Frequently Asked Questions - South Africa

LOCATION - The Republic of South Africa lies at the southern tip of the African continent, flanked by the Indian Ocean on the east coast and the Atlantic on the west, and bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland.
 
PROVINCES - South Africa is divided into nine provinces, Gauteng (Johannesburg), KwaZulu-Natal (Durban), Western Cape (Cape Town), Eastern Cape (Port Elizabeth), Northern Cape (Kimberley), the Free State (Bloemfontein), Mpumalanga (Kruger National Park), Limpopo Province (Polokwane) and the North West Province (Sun City).
 
LANGUAGES - Eleven languages have official status. English, the language of administration, is widely spoken. The others are Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swati, Tsonga, Tswana and Venda. Most of the hospitality industry is well versed in at least one foreign language.
 
TIME ZONE - Throughout the year, South African Standard Time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean (Universal Standard) Time, one hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, and seven hours ahead of USA’s Eastern Standard Winter Time. No daylight savings.
 
CLIMATE & SEASONS - South Africa is generally sunny all year round. The Cape Coast has a Mediterranean climate with winter rainfall. The KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga & Limpopo Provinces are sub-tropical. Elsewhere temperatures are moderate in the high interior plateau with summer rainfalls. Summer rains fall between November & March with a peak in December & January. Winter is May through to August.
 
CLOTHING - Usually informal, casual dress is sufficient, with smart casual wear for occasions where jacket and tie are required at restaurants, nightclubs or concerts. In summer, light-weight clothing is sufficient, but even hot areas such as the Lowveld, where game parks are situated, may experience chilly nights in summer and require at least a sweater or jacket. Most of the country, except the Western Cape, has summer rain. A compact umbrella or raincoat is useful. During the winter months warm clothing is needed, as temperatures can decrease dramatically.
 
SUN PROTECTION - Sunscreen lotions and sun hats are recommended at all times when participating in outdoor activities.
 
CURRENCY - The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR), divided into 100 cents. Bank notes are in denominations of R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200. Coins are in values of 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and R5.
 

CREDIT CARDS - All major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club) are accepted. Cash can be withdrawn at ATMs which operate 24 hours a day in most cities.
 
WATER - South Africa is one of the few countries in the world where the tap water is extremely palatable and safe to drink.
 
MALARIA - Please consult your local GP prior to your arrival in South Africa with regard to Malaria prophylactics. Malaria is endemic in the Lowveld (parts of the Limpopo Province and Mpumalanga) and northern KwaZulu-Natal. The risk is lower in winter, but precautions should be taken against being bitten by mosquitoes - use insect repellent, wear long-sleeve shirts and trousers at night and sleep under a mosquito net.
 
DRIVING - Any valid driver’s licence is accepted in South Africa provided it bears the photograph and signature of the holder and is in English. If your licence does not comply, you should obtain an International Driving Permit before arrival in South Africa. Driving is on the left-hand side, speed limit is in kilometres, wearing seat belts is compulsory. Some South African highways and roads charge a toll fee. In the main centres filling stations are open 24 hours a day.
 
SAFETY TIPS - South Africa is basically a safe place for international tourists. Be observant - do not flaunt an expensive camera, jewellery or large amounts of cash. Deposit valuables in the hotel’s safe and do not leave your baggage or hotel guest keys un-attended. Don’t stroll the streets after dark. Use main entrances, lock your car doors, and keep the windows closed. Keep personal items and luggage in the trunk, plan your route in advance and use maps. Park in well-lit areas, and do not pick up strangers. There are criminals in South Africa (just like every-where else) so take basic common sense precautions.
 
WILD ANIMALS - Look from a distance, respect their space, don’t feed them and you will be fine. Don’t walk in areas where there is big game, unless accompanied by a ranger.
 
TELEPHONES - The International code for South Africa is 27, preceded by the international prefix. When dialling from outside South Africa, omit the 0 at the beginning of the area code, but use it when dialling within the country. When in South Africa, you may need the following numbers: local directory enquiries dial 1023; international enquiries 0903 and emergency 10111.
 
ELECTRICITY - The electrical current in South Africa is 220 - 230 volts, AC (except Pretoria which is 250 volts AC and Port Elizabeth 200 - 250 volts), supplied through round three-pin 15 amp plugs.
 
TIPPING - Tipping is not compulsory in South Africa but is appreciated. In restaurants it is usual to tip food-and-drink waiters 10 -15% of the bill for good service. Tipping on game drives is optional - a guideline is ZAR50 per person per game drive.
 
VALUE ADDED TAX - A 14% value added tax is added to the price of most items and services. You can claim VAT back, on goods priced higher than ZAR250 at the airport on departure. The original tax invoice, and VAT refund control sheet, your passport and goods are required for refund.