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STANDARD TIME
Two hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time.
LANGUAGES
South Africa currently has 11 official languages, English is spoken throughout
the country. French, German and Italian are also spoken at some of the larger
hotels.
CONVERSIONS: DISTANCE AND TEMPERATURE
Distances throughout South Africa are given in Kilometres:
1 mile = 1.62 Kilometres.
Temperatures are given in degrees Celsius:
10 degrees Celsius = 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
CURRENCY AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE
South African currency is the Rand. For the latest exchange rates
go to: www.xe.com
Foreign currency can be exchanged at any commercial bank or Bureau de
Change.
Bank trading Hours: Monday – Friday: 09h00 – 15h30 / Saturdays:
08h30 – 11h00.
Most banks have Automatic teller machines which are open 24 hours a day
for statements, cash withdrawals and deposits.
ELECTRICITY
220/230 volts, 50Hz, single phase.
EMERGENCIES
Dial 10111 for the Flying Squad (special police services) and 10177 for
an ambulance.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Your safety and well-being is of utmost importance to South Africans, but,
as in other countries, you should take a few basic precautions to ensure
a safe and pleasant visit:
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Never leave luggage unattended
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Store valuables in your hotel’s safety deposit box
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Keep your hotel room locked
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Use reliable taxi services
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Avoid displaying expensive jewellery and cameras
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Do not carry large sums of money on your person
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At night, stay away from dark, isolated areas
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When traveling by car, plan your route in advance
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Keep the car doors locked and windows closed
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Place valuables in the boot (trunk)
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Never give strangers a lift
WATER
In the major cities and towns and most game reserves, tap water is purified
and 100% safe to drink.
TIPPING
It is customary to tip waiters, wine stewards, taxi drivers, porters and
caddies. Depending on the service, the amount should be around 10-15% of the
bill / R20 per bag.
ETIQUETTE
The dress code for South Africa is casual, except in some restaurants and
clubs that require more formal attire. Smoking is banned in public buildings
and on planes, buses and trains.
FACILITIES FOR THE DISABLED
South African Airways provides passenger aid units at all major airports.
Many hotels offer facilities for the disabled, as do most rest camps in the
Kruger National Park. Wheelchair and other aids may be hired in most cities.
The large car high companies can provide vehicles with hand controls.
TELEPHONES
International calls to SA: SA country code +27, then city code eg. Cape
Town 021, then phone number
National Directory Enquiries: 1023
International Directory Inquiries: 10903
To call internationally out of South Africa, dial 00 and then the country
code
To call locally in South Africa, dial the 3 digit code and then the 7 digit
phone number
Cell Phones can be hired for the duration of your stay.
SHOPPING
Local manufacturers set a high premium on workmanship, and at the current
rand value visitors can afford to be extravagant. Shopping hours are generally
08:00 to 17:00 on weekdays, and 08:00 to 17:00 on Saturdays in the bigger
cities. Many shops in bigger cities are open on Sundays.
VAT
Currently set at 14% VAT is included in the marked / quoted price of most
goods and services. Foreign visitors may, however, claim back VAT paid on
items taken out of the country when the total value exceeds R250.00. Information
leaflets on the procedure to follow are available from VAT Refund Administration
offices at the Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban International Airports.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
Visitors must hold a valid passport, endorsed with a visa for South Africa,
if required. Passport holders from more than 80 countries can visit South
Africa without visas. Visitors who intend traveling to South Africa's neighbouring
countries and back to South Africa are advised to apply for multi-entry visas.
For further information, contact your local office of the diplomatic or consular
representative of the South African Government. A list of South African consulates/embassies
may be find under the South African Department of Foreign Affairs' website
: www.dfa.gov.za
Or visit the South African Department of Home Affairs website under the
South African Government website : www.gov.za Visa application forms can be
down loaded from this website.
HEALTH
It is the responsibility of visitors to obtain their own vaccinations
where necessary. Malaria is endemic to Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal, Mpumalanga
and the Northern Province and precautions are required. Please seek recommendations
from your local health departments.
MEDICAL SERVICES
South Africa has no national health scheme. It is advisable to purchase
travel insurance that will cover medical expenses during the period of your
stay.
SUN PROTECTION
The South African sun is strong, with a high ultraviolet rating. Screening
products with sun protection factors of 15 and over are recommended.
PETROL (GASOLINE) FILLING STATIONS
Filling stations are conveniently situated throughout the country. Unleaded
petrol is available. Most filling stations are open 24 hours a day. Normally
you have to pay with cash, but all petrol stations also accept garage debit
cards.
RULES OF THE ROAD
An excellent road network links the largest metropolitan areas with even
the smallest villages. South Africa drives on the LEFT. The speed limit
in urban areas is usually 60km per hour; on rural roads 100km per hour and
on freeways 120km per hour unless otherwise indicated. Wearing a seatbelt
is compulsory; driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence
and traffic laws are strictly enforced.
A valid driver's license provided the photograph is the integral part
of the document, and provided it is in English, is accepted. If your license
does not comply with these requirements, you should obtain an International
Driving Permit before your departure to South Africa.
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