Planning a holiday to any destination can be a daunting task, but hopefully these tips and guidelines will help you plan a problem free vacation. Or, if you're just browsing, have a look around - you might learn some interesting things about South Africa. Below you will find an index of all the helpfull tips, or you can go the old "When to go and what to do section" which will give you some advise on what time of year is best to visit South Africa.
Helpfull hints for tourists
Accommodation
South Africa offers a wide variety, from five-star hotels to camps and caravan parks. The standards of hotels are supervised by Satour, which publishes the National Accommodation Guide containing details of quality star-graded accommodation throughout the country. Tariffs range from R 85 – R 1 500 per day according to the grade, the location and style of establishment. Accommodation is generally difficult to find at the coast during the summer holiday months (Dec/Jan), at Easter and in mid June-July.
Airports
South Africa's main airport, the Johannesburg International Airport, is 30 km from Johannesburg and 60 km from Pretoria. Airport buses to the SAA terminal near the railway station run every 30 minutes. There is also a service to and from Pretoria. Metered taxis are also available. Two other airports, Cape Town and Durban, are also classed as international. Bus and taxis are available from each.
SAA, the national carrier, and other smaller airlines such as Comair and Sunair offer numerous flights each day linking SA's major cities.
Banking
Most major commercial banks offer foreign exchange services. The main banks are found in every large town, as are automatic teller machines (ATM's). Several international banks are open from 09:00 to 15:30 on weekdays and 08:30 to 11:00 on Saturdays.
Beaches
South Africa's beaches are not only beautiful, but swimming is exceptionally safe and hygienic. Tests conducted by the CSIR in November 1994 showed that the seawater off South Africa's beaches is among the cleanest in the world. Most KwaZulu Natal beaches are protected by shark nets.
Border Posts
Motorists who whish to travel from south Africa to neighboring African countries should contact the Department of Home Affairs for details of the opening and closing times of the relevant border posts.
Tel: (27) 012 324-1860
Bus Travel
Luxury coaches link the major centers, while travel companies offer a variety of tours around the country in comfortable busses.
Best time to go
See When to go and what to do
Computicket
This computerized booking service has over 300 branches in South Africa, catering for more than 40 000 events countrywide – theatre and cinema reservations, tickets for dancing and skating championships, lotteries and bus tours.
Conversions – Distances and Temperatures
Distances throughout South Africa are given in kilometers. One mile is equivalent to 1.621 kilometers. Speeds are given in kilometers per hour and temperatures are given in degrees Celsius.
Credit Cards
Major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and their affiliates are accepted. However, use may be restricted is small towns and rural areas and in some shops. Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are situated outside most banks in towns and cities, and operate 24 hours a day.
Currency
The currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R1. R1 = 100 cents. South Africa has recently introduced new notes and coins, but the old currency is still in circulation, so don't be to surprised if you see two types of 20c coins.
Customs
Personal effects are allowed into the country duty-free. Visitors are also entitled to bring goods worth R500. A 20% duty is added thereafter. One may not bring in or carry out South African banknotes above the value of R200.
Driving
South African roads are good and well signposted, so traveling by car is a fine way to see the country. Drivers must have a valid driving license or an international driving permit. South Africans drive on the left. The speed limits on highways are 120km/h (75mph); 100km/h (60mph) elsewhere and 60km/h (35mph) is built-up areas.
Electricity
Current is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second. Adapter plugs should be brought for razors and hair dryers.
Emergencies
Dial 10111 for the Flying Squad; this is the special police patrol squad. For an ambulance, dial 10177.
Facilities for the disabled
South African Airways provides passenger aid units at all major airports. Many hotels offer facilities for the disabled, as do most rest camps in the Kruger National Park. Wheel chairs and other aids may be hired in most cities. The larger car hire companies can provide vehicles with hand controls.
Health and Medical Care
Vaccinations for cholera and smallpox are not required, but travelers from a yellow fever zone must have a valid certificate. Visitors to game parks must take anti-malaria tablets, which are available across the counter at any pharmacy. (drugstore) South Africa has no National Health Service, so medical treatment and hospital fees must be paid direct. Special travel insurance is recommended. Most hotels have a list of doctors, whose names may also be found in the medical section of the telephone directories.
Malaria regions include Northern Province, Mpumalanga and the northeast of KwaZulu Natal. Preventative medication is obtainable at all pharmacies. In a malaria region, avoid wearing perfume, after-shave or dark clothes and try to wear long sleeves and long pants at night.
