Tourism Information
General Information for tourists to South Africa

 
 
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General Information

South Africa is an extrememly beautiful country, surrounded by the Indian and Atlantic oceans at the extreme southernmost tip of the African continent. It has something unique to offer every visitor - ranging from the continental sidewalk cafes of Cape Town to big game viewing in the many national parks. There are snow-capped mountains, raging rivers, placid lakes, dense forests, tropical beaches, arid deserts and rolling savannah. Spread across the land are several large, bustling, cosmopolitan cities and many quaint, rural villages.
The transport infrastructure is the best in Africa and comparable to most developed countries - travelling log distance across the country is relatively hassle free. There are domestic flights between most cities, many towns are connected by rail and the vast bus service network is fast, efficient and well-organised.

For many visitors, however, car hire is the preferred option as it provides the opportunity to explore out-of-the-way places, to go off the beaten track and get to the heart of the country.

South Africa shares borders with Namibia to the north-west, Botswana to the north and Zimbabwe and Mozambique to the north-east. The country totally surrounds land-locked Lesotho and partially surrounds Swaziland to the east.

South Africa has nine provinces: Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, North West, Free State, Northern Cape.

Although South Africa is in many respects a developed country, much of its population lives in poverty. There are adequate tourist facilities in all urban centers, game parks and areas most commonly visited by tourists. Food and water are generally safe, and a wide variety of consumer goods and pharmaceuticals are readily available.

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Climate

The climate is in general Mediterranean; with warm, dry summers and mild, moist winters. In the arid semi-desert of the Karoo this differs, with dry winters and low summer rainfall. On the coast during summer the temperature ranges from 15°C up to 27°C. Inland it increases with 3 - 5°C. During winter it ranges between 7°C and 18°C. Inland the mornings are 5°C and the midday around 22°C.
 

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Communication Services

The international dialling code for South Africa is: (27) followed by the area code (minus the 1st zero of the area code) and then the subscriber's number. When in South Africa, the international code is dropped and the area code is used with the zero in front.

Public phones are usable with coins (blue boxes) or telephone cards (green boxes). The following coins can be used: 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, R5. Cards are available at shops , post offices & accommodation establishments in denominations of R15, R20, R50, R100 & R200. Cards can only be used in South Africa. Cellular phones can be hired daily, weekly or on a monthly basis from the airport or cellular shops.
 

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Conversions (Distances and Temperatures) Credit Cards/Currency

International credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa and their affiliates are accepted in South Africa. In small country areas the use of cards might be restricted. Standard credit cards cannot be used to pay for petrol (gas)). Only special "garage cards" or cash are accepted.

Customs

Personal effects (used) are admitted duty free. The allowance for visitors to South Africa is as follows (free of duty per adult)

Permits are required for firearms and are available at the entry points. It is valid for 180 days, after which it can be renewed at any South African police station. 

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Driving:

There are many car rental options available throughout the country and at all major airports. We advise booking a rental car upon arrival, rather than before departure, when it is often cheaper.

South Africa has an excellent road network, comparable to the Unites States or Europe, except when entering the rural areas of South Africa, where the quality of the roads often requires the use of 4x4 vehicles.

South Africa  drives on the left side of the road, and this inevitably poses a challenge to visitors used to driving on the right side of the road. who are not from U.K., Australia, or other left hand drive countries.The speed limit ranges from 60 km p.h. (30 mph) to 120 km p.h (70 mph) and is enforced througout the country.

The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory and road signs conform to international standards.

Valid driver's licenses are accepted, provided the photograph of the driver is on the document and it is in English. If not, then an international driver's license is required.

Petrol

Petrol (gas/fuel) is widely available in most towns. The stations on the major routes are open 24 hours. You cannot purchase petrol with a standard credit card - only with a special "garage card" or with cash.
 
 

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Electricity
The power supply is 220/230 volts AC. The standard plug in South Africa is the 15 amp round pin (3 prong plug). The European type two pin plug is required, with an additional adaptor plug (can be bought at shops) for use in South Africa. Remember to bring transformers along, where necessary. Most hotels have 110 volt outlets for electric shavers.

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Health Requirements

No vaccinations are required for cholera or smallpox. If arriving from a yellow fever zone, you must have a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate.

Due to the threat of malaria contamination, preventative medication, available from all pharmacies throughout the country, is necessary for the Northern Province, Mpumalanga and the north of KwaZulu-Natal. Consult the pharmacist for the best drug combination to use.

Please visit the Travel Clinic for up-to-the-minute information on all your travel health requirements.
 

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Holidays

NOTE: If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday (next day) is a public holiday.
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Languages

South Africa has 11 official languages: English, Afrikaans, Ndebele, North - Sotho, South - Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu. In the Western Cape English, Afrikaans and Xhosa are used the most.
 

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Medical Care

There is no national health scheme available in South Africa. Be sure to purchase a good travel insurance which will cover your medical expenses if the need arises.

 Please visit the Travel Clinic for all your travel health requirements.

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Opening Times Religion

Most denominations are represented. Churches, mosques, temples & synagogues are found in the major cities.

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Tax Refund

VAT (Value Added Tax) is set at 14% at this stage. Visitors to South Africa are not exempted from paying tax on purchases, but they may claim the VAT portion of their purchases back, if the total value on these items exceeds R250. This can be claimed back at airports, various harbours & customs offices. An original tax invoice, VAT refund control sheet and foreign passport is required. The items that were purchased must also be presented.

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Time

Standard Time in South Africa is

  • 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time
  • 1 hour ahead of Central European Winter Time
  • 7 hours advance of Eastern Standard Winter Time
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    Tipping

    It is standard practice in South Africa. In restaurants it is 10% of the total bill (satisfactory service). The tip is usually not included in the bill. Taxi drivers get 10% of the total, and porters get R1 per bag.

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    Tourist Safety

    Please take the normal precautions you would in any other city or town. Avoid the unnecessary display of valuables and do not walk in deserted areas or go out alone at night. Be aware of pick-pockets and bag snatchers in crowded areas.

    NOTE: An unspecified exemption implies that in practice a temporary permit exceeding a period of 90 days may be issued on arrival as long as the visit is of a bona fide nature.
    *This exemption is only with regard to holders of Hong Kong British National - Overseas (BNO) passports, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passports and Hong Kong Certificates of Identity.
    Remember that a visa only allows an alien to report to a port of entry, but do not ensure entry. The requirements of a return air ticket, sufficient funds and a bona fide reason is still applicable. A temporary permit (issued at the port of entry) is free of charge. If you want to extend your stay, an amount of R270 is payable. An application for extension can only be submitted while you are still on the valid temporary permit. The application fee changes on 1 April of each year.

    The following documents are required for an extension:

    The validity of the visa exemption may not be exceeded. 

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    Water

    In most cities/towns/game reserves the tap water is purified and 100% safe to drink

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    This page was last updated on the 10 April 2002