Arriving:
Johannesburg International Airport is the major airport in South Africa and is the hub for 45 airlines from all five continents. Direct flights from the USA average 15 hours and direct flights from London average 12 hours.

Basic Personal Safety:

South Africa is as safe as any other destination in the world. The number one rule when travelling in South Africa is to use your basic common sense and natural instincts. If you are ever in doubt as to the safeness of a particular area or attraction, please contact the National Tourism information and Safety line on 083 123 2345. This number may also be used for practical assistance in replacing lost documents or reporting incidents.

General Safety Tips:

1. Make sure that you keep all your important documentation in the safety of the establishment where you are staying.
2. Never accept assistance from anyone when withdrawing money from an ATM.
   If you need assistance, rather enter the bank directly.
3. Avoid the unnecessary display of valuables.
4. Keep to well lit areas after dark.

Basic Travel Information:

Did you know that South Africa is the size of Spain and France put together? It therefore would be best for you to arrange to fly from one major city centre to another. Having said that, well-organised car hire companies, inter-city buses and trains can also provide you with transport in between.

South Africa’s roads are in good condition, but distances between towns are significant, so it is recommended that you plan your itinerary in advance to ensure that your distances are not too long, as fatigue is a major cause of road accidents. The network of highways that criss-cross the country offer 24-hour service stations at regular intervals. This allows you to stop and rest, have something to eat, withdraw cash from an ATM and fill up - all at one place. It is advisable for you to have cash as payment, as international petrol cards or credit cards are not accepted.

If you decide to hire a vehicle, you will be required to obtain an international driver’s permit. The wearing of seat belts are compulsory for both drivers and passengers. Strict drinking and driving laws are enforced, allowing a maximum alcohol blood content of 0.05%. This translates to one glass of wine for the average woman and 1.5 for the average man. Speed limits are easily visible and clearly marked and strictly enforced by the law. When driving, please remember that we drive on the left-hand side of the road!

If you experience any car trouble, please feel free to contact your car hire company directly or the AA EMERGENCY CALL CENTRE on 083 843 22.

Communication:

Cellular phones can be hired at the airport and from most retail cellular outlets. Public telephones are easily accessible and accept coins or phone-cards, which are available at most shops, post offices and accommodation establishments. Internet cafes can be found in most towns. Post offices are found in all towns and generally operate between 08h30 and 16h30 on weekdays and 08h00 and 12h00 on Saturdays.

Distance and Temperature Conversions:

1 km = 0.6214 miles
10º C = 50º F
20º C = 68º F
30º C = 86º F

Electrical:

South Africa’s electrical current supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz. Most plugs are 15 amp and have three round pins. Please remember to bring along your international adapters, although most major hotels do offer this service, together with 100-volt outlets for electric shavers. US-made appliances may need a transformer.

Health:

South Africa has a well-developed infrastructure, high standards of water treatment and medical facilities equal to the best in the world. There is a large network of public and private hospitals countrywide, offering excellent service, however, you are advised to have adequate health insurance to cover your medical expenses.

Most of South Africa is malaria-free, but if you are visiting a malaria-area please ensure that you consult your medical professional for advice on prophylactic precautions prior to your travel. We advise you to use a good insect and mosquito repellent generously! Please note that expectant mothers should avoid malaria medications.

Visitors who are entering South Africa from a yellow fever zone must have a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate. Only infants under the age of one year are exempt. Immunisation against cholera and small pox are not required and no other vaccinations are required when visiting South Africa.

South Africa’s tap water is safe to drink as it is treated and is free of harmful micro organisms.

South Africa’s sun is extremely hot, so ensure that you use generous amounts of sun screen and blockout on a regular basis, together a hat and sunglasses.

Money, Banking & Tax Refunds:

Foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks and Bureaux de Changes which can be found in airports, shopping centres and most major hotels.

Most major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and their affiliates are widely accepted.

Branches of most major national banks and ATM’s are found in most towns. Banking hours are generally 09h00 till 15h30 on weekdays and 09h00 till 11h00 on Saturdays.

Value Added Tax (VAT) is 14% and is charged on most items. Visitors qualify for a VAT refund if the total purchase exceeds R 250.00. This can be claimed back at airports, harbours and customs offices. An original tax invoice, a VAT-refund control sheet and a foreign passport are required. The items purchased must also be presented.

Passports, Visas and Customs:

Travelling to South Africa is generally straight-forward and hassle-free. All visitors to South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport in order to enter the country, and in some cases, a visa. Travellers from certain regions of the world (Scandinavia, Japan, the USA, and most Western European and Commonwealth countries) do not need to formally apply for a visa, but will automatically be given a free entry permit sticker outlining their length of stay, which is generally 90 days. Foreign nationals from other countries are given a free entry permit sticker generally for a maximum of 30 days. If visitors want to stay for a longer period, they will have to apply formally for a visa.

Duty free allowance for adult visitors:

1. Spirits = 1 l
2. Wine = 2 l
3. Cigars = 50
4. Eau de Perfume = 50 ml
5. Eau de Toilette = 250 ml
6. Cigarettes = 400
7. Gifts / souvenirs = a maximum value of R 500.00

Fire arms require permits which are available at the entry points.

Tipping:

Most service providers do not add a service charge to bills. The standard practice for satisfactory service is as follows:
Restaurants: 10 – 15 % of the total bill
Taxi drivers: 10 % of the total bill
Porters: R 2.00 per bag
Petrol attendants: R 1.00 – R 5.00 depending on level of service
Parking attendants: R 1.00 – R 5.00 depending on level of service