GENERAL TRAVEL ADVICE
Time Difference
South Africa is 2 hours ahead of GMT and 7 hours ahead of EST (winter) or 7 hours behind Australian Central Time.
Visas
Travellers from certain countries require visas, while others do not. For comprehensive information on visa and pasport requirements, visit http://home-affairs.pwv.gov.za
Banking & money
Local currency is the Rand (ZAR). Foreign currency may be exchanged at the many Bureaux de Changes. Most international credit cards are widely accepted.
Tipping
10-15% of the bill is the common restaurant tip, while any small change would be appreciated by petrol attendants.
Tax
South Africa is 2 hours ahead of GMT and 7 hours ahead of EST (winter) or 7 hours behind Australian Central Time.
Visas
Travellers from certain countries require visas, while others do not. For comprehensive information on visa and pasport requirements, visit http://home-affairs.pwv.gov.za
Banking & money
Local currency is the Rand (ZAR). Foreign currency may be exchanged at the many Bureaux de Changes. Most international credit cards are widely accepted.
Tipping
10-15% of the bill is the common restaurant tip, while any small change would be appreciated by petrol attendants.
Tax
VAT (Value Added Tax) is charged at 14% on most items. Tourists may claim this VAT back (on purchases exceeding ZAR250) at the airport prior to departure.
Climate
South Africa enjoys a modrate climate all year round. Our seasons are exactly the opposite of those in the Noirthern Hemisphere. The Cape experiences rain in the winter months, Johannesburg and surrounds in the summer.
Health
You can generally drink the water in South Africa. Private hospital networks offer high-quality medical care throughout the country. Public hospitals are available for those who cannot afford private care. In Johannesburg, Hatzolah is the Jewish medical emergency response service.
The Kruger National Park is a Malaria risk area. Consult your medical practitioner for details of the necessary precautionary measures.
Vaccinations are not generally required before visiting South Africa.
Personal Safety
Most tourist destinations in South Africa can be safely visited. One should take common-sense precautions like not carrying vaulables or cash in a visible fashion and not walking alone at night.
The National Tourism Authority Safety Line can be used to calrify the safety of a particular area or destination. +2783 123 2345.
Climate
South Africa enjoys a modrate climate all year round. Our seasons are exactly the opposite of those in the Noirthern Hemisphere. The Cape experiences rain in the winter months, Johannesburg and surrounds in the summer.
Health
You can generally drink the water in South Africa. Private hospital networks offer high-quality medical care throughout the country. Public hospitals are available for those who cannot afford private care. In Johannesburg, Hatzolah is the Jewish medical emergency response service.
The Kruger National Park is a Malaria risk area. Consult your medical practitioner for details of the necessary precautionary measures.
Vaccinations are not generally required before visiting South Africa.
Personal Safety
Most tourist destinations in South Africa can be safely visited. One should take common-sense precautions like not carrying vaulables or cash in a visible fashion and not walking alone at night.
The National Tourism Authority Safety Line can be used to calrify the safety of a particular area or destination. +2783 123 2345.
Electricity
South Africa's electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50Hz.
Most plugs have three (thick) pins.
Most plugs have three (thick) pins.
Driving
South Africans drive on the left hand side of the road. To drive in South Africa, one would need an international driving permit. One must wear a seat belt while driving.
Shopping
Most major shopping centres operate from 9:00 - 17:00 and on Sunday until 14:00. Certain convenience stores are open until 23:00.
South Africans drive on the left hand side of the road. To drive in South Africa, one would need an international driving permit. One must wear a seat belt while driving.
Shopping
Most major shopping centres operate from 9:00 - 17:00 and on Sunday until 14:00. Certain convenience stores are open until 23:00.
TRIVIA ON SA
Size
1 221 040 square km (3x Texas or 5x Great Britain)
Population
43 million (almost 77% Black African, 11% White, 9% "Coloured" or mixed African, Asian & White descent)
Languages
There are 11 official languages, English is the most commonly used.
Provinces
The nine provinces are: Gauteng, Free State, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Kwazulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West.
1 221 040 square km (3x Texas or 5x Great Britain)
Population
43 million (almost 77% Black African, 11% White, 9% "Coloured" or mixed African, Asian & White descent)
Languages
There are 11 official languages, English is the most commonly used.
Provinces
The nine provinces are: Gauteng, Free State, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Kwazulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West.
