Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm but many offices will close at around 4pm on Fridays. Banks operate a slightly shorter working day, but are usually open on Saturdays. Shops are usually open six days a week and close on Sundays.
Banks: 09:00 to 15:30, Monday to Friday and 09:00 to 11:00, Saturday
Post Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday and 09:00 to 13:00, Saturday. Some shopping malls are open seven days a week.
Pretoria is regarded as having a lower crime rate than neighbouring Johannesburg, but it makes sense to take precautions to ensure that you do not become a victim. As is the case in any large city, do not walk around with expensive jewellery or carry valuables. Do not wander into quiet or dark areas on your own. For private excursions, it is best to go with a local or hire a tour guide from a travel operator or through your hotel.
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If you enter South Africa from countries where yellow fever is widespread, you will be required to show a yellow World Health Organisation (WHO) vaccination record or other proof of inoculation. Hepatitis B vaccines are strongly recommended for visitors.
A common problem of travellers in Africa is diarrhoea, often caused by dirty water. However, Pretoria has one of the world's best water purification operations meaning you can drink water from the tap. The sun is very strong here and you should always wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen liberally. There is no threat of malaria in Pretoria.
South Africa is quite progressive when it comes to medicine and you’ll have no problems at one of Pretoria or Johannesburg’s many private hospitals, most of which offer 24-hour emergency services. One of the international hubs for medical tourism, South Africa has top-notch medical equipment and doctors. Private ambulance services will be quicker to respond than the already overstretched public ambulances.
Pretoria is a very cosmopolitan city and has a diverse population with all of the country’s 11 languages spoken here. However, although Afrikaans is spoken by many residents, tourists will find English the predominant language of business and is understood by most people. Road signs are mainly in English.
The currency used in South Africa is the rand (R), with 100 cents making up one rand. Notes are available in R10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 while coins come in denominations of 1, 2, and 5 rand as well as 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents.
The best exchange rates are available from banks. Credit cards are generally accepted throughout the city, in particular MasterCard and Visa. ATMs are also widely available but you should practice caution while using them and be aware of who is around you.
There is no duty on items brought into South Africa for personal use and goods intended as gifts or trade are duty-free up to the value of R3,000. Anything worth more than this will be taxed at 20 per cent. Visitors can import up to two litres of wine, one litre of spirits, 50ml of perfume, 250ml of eau de toilette, and 200 cigarettes or 20 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco.
In general, South Africans share many mannerisms and etiquettes with the British. Greetings are usually in the form of a handshake and first names are almost always used. When passing through a doorway, it is customary for African men to precede the women and hold the door open.
You should be aware that it is impolite to point at someone with your index finger or hold a conversation with your hands in your pockets. Note that the ‘V’ or ‘peace sign’ symbol made with the middle and index fingers and shown with the palm facing backwards is considered a rude gesture.
It’s said that one should never discuss religion or sport at dinner; you can add politics and racism to that list in South Africa. Although you will probably be tempted to solicit their opinions on things you see and experience, you should wait for them to bring these subject matters up. Their first-hand accounts of the big political and social changes which have taken place in South Africa are fascinating and it is a remarkable story. However, in a young democracy like South Africans, opinions can be very strongly held and light-hearted banter or sarcasm may not be misinterpreted. It would be very impolite to argue with your hosts or other guests; if the discussion gets heated, it is best to change the subject or opt out of the discussion.
It’s recommended that you arrive at dinner parties with a small gift such as flowers, chocolates or a good bottle of wine. You should be prepared to eat a lot of meat while in South Africa. These will include some more unusual meats like ostrich, hippo, giraffe, venison, goat, crocodile or even warthog. If you’re a vegetarian, you may find some restaurants offer limited vegetarian menus.
Barbecues (known as braais) are informal events and you should dress casually. In some cases, you may be asked to bring along tennis shoes and/or swimming suits. In contrast, dinner parties are fairly formal and you should arrive punctually in smart casual or elegant wear. Be punctual – do not believe the story about “African time being one hour later”. It’s polite to finish everything on your plate and you should remember to save room for a light dessert.
Tips are happily accepted by most workers in the tourist industry, such as tour guides, bus drivers, porters and hotel staff. In most restaurants, a tip of 10-15 percent is expected, but not mandatory.
If you are a citizen of the US, the EU, the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, you will only need to bring a valid passport with at least one unused page and return airline ticket for a 90-day stay in South Africa. Upon entering the country, you will receive a free entry permit sticker. If you want to stay for longer than 90 days, you must formally apply for a visa before arrival. Visitors from other countries should consult the Johannesburg embassy for visa information.
The main Pretoria Tourist Office is located in the Netherlands Bank Building in Church Square. You will also find an information kiosk in the OR Tambo International Airport.
