Facts you should know about visiting South Africa
Published: 08/06/2009 by visitsouthafrica.com
The Republic of South Africa can be found at the southern tip of Africa, flanked by the Indian Ocean in the East and the Atlantic in the West. Our northern neighbours are Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The independent states of Swaziland and Lesotho can be found within South Africa�s borders.
OUR PROVINCES
South Africa is divided into nine provinces, namely Gauteng (Johannesburg), KwaZulu-Natal (Durban), the Western Cape (Cape Town), Eastern Cape (Port Elizabeth), Northern Cape (Kimberley), Free State (Bloemfontein), Mpumalanga (Nelspruit & Kruger National Park), Limpopo Province (Polokwane), North West (for Sun City).
OUR LANGUAGES
South Africa has 11 official languages!!! English is the language of administration and commerce and is widely spoken. Other languages include: Afrikaans; Zulu; Xhosa; Ndebele; Northern Sotho; Southern Sotho; Swati; Tsonga; Tswana and Venda. German, French and Spanish is often spoken in the main tourist areas in Hotels and Restaurants.
OUR CLIMATE
Welcome to sunny South Africa! The Cape Coast enjoys a Mediterranean type climate with winter rainfall (June-August). KwaZulu-Natal coast, Mpumalanga & Limpopo Province are subtropical. In the rest of the country temperatures are moderate in the high interior plateau with summer rainfall, which often takes place in the late afternoon coupled with thunderstorms. These areas also generally experience rains between November and March with a peak summer rainfall in December and January. Winter is May to August which is also a good time for game viewing due to the lower density of grasses and less ground water.
CLOTHING
South African�s are a casual nation so informal wear is generally appropriate with smart casual or elegant dress for upmarket restaurants, nightclubs or concerts. Light-weight clothing is generally sufficient in the summer months between October to April, however, the nights may be chilly so a jacket or sweater is recommended. The Western Cape experiences its� winter between June-August so an umbrella or raincoat is a good idea as well as warm clothing as temperatures can decrease dramatically. The African sun can be harsh so sunscreen and sun hats are highly recommended,
CURRENCY
The South African Rand (ZAR) is the local currency and is divided into 100 cents. Bank notes are in denominations of R10-00, R20-00, R50-00, R100-00 and R200-00. Coins are in the value of 5c, 10c, 50c, R1-00, R2-00 and R5-00. Foreign Exchange outlets can be found at most major airports and shopping malls.
BANKING HOURS
Most banks are open between 09h00-15h30 on weekdays and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays.
SHOPPING HOURS
Most shops are open between 09h00-17h00 on weekdays and until 13h00 on Saturdays. Many shopping malls operate extended shopping hours.
CREDIT CARDS AND TRAVELLERS CHEQUES
Mastercard, VISA, American Express and Diners Club are widely accepted throughout South Africa as well as traveller�s cheques in major currencies. We recommend that you confirm that these are accepted prior to requesting a service. ATM (Cash Machines) are situated outside most banks and in shopping malls and offer a 24 hour service for cash withdrawals.
WATER
Tap water is perfectly safe to drink in South Africa unless advised otherwise.
HEALTH ISSUES
South Africa offers world class medical care. We highly recommend that all visitors are in possession of travel insurance to cover against possible medical costs, please contact your agent or SAACCH for information. We generally advise against swimming in rivers in the eastern and north regions of the country as the bilharzias parasite can be found in these areas.
MALARIA
We highly recommend that you consult your GP or pharmacist prior to arrival in South Africa. Malaria is endemic in the Lowveld areas of South Africa (parts of Limpopo Province, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal). Malaria prophylactics are thus highly recommended. Prevention is often better than cure so use insect repellent, wear long-sleeve shirts and trousers and night and sleep under a mosquito net.
DRIVING IN SOUTH AFRICA
Driving in South Africa is on the left and any valid driver�s licence with the photograph, signature of the holder and printed in English is accepted. If your licence does not apply, please obtain an International Driving Permit prior to departure. The speed limit is in kilometres and is strictly enforced. Seat belts are compulsory and talking on a mobile telephone while driving is an offence. Some roads are designated Toll Roads (recognisable by a black T in a yellow circle), these are particularly prevalent between Johannesburg and the Kruger National Park so please ensure that you have sufficient cash on hand. Filling stations are generally open 24 hours and offer a full service. IMPORTANT: South African filling stations do not accept credit cards as payment for fuel.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Most visitors to South Africa enjoy a trouble-free vacation, however, we recommend that you take the normal precautions when travelling. Be observant and do not draw unnecessary attention to yourself with expensive camera�s, jewellery or large amounts of cash. Utilize your in-room safe or the hotel�s safety deposit service. Do not leave your baggage or handbag unattended and do not wander the streets after dark. Lock your car doors when driving and ensure that your windows are up as some petty crime does take place at traffic lights. Do not leave personal items and baggage on the seats. Plan your route in advance and use maps as well as park in well-lit areas. Picking up of hitchhikers is not recommended. As in the rest of the world, South Africa has its� share of criminals so take the basic common-sense precautions.
ON SAFARI
Remember that the animals you area enjoying are wild, respect them as such!
TELEPHONES
South Africa�s international dialling code is +27. Each town has an area code, omit the �0� when dialling from outside South Africa.
Directory Enquiries 1023
International Directory Enquiries 0903
Emergency Services 10111
ELECTRICITY
The electrical current in South Africa is 220-230 volts, AC (except Pretoria which is 250 volts and Port Elizabeth 200-250 volts). Power is supplied through round three pins 15 amp plugs.
TIPPING
Tipping is not compulsory in South Africa but is appreciated as recognition of good service. In restaurants it is usual to tip waitrons 10-15 percent of the bill. It is also commonplace to tip your ranger and tracker on game drives, ZAR50-ZAR75 per day is average.
TIME ZONES
South African Standard Time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (or Universal Standard Time), one hour ahead of Central European Time, seven hours ahead of USA�s Eastern Standard Winter Time.
VALUE ADDED TAX
A 14% value-added tax is added to the price of most items and services. You can claim VAT back on goods priced higher than R250-00 at the airport on departure. You will need the original tax invoice, VAT refund control sheet, your passport and the goods.
WHATS ON IN SOUTH AFRICA
South Africans love to entertain and be entertained. For information on What�s On, check the local press for details.
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS
New Years Day 01 January 2004
Human Rights Day 21 March 2004
Good Friday 09 April 2004
Family Day 12 April 2004
Freedom Day 27 April 2004
Worker�s Day 01 May 2004
Youth Day 16 June 2004
National Women�s Day 09 August 2004
Heritage Day 24 September 2004
Day of Reconcilliation 16 December 2004
Christmas Day 25 December 2004
Day of Goodwill 26 December 2004
