Useful Tourist information

Official Name

There are 11 official names for South Africa as a result of using 11 official languages, the five most common are:

English - Republic of South Africa (English)
Afrikaans - Republiek van Suid-Afrika (Afrikaans)
Nbebele - IRiphabliki yeSewula Afrika (IsiNdebele)
Xhosa - IRiphabliki yaseMzantsi Afrika (IsiXhosa)
Zulu - IRiphabliki yaseNingizimu Afrika (IsiZulu)

South Africa is also a member of the Commonwealth of Nations (which comprises most of the former British colonies).

Language

There are 11 official languages in South Africa: English, Afrikaans and 9 Bantu languages (with official status since 1994). South Africa also recognizes 8 non-official languages.

Visa Information

Most nationalities don't need a visa to enter South Africa as a tourist as long as your stay doesn't exceed 30-90 days. You do need a valid passport which doesn't expire within 6 months.

For more details check the South Africa Department of Home Affairs website

Time Zone

South Africa is on GMT+2 (same as Eastern European Time) and does not operate Daylight Savings Time.

Counting and Numbers

South Africa uses the metric system; temperatures in Celsius (C) and distances in Kilometers (km). To convert from Metric to Imperial, use this conversion tool.

South Africa also uses the comma as a decimal separator the same as in Europe (except UK) but opposite to USA i.e.ZAR 5,50 means 5 ZAR and 50 cents.

In South Africa Dates are written like in Europe: first the day, then the month and then the year i.e. 30 January 2008.

Currency and Banks

We recommend that you advise your bank that you will be withdrawing money in South Africa. Please keep all your credit card slips when withdrawing cash form the ATM,s. Check bank fees and cash withdraw limits applicable.

Normal bank trading hours are:

Weekdays 09h00 to 15h30 and Saturdays 08h30 to 11h00.

ATMs (automatic teller machines) are available 24/7 in main towns and conveniently located in shopping centers, petrol service stations and main thoroughfares.

The South African currency is the Rand (ZAR), divided into 100 cents. Denominations include 10 Rand, 20 Rand, 50 Rand, 100 Rand, 200 Rand banknotes and 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 1 Rand, 2 Rand and 5 Rand coins.

When entering the country you are required to declare all local currency (you should not carry more than ZAR 5,000 which is about USD 700).

Read more on Currency Exchange in South Africa
Check the current Currency Conversion Rates

Using the Telephone

The country code for South Africa is 27. To call South Africa from outside the country i.e. the US, first dial out of the US and into South Africa. So that's 0011 + 27 and then the South African phone number including the area code. Remember to omit the "0" of the area code

To call within South Africa, just dial the number making sure it includes the city code.

To call the US from South Africa, dial 00 + 1 and then the US number (area code + telephone number).

Public phones are widely available and are painted either blue (accept coins) or green (phone cards).

South Africa is GSM compatible so you can activate the roaming feature and use your mobile phone. You can talk to your mobile service provider about the compatible networks available. Also you can hire a mobile phone at the airport and purchase a local sim card.

Useful Telephone Numbers

Ambulance: 10177
Flying Squad: 10111
Tourist Assistance (Cape Town) 021 418 2852

Electricity and Plugs

South Africa operates on 220/240 volts at 50 Hz electrical system. The electrical plug has two circular metal pins below a large circular grounding pin. Adaptors should be used for all your electrical equipment. Please be careful to read the information before you plug anything in the outlet.

Safety and Health

By law, no vaccinations are required to enter South Africa. Most of the main tourist destinations are malaria free but the disease is still present in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga, Limpopo and on the Maputaland coast of KwaZulu-Natal. When planning to visit those areas do tell your doctor so that you can take the appropriate medicine with you.

South Africa has, unfortunately, one of the highest AIDS/HIV rates in the entire world. Please take the necessary precaution (yes, condoms!) if you are planning to engage in sex.

The crime rate in South Africa is still high but fortunately it's restricted to townships while the tourist areas are not that exposed. However

Avoid walking alone in the city at night

Always keep copies of your travels documents at hand.

Keep your personal belongings with you all the time especially when using the public transport.

Be very careful when changing large amounts of money as well.

Have a fabulous holiday!