South Africa Travel Tips

The currency of South Africa is the rand (ZAR). One rand is equal to 100 cents. Banknotes can be found in denominations of ZAR 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins come in denominations of ZAR 5, 2 and 1 as well as 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Money can be changed at banks, bureaux de change and hotels as well as at larger shops and restaurants. ATMs can be found throughout the country and will also give cash advances with credit cards. MasterCard and Visa are the preferred credit cards although American Express and Diners Club are also widely accepted. Travellers’ cheques can be changed at banks, hotels, restaurants and shops, although you are advised to take your cheques in either sterling or US dollars to avoid additional charges.

Banks are open from 09:00 until 15:30 Monday to Friday and from 08:30 until 11:00 on Saturdays. They close on public holidays.

The import of local currency is limited to ZAR 5,000. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited, provided it is declared on both arrival and departure.

Visitors can import 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 250 grams of tobacco; one litre of spirits, two litres of wine; eight ounces of perfume; and other goods totalling a value of ZAR 3,000. Plants with no import permit are forbidden, as are narcotics, flick knives, ammunition, explosives and pornographic literature.

220 V/50Hz. Three-pin round plugs are in use.

If you are visiting from an area infected with yellow fever, a vaccination certificate is required. This does not apply to passengers in transit or to children under one year of age. Visitors are recommended to take precautions against cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, rabies, dengue fever and malaria (depending on where you are travelling to).

Mains water is considered safe to drink in urban areas. It is advised that you drink bottled water in other areas. Local meat, poultry, seafood and vegetables are regarded as being safe to eat.

Medical facilities are excellent in urban areas, but can be very limited everywhere else. Doctors and hospitals often require immediate cash payment. It is advisable to take out comprehensive travel insurance before you arrive.

Medical emergency telephone number: 112

Criminals often target unsuspecting and vulnerable tourists, as many carry large sums of money and valuables. Always keep a tight hold of your possessions and avoid wearing expensive jewellery and try to avoid carrying large sums of money around with you. Always try to travel in a group and when you are in a car, especially if you are on your own, always keep the doors locked and the windows closed.

If you are travelling on a safari or through a national park, always listen to what your guide tells you and follow his advice. Be wary of approaching wild animals – no matter how small - and avoid snake or other insect bites. You should also wear enclosed walking shoes. As long as you follow the safety guidelines while on safari, you will have the experience of a lifetime.

Police: 10111

Overall, South Africa is very laid back and does not have many strict conventions that must be followed.

Handshaking is the usual form of greeting, regardless of whether it is your very first meeting or you are meeting someone again after seeing them the night before.

When you visit someone’s house, the usual courtesies should be shown such as taking your shoes off if required.

Casual wear is widely accepted for most occasions throughout the entire country Formal functions will usually call for smart suits and full length dresses, although this will be mentioned on the invitation.

It is acceptable to tip between 10 and 15 per cent if service in not included in the bill. It is customary to tip waiters, taxi drivers, porters and room service personnel.

Tax-free shopping is available at all three of South Africa’s international airports.

The country code for South Africa is +27. Several internet providers and internet cafés can be found throughout the country.

GMT +2

Entry permits are supplied on arrival to visitors from most British Commonwealth countries as well as to holders of Japanese, Irish, Swiss and German passports. It is possible that you will be asked to show sufficient funds to support your stay or your onward ticket on entry. Visa extensions are expensive and can be difficult to acquire because of the recent influx of illegal immigrants.