Basic information and useful tips for foreigners travelling to South Africa.

South Africa’s Standard Time:
GMT +02:00 (Two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time)

Visa Requirements:
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 (http://www.dfa.gov.za/foreign/sa_abroad/index.htm), Department of Home Affairs in the region where you will be staying or to a registered South African immigration practitioner.

Passport holders of certain countries are exempt from visa requirements, but even in such instances, tourists must satisfy immigration officers that they have the means to support themselves during their stay, and that they are in possession of return or onward air tickets.

Immunisations:
No international immunization is needed when entering South Africa.
The only inoculation requirement is a yellow fever vaccination certificate in respect of travellers over one year of age through or from a yellow fever endemic country.

Malaria:
This disease is mostly under control in South Africa. Regions that are still affected are the Northern Province and Mpumalanga, and areas of KwaZulu-Natal. The risk of contracting the disease is negligible provided that you take the standard precautions. Malaria tablets, a good insect repellent (particularly in the evenings), long-sleeved shirts and mosquito coils are suggested precautionary measures.

Making telephone calls:
If you wish to make a telephone call overseas, you must first dial 00, 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. For example, if you make a call to Sydney, Australia, to local telephone number 456 1234, from South Africa you will have to dial 00 61 2 456 1234.

For national telephone directory enquiries dial 1023
For international telephone enquiries dial 0903

Public phones are either coin or card operated. Only green public telephones use telephone cards. The cards can be bought at various hotels, post offices, airports, bookshops and supermarkets. Mobile phones, commonly referred to as “cell phones”, are widely used in South Africa.

Electricity:
220/230 volts AC at 50 cycles per second. Three pronged plugs are universal in South Africa, so you would need to ensure that you have an adapter. Most hotel rooms have 110-volt outlets for electric shavers and small appliances and adapters may be bought at selected travel shops and some department stores.

Water:
Tap water throughout major cities is safe for human consumption.

Currency:
One Rand (R) = 100 cents (c). Notes are issued in the following denominations: R200, R100, R50, R20, R10; and coins are issued in R5, R2, R1, 50c 20c, 10c, 5c (please note that 2c and 1c coins are being withdrawn from circulation). Currency exchange rates are available at banks, online, and published daily in the press.

Tipping:
It is customary to tip waiters, waitresses, wine stewards, taxi drivers, porters and caddies. Depending on the level of service received, the amount should be around 10% of your bill. Petrol station attendants often expect a tip if they have cleaned your windscreen, checked your tyres or performed an additional service beyond simply filling your vehicle’s tank.

Traveller's Cheques:
Most international traveler's checks are accepted provided they are in an acceptable currency and may be cashed at most banks. Many hotels and shops also provide this service.

VAT Refunds:
VAT (Value Added Tax) of 14% is levied on nearly all goods and services including hotel accommodation, goods and transport. Foreign tourists visiting South Africa can have their value-added tax (VAT) refunded provided the value of each invoice for goods purchased exceeds R50 and the value of the total items purchased exceeds R250. VAT is refunded on departure at the point of departure.
Foreign tourists may also claim back VAT paid on items that will be taken out of the country. Original tax invoices, foreign passport, plus all the items on which a refund is claimed, must be presented at the VAT refund administration office or an appointed RSA customs and excise official on departure in order for the total VAT on these items to be refunded. Visitors will be requested to fill out a VAT Refund Control Sheet (VAT 255). Where a visitor does not export all the goods specified on a particular tax invoice, only the value of and tax paid on the goods that will be exported must be declared on this form.
 
Driving:
Drive on the left hand side of the road and give way to traffic approaching from the right. The general speed limit is 120km/h on open roads and 60km/h in urban areas. In order for a foreigner to drive lawfully in South Africa, an international driver's license is required displaying a photograph as well as the signature of the holder. Cash is required to pay for fuel.

Conversions of distances and temperatures:
Distances throughout South Africa are given in kilometres.
1,62 kilometres = 1 mile.

Temperatures are given in degrees Celsius (Centigrade).
10 degrees Celsius = 50 degrees Fahrenheit

Credit Cards:
Major international credit cards such as American Express, Bank of America, Diners, MasterCard, Standard Bank Card, Visa and their affiliates are accepted at most outlets, hotels and stores.

Customs allowances:
400 cigarettes, 250 grams of tobacco, 50 cigars, one litre of spirit, two litres of wine, 50 ml perfume, 250 ml of eau de toilette, Also gifts, souvenirs and other goods to the value of R500. Duty is levied at 20% thereafter.

Drinking:
Alcohol may only be purchased by persons over the age of 18.

Duty Free Shops:
Duty-free shops are situated at Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban International Airports.

Emergencies:
Dial 10111 for the police and 10177 for an ambulance.

Emergency numbers:
Police: 10111 (only in SA)
Crimestop: 0800 11 12 13 (only in SA)
Tourist Assistance Unit: 00 27 21 418 2853

Languages:
There are 11 official languages in South Africa. English is the language of administration and is widely spoken. Other languages are: Afrikaans, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu.

Medical Facilities:
Doctors are listed under "Mediese Praktisyns/Medical Practitioners" in the telephone directory and Dentists can be found under "Tandartse/Dentists".

Public Holidays:
South Africa has 12 public holidays that apply to commerce and industry alike. If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a public holiday. Please check calendars for details.

Safety Tips:
Your safety and well-being are of the utmost importance to the tourism industry. As in other countries, there are a few basic precautions to take in South Africa to ensure that your stay is as pleasant and safe as possible:

At the hotel:

• Never leave your luggage unattended.
• Store valuables in the hotel's safety deposit box.
• Keep your room locked, whether you are in it or not.
• If someone knocks, check who it is before opening the door.
• Hand the keys in at the desk whenever you leave the hotel.

In the street:

• Avoid ostentatious displays of expensive jewellery, cameras and other valuables.
• It is not advisable to 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 be glad to direct you if you get lost.
• If you want to call a taxi, your hotel or the nearest tourism information office can recommend a reliable service.

In the car:

• Plan your route in advance.
• Keep the doors locked at all times and wind the windows up.
• Lock valuable items in the boot (trunk).
• At night, park in well-lit areas.
• Never pick up strangers.
• If in doubt about the safety of an area, phone a police station for advice.