as well as the dollar, making travelling to
South Africa affordable by international
standards. Visitors will more than likely
find eating out and shopping particularly
affordable and of an excellent quality.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at local
banks and Bureaux de Change. Credit cards
are widely accepted including American
Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa.
Banks are open Monday to Friday from
9:00-15:30 and on Saturdays from 8:30 -
11:00.
Click here for a currency converter...
Post offices
Post Offices are generally open Monday to
Friday from 8:30-16:30 and on Saturdays from
8:00 -12:00.
Shopping
Most major shopping centres and malls are
open 7 days a week from 09:00 to 17:00.
Click here for a list of shopping malls...
Petrol/Gas stations
Petrol or gas stations are widespread
throughout South Africa and many are open
24-hours. However, if you are planning a
long distance trip through a remote area,
ensure that your tank is full to avoid
running low. A petrol attendant will fill
your tank for you and will often wash your
windscreen. Petrol stations do not accept
credit cards and petrol must be paid for in
cash or with a local petrol card.
Tipping
As a rule South African restaurants do not
include a service charge in the total bill.
It is customary to leave a 10% tip for good
service, or more for excellent service. At
petrol stations, petrol attendants will fill
your tank for you and will offer to wash
your windscreen - a tip of whatever small
change you have available is appreciated (R1
or R2). In many areas parking attendants
will offer to assist you in parking your car
and guarding it while you are away -
again, a tip of R2 or so is appreciated.
Driving
In South Africa, we drive on the left-hand
side of the road. A valid driver's permit is
required to rent a car and all drivers must
carry a valid driver's license at all times
while driving. The wearing of seatbelts is
compulsory and driving while talking on a
mobile phone is illegal - a hands free kit
must be used. Drinking and driving is
strictly prohibited and strict fines apply.
The permissible limit for alcohol
consumption is about one glass of wine for
the average woman and perhaps 1.5 or two for
the average or large man. Speed limits are
120kmph on the open road, 100kmph on smaller
roads and between 60 and 80kmph in towns and
residential areas. Road signs will indicate
the speed limit. Speeding is strictly
enforced with cameras and fines are
high. Note the following differences when
speaking to a South African - South Africans
put petrol in their cars, not gasoline.
Trunks are referred to as boots, while hoods
are called bonnets.
for more info click
here...
Road safety
South Africa has an excellent infrastructure
of good quality roads, however the country
is large and travelling distances can be
long. If you are planning a self-drive
holiday, make sure that you allow yourself
ample time to reach destinations and make
provisions for stop-overs en-route. One of
the biggest causes of road accidents on
long-distances is fatigue and loss of
concentration.
In general, try to avoid
driving in unfamiliar areas after dark and
in rural areas be aware of cattle or game wandering into the road. Do not
stop in remote areas after dark and always
park in well-lit, designated parking areas.
Health & medical care
South Africa has excellent health services
and doctors with some of the best training
in the world. There are adequate hospitals
and medical care facilities throughout the
country. However, visitors should ensure
that they have sufficient funds or medical
insurance to cover the fees of private
facilities.
As a rule, the tap water in
South Africa is safe to drink as all water
has been treated. Hygiene and food
preparation is of
excellent standard and fresh fruit and
vegetables are safe to eat.
Malaria is
common in the Lowveld of
Mpumalanga and Limpopo and on the Maputaland
coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Malaria is at low
risk in the winter months. It is only
possible to contract malaria by being bitten
by an infected mosquito - however, when
visiting these areas it is advisable to take
the necessary safety and medical
precautions. Use mosquito nets and an insect
repellent to avoid being bitten. Usually, medication can be taken and should
be taken according to the instructions
given. Medication should be taken starting
two weeks before entering the malaria zone
and for four weeks after leaving the area.
Consult your doctor beforehand and note
that malaria medication should not be taken
during pregnancy.
Hospitals in South Africa...
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required when visiting
South Africa and immunisation against
cholera and small pox are not required.
However, if you are entering South Africa
from a yellow fever zone, you must be in
possession of a valid international yellow
fever inoculation certificate. Infants under
the age of one year are exempt.
Personal safety
As in any foreign country, visitors are
advised to be aware and alert when
travelling to avoid falling prey to petty
theft and crime. Most areas and attractions
of South Africa can be safely visited.
However, use common sense, be discreet with
expensive camera equipment and jewellery and
be aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking
in deserted areas after dark and when
driving, always park in a well lit and
designated parking area. In you have any
doubts, speak to your hosts and ask for
their advice on potential areas to avoid.
Disabled facilities
These facilities are not as well developed
in South Africa as in most other countries. Generally speaking many
accommodation providers have wheelchair
ramps and bathroom facilities for the
disabled. Most public buildings cater for
wheelchair access and most sports stadiums
have areas accessible to wheelchairs.
National parks usually have at least one
wheelchair accessible chalet or room.
Electricity
South Africa's electricity supply: 220/230
volts AC 50 Hz
Exceptions: 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. Adaptors can be purchased but
may be in short supply. US-made appliances
may need a transformer.
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