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Travel Facts |
Travel Facts about South Africa
You will hereby find important information which can help you to have a fantastic and unforgettable stay in South Africa.
Time Differences in South Africa
South Africa operates two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time throughout the year, 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.
Getting to South Africa
With the Johanneburg International Airport being its major airport which is the hub for 45 airlines from all five continents, South Africa is easily accessible from all over the world. Flights from Europe are generally overnight and are therfore just a sleep away! The direct flights between the USA and Johannesburg or Cape Town take about 15 hours, and flights between London and Johannesburg take about 12 hours.
Visa and passport requirements for South Africa
Entry into South Africa is straightforward and not a problem for most foreign travelers. It is an urgent requirement for all visitors to South Africa to be in the possession of a valid passport in order to enter the country, and in some cases, a visa. A passport has to also feature empty pages in it in order to enter South Africa.
Travellers from specific countries such as Scandinavia, Japan, the USA, and most Western European and Commonwealth countries, do not require to apply for a visa. 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 entry permit is in most cases for a maximum of 90 days. If visitors to South Africa wish to stay in South Africa for a longer period, a formal visa has to be requested.
It is important to note 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 must feature at least one empty and unused page which can then be utilized for the visa sticker and stamps.
In order to find out the specific entry requirements into South Africa for your nationality, visit the comprehensive South African Home Affairs Department website. For South African missions abroad, click here.
Banks and Money in South Africa
The currency unit in South Africa is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R, with 100 cents making up R1 (one Rand). Foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks and Bureaux de Changes. Most major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and their affiliates are widely accepted.
Tipping
Most restaurants in South Africa exclude the service charge from the bills – it is common to leave a 10-15% tip. Parking and petrol station attendants should be provided with small change.
Tax
The value-added-tax (VAT) is charged on most items in South Africa. It is this tax which foreign tourists to South Africa can have refunded if the value of the purchased items is more than R 250.00. VAT is refunded at the point of departure provided receipts are produced.
Clothing
The seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are opposite to those of the Northern Hemisphere. For summer months, lightweight (cottons and linens), short-sleeved clothes are best, although a light jersey/jumper might be needed for the cooler evenings. Umbrellas and raincoats are essential for the summers and the Western Cape winters. Warmer clothes are needed for the winter months which are from June to September.
Electricity
South Africa's electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz. Exceptions can be found in Pretoria (230 V) and in Port Elizabeth (200/250 V).
Most plugs which are found in south Africa have three round pins but some plugs with two smaller pins are also found on appliances. Adaptors are a good item to have while traveling in South Africa due to the different plugs which can be found here. Most US-made appliances may need a transformer for them to function.
Health and Safety in South Africa
South Africa features a well-developed road infrastructure, high standards of water quality and most medical facilities equal to the best in the world. Below you will find more detailed information on health topics which concern South Africa.
Hospitals and medical care in South Africa
South African doctors are very well trained and educated and are therefore sought after all over the world. In South Africa, a large network of public and private hospitals can be found countrywide. However, it is crucial to know that patients must have adequate health insurance to cover the fees private hospitals charge.
Malaria
Malaria can be found only in the following South African regions: the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo and on the Maputaland coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Malaria is not much of a risk in the winter months. Although the incidence of malaria is rare, it is highly recommended to take adequate precautions if you choose to visit these areas. The Kruger National Park is a malaria area.
The best measures against malaria are to isolate oneself from the mosquitoes by means of a mosquito net, and the use of a good insect repellent. If malaria prophylaxis is taken, then it is very important to take the drugs according to the directions on the package insert. Most often one will need to start a week or two before entering a malaria-endemic area and should continue taking the drugs for four weeks after leaving the malaria risk area. It is advisable to consult a medical professional before embarking on a course of malaria prophylaxis. It has to be noted that expectant mothers should avoid malaria medications at all times.
Personal safety in South Africa
It can be said that for foreign travelers, South Africa is as safe as any other destination in the world. South Africa boasts a vast array of cultures, communities, sites and attractions. Most regions of South Africa can be safely visited by tourists provided basic common-sense precautions are taken. Most of the crime that takes place in South Africa is between people who know each other and random acts of violence are the minority of cases.
Food and water in South Africa
Tap water in South Africa is safe to drink as it is treated and is free of harmful microorganisms. It is safe to eat fresh fruit and salads and to put as much ice as you like in your drinks - a good thing, too, after a day on the beach or in the bush.
South Africa's Road safety
The roads and transport infrastructure in South Africa are generally in good condition. As South Africa is a vast country, cities are often located far away from each other. It is therefore advisable to carefully plan the tour itinerary. Driving at night should be avoided especially in rural areas where cows and goats cross the roads frequently.
South Africa has a very strict drinking and driving law - with a maximum allowable alcohol blood content of 0.05%. Translated that means about one glass of wine for the average woman and perhaps 1.5 or two for the average or large man. The speed limit in South Africa on highways is 120kmph, 100kmph on smaller roads and between 60 and 80kmph in towns.
Driving
It is a requirement that all visitors to South Africa have to possess an international drivers permit, visitors found driving without a permit will be fined and not permitted to continue on their journey. A valid driver's permit is crucial in order to rent cars. The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory in South Africa and strictly enforced by South African law.
Vaccinations
Visitors who are 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. Immunisation against cholera and small pox are not required and no other vaccinations are required when visiting South Africa.
Shopping
In South Africa, most major shopping centres are open 7 days a week, but you will find that in the smaller towns and rural areas that shops are closed on a Sunday. |
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