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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
Johannesburg 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 (ZAR), 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.
Our 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 +27 (0) 83 123
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
micro organisms. In hotels, restaurants and
nightspots, the standards of hygiene and food
preparation 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.
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
All visitors intending to drive are required to
obtain an international drivers permit, visitors
found driving without a permit will be fined and
not permitted to continue on their journey.
Visitors will also not be able to rent a car
without a valid driver's permit. The wearing of
seatbelts is compulsory and strictly enforced by
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
Most major shopping centres and malls operate 7
days a week, but you will find that in the
smaller towns and rural areas that shops are
closed on a Sunday.
Monday - Saturday: 09:00 to 17:00
Sunday: 09:00 - 14:00 |
