Important information when traveling in South Africa:
* Accommodation & Grading
A wide variety of accommodation is available, from self-catering facilities for the budget or family traveler to luxury resorts for an exquisite holiday experience.
The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) provides star ratings from 1-star (fair to good) to 5-star (exceptional, luxurious) for the different types of available accommodation. When an accommodation facility possesses a star-rating you should have a fairly good idea of what to expect.
* Tipping
Tipping a person for providing his or her services is customary in South Africa. Generally the following people are tipped but this is just a guideline so feel free to give more if you think the service was of an excellent standard:
- Petrol/Garage attendants R5.00, for washing your windscreen, checking
your water, and oil
and filling your vehicle’s tank
- Porters R5.00 – R10.00 per item of luggage, which they carry for you
- Taxis 10% of total cost of the trip
- Waiters and waitresses in restaurants 10 - 15% of total amount on bill
- If a car-guard looks after your vehicle in a parkade a tip of R2.00 – R5.00
is acceptable.
* Banking
On Weekdays (i.e. Monday to Friday) Banks are open from 09:00 to 15:30 and on Saturdays the doors are open from 08:30 to 11:00.
ATM’s are open 24 hours a day as they are located outside the banks or conveniently placed around shopping centers or other busy public areas. Take caution when you go to withdraw money at an ATM; criminals are sly as they will offer a helping hand and then steal your PIN number or your card. Report stolen cards as soon as possible at the nearest bank
The Main banks include:
ABSA / Barclays
Standard Bank
First National Bank
Nedbank
* Currency
The Currency used is the RAND which is divided into 100 cents (i.e. R1.00 = 100 cents). Notes can be found in R10.00, R20.00, R50.00, R100.00, R200.00; each of these notes have a different member of the big 5 printed on the front (rhino, elephant, lion, buffalo, or leopard). The coins are divided into 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1.00, R2.00, and R5.00. The 1c coins have been discontinued and the 5c is also slowly heading out.
* Foreign exchange
If you want to exchange foreign currency to Rands you can go to any Bank, Foreign Exchange Bureaus, most bigger hotels, or exchange it at the Airport exchange counter when you arrive. Identification will be required as well as proof of return to your country. Remember to exchange back to your currency before you leave. All of the above places will be able to tell you the current exchange rate or you can look it up in newspapers or on the internet.
* Credit Cards
Most major credit cards are accepted, such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc. Cash can be withdrawn from ATM’s with these cards.
A special petrol (fuel; gas) card can be used when you need to fill up the tank but normal credit cards are not valid for this.
* Passports / Visas
Every person seeking to enter South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport for travel to South Africa and, where necessary, a visa. Enquiries can be directed to South African diplomatic representatives abroad. Visitors who intend traveling to South Africa’s neighbouring countries and back into South Africa are advised to apply for multiple entry visas.
Passport holders of certain countries are exempt from visa requirements. Contact the South African Embassy in your country to determine whether you need a visa or not.
* Customs Allowances
Visitors may bring in goods worth R3,000; duty is leveled at 20% up to R12,000. Personal effects are allowed in duty free.
* VAT (Value Added Tax)
This applies to International tourists (i.e. any person who does not intend on staying permanently in South Africa), who would like to export certain items (movable goods only) back to their home countries. Currently levied at 14% for most goods and services. Visitors may reclaim the VAT on purchases over R250.00 at international points of departure.
This is only applicable to legal goods. By doing this the VAT charged for the item is deducted, as the VAT is only payable by South African residents. This procedure can be done up to 90 days from date of purchase.
You can contact the VAT Refund Administrator for more information: +27 (0) 11 394 1117
* Health
Travel insurance is strongly recommended when visiting South Africa as well as any other Southern African country. Medical and hospital charges must be paid for immediately.
Travelers from a yellow fever zone must have a valid certificate.
Visitors to malaria-prone areas such as game parks must take anti-malarial tablets which are available at pharmacies and certain clinics. For additional malaria information visit www.malariahotspots.co.za.
* Taxis
Taxis do not cruise so you will have to phone for a taxi or go to a taxi rank. Only take taxis with a working meter. Most taxis on the road (i.e. minibus taxis) are used as public transport by locals, it may be a cheaper way to travel but it is not necessarily safe as these are at times overloaded and not necessarily 100% road worthy. Cab services do not always accord with international standards, so be cautious. A small tip is expected.
* Disabled Facilities
Wheelchairs may be hired in most cities.
* Drinks
Tap water is safe to drink but bottled water is available almost everywhere where refreshments are sold. Only buy commercial drinks and ensure that the safety-seal on the cap is not broken.
Alcohol is not for sale to any person under the age of 18 years. Alcohol may not be consumed in public. Drinking and driving is against the law; the legal blood/alcohol limit is 0.05mg per 100ml.
* Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in enclosed public areas. Restaurants generally have a smoking and non-smoking section, as do airports, hotels, et cetera.
* Telephones
Public phones are either coin or card operated; the green public phones use telephone cards in denominations of R10.00 to R200.00 which can be bought at hotels, post offices and supermarkets. Cellular or mobile phones are widely used and may be hired at airports.
Directories:
Directory assistance – 1023
International Directory Enquiries – 0903
Time – 1026
Emergency and Safety:
Tourism and Safety Information Line – 083 123 2345
Police – 10111
Fire Brigade – 1022
Ambulance – 10222
* Telephone Numbers & Phone Calls
The international dialing code for South Africa is +27. Numbers that start with the code 012 (+27 12) are located in Pretoria/Tshwane and surrounding areas, those numbers that start with 011 (+27 11) are located in or around Johannesburg, 013 (+27 13) are in Durban and surrounds and 021 (+27 21) is Cape Town. You can find out from Telkom, a post office or your hotel what the dialling codes for specific areas are.
If you wish to make a call overseas, you must first dial 09, which is South Africa’s international access code. You then dial the country code, area code of the city or region and the number of the person you wish to call
Cellular or mobile phone services are currently provided by three companies: Vodacom, MTN, and Cell C. They provide quality services with good reception most of the time. You can hire a cellular (mobile) phone when you come into the country from any of these providers. Costs are reasonable and insurance against theft is included in the cost. Certain car rental companies also provide phones for hire.
* Electricity
The current is 220/230 volts AC, and wall outlets take three round-pronged plugs, so if necessary take an adapter. Many hotel rooms have 110 volt outlets for electric shavers and small appliances. If you have a cellphone (mobile) remember your charger, and if necessary also a connection plug.
* Internet Access
Internet Cafés are available in all large cities and possibly also in smaller towns. Look around shopping centers, business areas and even residential areas. Charges can be made from 15 minutes to more than an hour but the cost does differ from one café to the next.
Some hotels also have internet facilities available to guests.
* Weather
South Africa has an excellent climate and can be visited all year round. Summers are generally hot and thunderstorms can be expected especially inland; winters are dry and mild with occasional cold spells. The Western Cape has a Mediterranean-type climate with dry summers and rain in winter.
For more weather information contact:
South African Weather Services: www.weathersa.co.za
Weatherline: 082 162
Climate Information and Data: 082 233 8484
* Clothing
Summers need light cotton clothing and a light jersey for cool evenings. Hats, sunglasses, insect repellant and rainwear for the rainy season are essential. Winter needs warmer clothing with a sweater or jacket for cool mornings and evenings.
* Languages
South Africa boasts being the only country having eleven (11) official languages. These languages include:
English
Afrikaans
Xhosa
Ndebele
Northern Sotho
Southern Sotho
Swati
Tsonga
Tswana
Venda
Zulu
English is spoken throughout South Africa and businesses and banks communicate in English.
* Public holidays
As in any other country, you will have difficulty finding shops open on public holidays, or accommodation and other leisure facilities might be fully booked, so plan ahead. Here are the national holidays in South Africa:
Fixed dates:
1 January – New Year’s Day
21 March – Human Rights Day
27 April – Freedom Day
1 May – Worker’s Day
16 June – Youth Day
9 August – National Women’s Day
24 September – Heritage Day
16 December – Day of Reconciliation
25 December – Christmas Day
26 December – Day of Goodwill
Variable holidays
April – Good Friday
April – Family Day
* School Calendar
School holidays mean crowded shopping centres, restaurants and fast food outlets, leisure facilities, beaches, cinemas… So brace yourself if you know you will be traveling during these times, and make sure your accommodation and other leisure activities are booked in advance.
Coastal Provinces – Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Kwazulu Natal, Northern Cape
Inland Provinces – Gauteng, Limpopo, North-West, Free State, Mpumalanga
DISTANCE IN KM FROM JOHANNESBURG
Bloemfontein – 417km
Cape Town – 1405km
Durban – 598km
East London – 992km
Kimberley – 467km
Mafikeng – 273km
Nelspruit – 358km
Polokwane – 331km
Port Elizabeth – 1062km
Pretoria – 58km
* Safety Tips
When you arrive at your accommodation facility ask the front desk which areas should you avoid, by doing this you will know where it is safe to go and where not. If you are not planning on staying overnight then go to the nearest police station and ask them about the no-go areas.
Don’t carry more cash than is absolutely necessary.
Do not carry valuables openly; such as showing off large amounts of cash, or waving around cameras or cellular (mobile) phones. You can always ask the front desk at your accommodation facility to keep valuables that you won’t need in a safe. Some hotels or other accommodation facilities have safes in each room where you can lock up your valuables.
Try not to look too much like a tourist which might draw unwanted attention.
Don’t look lost. If you are, be judgmental of the person/people that you consider asking for
directions, otherwise go into a police station, ask an attendant at a garage (fuel station), or get
the information you require at your accommodation facility before you head out for the day
Be aware of the people around you when you are walking. If there is someone
suspicious walk into a hotel, shopping centre, police station or any other public area where you can easily attract attention should it happen that you get mugged. Also be aware of people
walking around or near your car when you are driving – car-jackings are real.
Try not to walk around after dark, especially in the central areas of the cities.
If you do have to go out after sunset, move around in areas that are well lit and try to go with a
group of people; and always stay aware!
If you are driving and you have to stop at a stop-sign or a red traffic light, wind up your windows just enough so that nobody can get a hand inside the car, also keep a look-out for potential car-jackers.
At many traffic lights around South Africa, there are vendors trying to sell you anything and everything, from toys to handbags to cheap perfumes. If you do decide to buy something don’t flash your cash or put your wallet where they can easily take it. The best is to take out enough money to pay for the item without them knowing how much you really have.
Whenever you are driving ensure that there are no valuables, such as handbags or
cellphones (mobiles), lying around - it might just be enough for someone to try and steal it. Don’t even leave things lying around in an unattended car, someone will try and take it.
If it happens that you do get mugged then rather hand over your valuables or if you are involved in a car-jacking give them the rental car, it is insured. Remember your life is worth much more!
*Safety
In the Car:
- Plan your route in advance
- Keep your car doors locked at all times and windows closed
- Lock valuable items in the boot (trunk) of the vehicle
- At night, park in well-lit areas
- Never pick up strangers or hitch-hikers
- If in doubt about the safety of an area, phone a police station for advice
At the Hotel:
- Never leave your luggage unattended
- Store valuables in the hotel’s safe-deposit box
- Keep your room locked, whether you’re in it or not
- If someone knocks, check who it is before opening the door
- Hand the keys in at reception whenever you leave the hotel
In the Street:
- Avoid flashy displays of expensive jewellery, cameras and other valuables
- Don’t carry large sums of money around
- At night, steer clear of dark, isolated areas
- It is better to explore in groups and to stick to well-lit, busy streets
- Plan your route beforehand
- A policeman or traffic officer will gladly direct you if you get lost
- If you want to call a taxi, your hotel or the nearest tourist information office will recommend a reliable service.
* Emergency Numbers
Police 10111
Ambulance 10117
Lifeline 012 342 2222
Metro Police 012 358 7095/6
24-hour Call Centre 012 358 2111 / 012 427 7111
Johannesburg Emergency Services 011 375 5911
Johannesburg Metro Centre 011 407 6111
Tourism and Safety Information Line 083 123 2345
Enquiries:
International numbers 0903
Local numbers 1023
Lost Credit Cards:
American Express 0800 110 929
Diners 0800 112 017
Mastercard 0800 990 418
Visa 0800 990 475
Important information when driving on South African Roads:
(also visit: www.aasa.co.za)
* Valid Driver’s Licence
If you drive on South Africa’s roads you are required to have a valid driver’s licence. If you are an international you can use your driver’s licence as long as there is a photo of you on the licence, otherwise you can apply for an international driver’s licence before you come to SA.
* Rules of the Road
- Drive left, pass right: pretty straight forward; keep in the left hand lane
and if it is necessary
to pass another slower vehicle, do so in the right hand lane
- No drinking and driving (limit = 0.05ml alcohol per 100ml blood)
- Keep to the speed limits: 120km/h on national highways
80 – 100km/h on regional and peri-urban roads
60 km/h in urban areas
- It is illegal to use your cellphone (mobile) without a hands-free kit.
* Road signage
The road signs in South Africa are in both Afrikaans and English. Those signs that don’t have lettering on are pretty straight forward. Two signs that will do you good to look out for is the ‘hijacking hot spot’ and the ‘high accident zone’ signs which are self explanatory. Another sign that you would want to look out for is ‘potholes’ or ‘slaggate’ in Afrikaans. Not all areas have these signs but when you do come across any of them it would be best to drive cautiously as the road conditions aren’t great.
* Petrol (gasoline/fuel)
Petrol stations are situated next to highways, main roads, city centres, business areas, and residential areas; in other words, everywhere. You can choose between leaded, unleaded, and diesel. If you don’t know what fuel the vehicle uses then refer to the vehicle booklet or ask the petrol attendant (they usually know). The price of fuel fluctuates but can be estimated at around R9.00 to R10.00 per litre. Take note that it is customary to give the petrol attendant a tip of around R5-00 when offered to clean your windscreen, check the oil, check the tyre pressure, and fill up the tank.
* Underground and covered parking
Certain buildings (especially shopping centres) charge for undercover parking and in some cases for open air parking as well. When you drive in you receive a ticket at the beam, when you want to go out you will have to pay the ticket at the exit of the building before you go to your car. After paying the ticket, which should be around R5-00 to R10-00 depending on the duration that you were in the building, you drive out and insert the ticket at the beam before exiting into the street.
* Vehicle trouble
The AA is South Africa’s main support centre for helping to recover vehicles. If you have any problems you can contact their Customer Service Centre at 082 16 111. If you are a member they will come to your assistance immediately, and if you are not a member you can sign up over the phone when you call for assistance. As soon as they have all required information a vehicle will be sent out as soon as possible to help you.
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