PRACTICAL TRAVEL TIPS

Time differences

South Africa operates two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time throughout the year.
South Africa is an hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Winter Time and seven hours behind of Australian Central Time.

Passports and Visas

All visitors to South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport in order to enter the country, and some cases, a visa.
Passport must be valid for six months after the intended date of return and travelers must have a return ticket.
Regarding visa requirements, it is advisable to check with your travel agent, or the South African High Commission/Embassy before departure.

Banks and Money

The currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R, with 100 cents making up
R 1. Foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks and Bureau de Changes. Most major international credit cards, such as American Express, Diners Club, Master Card, Visa and their affiliates are widely accepted.

Tipping

If restaurants do not add a service fee to bills – thus it is customary to leave 10 % tip. Parking and petrol station attendants could be given whatever small change you have available.
This is always appreciated, even though it may seem a small amount.

Tax

Value-added-tax (VAT) is charged on most items. Foreign tourists to South Africa can have their 14 % VAT refunded provided that the value of the items purchased exceeds R 250.
VAT is refunded at the point of departure, however, receipts are to be produced.

Climate and clothing

The seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are directly opposite to those of the Northern Hemisphere. South African enjoys an enviable climate.
For summer months – from October to May – lightweight (cotton and linens), short-sleeved clothes are best, although a light jersey/jumper might be needed for the cooler evenings. Umbrellas and raincoats are essential for the summer months.
Warmer clothes are needed for the spring – September – for the autumn – May – and for the winter months from June to September.
The South African winter is mild – however mornings and evenings are chilly – and it is an ideal time for game viewing.

Average minimum              and            maximum temperatures
                        S u m m e r                              W i n t e r
                                  C                                           C
Cape Town      14 - 29                                    06 - 17
Durban               19 – 27                                   11 – 22
Johannesburg 14 – 25                                   05 – 17
Nelspruit            17 – 28                                   07 – 23
Bloemfontein    13 – 29                                   02 – 17

Electricity

South Africa’s electricity supply: 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz
Exceptions: Pretoria (230 V) and Port Elizabeth (200/250 V)
Most plugs have three round pins with two smaller pins are also found on appliances. Adaptors can be purchased.
US-made appliances may need a transformer.

Health – hospitals – medical care

Many foreigners are unaware that South Africa has a well-developed infrastructure, high standards of water treatment and medical facilities.
There is a large network of public and private hospitals countrywide, offering excellent service.
However, visitors must have adequate health insurance to cover private hospital fees.


	Home Contact About Us Accommodations Car hire Tours to SOUTH AFRICA TOP eight S.A. hot spot Standard programmes Day tours Johannesburg Durban Cape town Luxury tours Specials programmes golf diving healing safari air balloon flights S. AFRICAN COUNTRIES BOTSWANA MADAGASCAR MAURITIUS NAMIBIA SEYCHELLES VICTORIA FALLS Tailor-made tours Terms and Conditions Travel tips Gallery Learning Spanish	PRACTICAL TRAVEL TIPS Time differences South Africa operates two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time throughout the year. South Africa is an hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Winter Time and seven hours behind of Australian Central Time. Passports and Visas All visitors to South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport in order to enter the country, and some cases, a visa. Passport must be valid for six months after the intended date of return and travelers must have a return ticket. Regarding visa requirements, it is advisable to check with your travel agent, or the South African High Commission/Embassy before departure. Banks and Money The currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R, with 100 cents making up R 1. Foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks and Bureau de Changes. Most major international credit cards, such as American Express, Diners Club, Master Card, Visa and their affiliates are widely accepted. Tipping If restaurants do not add a service fee to bills – thus it is customary to leave 10 % tip. Parking and petrol station attendants could be given whatever small change you have available. This is always appreciated, even though it may seem a small amount. Tax Value-added-tax (VAT) is charged on most items. Foreign tourists to South Africa can have their 14 % VAT refunded provided that the value of the items purchased exceeds R 250. VAT is refunded at the point of departure, however, receipts are to be produced. Climate and clothing The seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are directly opposite to those of the Northern Hemisphere. South African enjoys an enviable climate. For summer months – from October to May – lightweight (cotton and linens), short-sleeved clothes are best, although a light jersey/jumper might be needed for the cooler evenings. Umbrellas and raincoats are essential for the summer months. Warmer clothes are needed for the spring – September – for the autumn – May – and for the winter months from June to September. The South African winter is mild – however mornings and evenings are chilly – and it is an ideal time for game viewing. Average minimum and maximum temperatures S u m m e r W i n t e r C C Cape Town 14 - 29 06 - 17 Durban 19 – 27 11 – 22 Johannesburg 14 – 25 05 – 17 Nelspruit 17 – 28 07 – 23 Bloemfontein 13 – 29 02 – 17 Electricity South Africa’s electricity supply: 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz Exceptions: Pretoria (230 V) and Port Elizabeth (200/250 V) Most plugs have three round pins with two smaller pins are also found on appliances. Adaptors can be purchased. US-made appliances may need a transformer. Health – hospitals – medical care Many foreigners are unaware that South Africa has a well-developed infrastructure, high standards of water treatment and medical facilities. There is a large network of public and private hospitals countrywide, offering excellent service. However, visitors must have adequate health insurance to cover private hospital fees.