Here's
all the practical information you need to know to enjoy a smooth visit
to South Africa!
Time
Differences
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
there
Johanneburg International Airport is the major airport in South Africa
and is the hub for 45 airlines from all five continents. Flights from
Europe are generally overnight and just a sleep away - an aperitif, dinner,
sound sleep, and a good breakfast - and voila, you're in South Africa!
The direct flights between the USA and Johannesburg or Cape Town are about
15 hours, and flights between London and Johannesburg take about 12 hours.
Passports
and Visas
For the majority of foreign nationals who travel to South Africa for vacation,
entry is straightforward and hassle-free. 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.
Travellers
from certain regions of the world (Scandinavia, Japan, the USA, and most
Western European and Commonwealth countries) do not need to formally 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 automatic entry
permit is usually for a maximum of 90 days, though the immigration officer
may tailor the time period according to the airline tickets held. Foreign
nationals from some other countries are offered this service, but for
a maximum of 30 days. If visitors want to stay for a longer period, they
will have to apply formally for a visa, as opposed to relying on the automatic
entry permit.
For the
majority of foreign nationals who travel to South Africa for vacation,
entry is straightforward and hassle-free. 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. However, 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 shall contain at
least ONE unused page when presenting the passport for endorsements'.
This requirement, reflects the requirements of many of the world's top
travel destinations, in line with the majority of global destinations'
requirements and failure to have a clear page can result in entry being
refused.
To determine
whether you require a visa to enter South Africa, visit the comprehensive
South African Home Affairs Department website at:
http://home-affairs.pwv.gov.za.
For South African missions abroad, visit
http://www.dfa.gov.za/foreign/sa_abroad/index.htm.
Banks
and Money
The currency unit 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 do not add a service charge to bills - thus it is customary
to leave a 10-15% tip. Parking and petrol station attendants should be
given whatever small change you have available. This is always appreciated,
even though it may seem a small amount.
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
provided receipts are produced.
Disabled
Travellers
Generally speaking, our facilities for disabled visitors can be improved,
and this is an area our government is working on. An increasing number
of accommodation establishments have wheelchair ramps and bathroom facilities
for the disabled. Almost every national park has at least one accessible
chalet and many accommodation establishments have one or two wheelchair-friendly
rooms. Most of our sports stadiums have accessible suites, stands or areas
for wheelchairs near accessible parking as well as special toilet facilities.
Most public buildings also caters for wheelchair access.
Clothing
The seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are directly 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.
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.
Health
and Safety
Many foreigners are unaware that South Africa has a well-developed infrastructure,
high standards of water treatment and medical facilities equal to the
best in the world. Here we address any health and safety questions you
may have.
Hospitals
and medical care
In a great many medical disciplines, South Africa is a global leader.
In fact, South African trained doctors are sought after all over the world,
so this should give an indication of the standard of medical care available.
There is a large network of public and private hospitals countrywide offering
excellent service. However, clients must have adequate health insurance
to cover the fees private hospitals charge.
Malaria
Malaria is found only in 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 would
be best to take adequate precautions if you choose to visit these areas.
The SA government
has embarked on an extensive anti-malaria programme (in co-operation with
Swaziland and Mozambique) and the incidence of malaria is decreasing.
One reassuring thing about malaria is that there is absolutely no way
at all that you can contract it unless you are bitten by an infected mosquito
and with modern insect repellents and some common sense one can reduce
the chances of being bitten to close to zero.
The cheapest,
safest and most effective measures against malaria are physical barriers
such as a mosquito net, and the use of a good insect repellent. If you
decide to take malaria prophylaxis, it is essential that they take the
drugs according to the directions on the package insert. You 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. Note that expectant mothers should
avoid malaria medications.
Personal
safety
For tourists, 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 parts of the country can be safely visited by tourists
provided they take basic common-sense precautions (for example not walking
alone in deserted areas at night and being circumspect about how much
photographic equipment or flashy jewellery you carr.y 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. Most major cities
run organized crime prevention programmes Basic Safety Tip guidelines
will be available at hotels and tourism information offices
If you are
in doubt as to the safety of a particular area or attraction, contact
the National Tourism information and Safety Line on 083 123 2345. This
number may also be used for practical assistance in replacing lost documents
or reporting incidents.
Food
and water
As a rule, tap water in South Africa is safe to drink as it is treated
and is free of harmful microorganisms. In hotels, restaurants and nightpots,
the standards of hygiene and food preparation are top-notch. 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.
Road
safety
Our transport infrastructure is excellent and our roads are in good condition.
However, the distances between towns are significant, so if you're planning
to self-drive, it is a good idea to plan your itinerary to ensure they
don't drive long distances as fatigue is a major cause of road accidents.
Avoid long car journeys that necessitate driving at night as it always
carries more risk. Also, in some of the more remote rural areas, the roads
are not fenced so there may be stray animals on the road - which could
be very dangerous at night. (Cows don't have headlights.)
We have
very strict drinking and driving laws - 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. Our speed limits are 120kmph on the open road, 100kmph on smaller
roads and between 60 and 80kmph in towns. Be aware that even major national
roads cut through residential areas so there may be a speed limit of 80
or 60kmph on a road that looks like an autobahn. This is to protect pedestrians,
especially children, so we really do encourage people to comply.
Driving
Non-residents are permitted to drive with a driving licence issued and
valid in their own country, provided it bears the photograph and signature
of the holder and is in English. If your drivers licence does not meet
these requirements, an international driver’s licence is required.
Driving is on the left and the wearing of seatbelts is compulsory.
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.
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