CURRENCY
The unit of currency is the Rand, which is divided into 100 cents. There are many commercial banks in South Africa and most are easily accessible.
Bank hours are Mondays to Fridays 09h00 - 15h30 and on Saturdays 08h30 - 11h00. Major hotels have foreign currency facilities. Most shops, lodges and travel agencies will accept travellers cheques.
Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club credit cards are accepted almost everywhere except garages. Fuel payments must be made in cash. As you are not allowed to leave South Africa with more than R500.00 in cash, you must therefore carry the balance of your spending money in traveller’s cheques.
AIRPORT TAXES
There is currently a departure tax of R18.00 per internal sector per person and R60.00 for international departures. These are usually included in your itinerary.
TIPPING
Gratuities of 10% are normal for hotels and restaurant staff, porters and taxi drivers.
PASSPORTS
Required by all except for holders of United Nations Convention Travel documents. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after the date of your holiday.
VISAS - ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Citizens of the following countries do NOT require visas: UK, Ireland, Switzerland, West Germany, Liechtenstein and America. Citizens of countries not mentioned must apply for visas. Please check with your local immigration office if in any doubt as the situation changes frequently.
TELEPHONES
Pay phones may be used for international calls. Phone cards may be purchased at most retail outlets, the post office and C.N.A Stationers.
HEALTH
Visitors are strongly advised to take precautions against Malaria especially if travelling to the Eastern Transvaal and northern Zululand. Water is drinkable throughout South Africa though always take local advice if in doubt.
LOCAL TIME
Universal time +2
ELECTRICITY
230 V AC 50 Hz. You should bring an international plug converter.
BUSINESS HOURS
Government offices: Monday to Friday 08h00 - 16h30.
Shops: Monday - Friday 08h30 - 17h00. Saturday 08h30 - 13h00 (the larger shopping centres stay open until 17h00 and some are open on a Sunday 09h00 - 13h00).
WHAT TO WEAR
In summer (October to March) lightweight clothes are essential, with a light sweater sometimes for the evenings. Take a raincoat and an umbrella for the short showers. In resorts, casual clothes are normal but in cities and hotels, ties and jackets are worn, and smart casual clothes for the ladies. In the winter temperatures can drop to zero. Always take precautions against the sun (even in winter). Sun lotion, sunglasses and sun hat are essential items as are insect repellent and comfortable footwear. If you are travelling on the Blue Train/Rovos Rail or staying at five star hotels, a jacket and tie is required in the evenings.
DRIVING
In South Africa we drive on the left. A valid international drivers licence must be obtained by the client (valid British drivers licences are accepted). There is a minimum age of 21 years for the use of hire cars. Right hand drive throughout Southern Africa. The speed limit is 120km on motorways and 100km on minor roads. The standard of driving generally leaves a lot to be desired but road conditions generally good. Nearly all the dirt roads are passable, well maintained and accessible by saloon car. It is customary to pull over to the left on to the hard shoulder before being overtaken. Please be particularly wary of taxis/minibuses, which can act irrationally. Please note that credit cards are not accepted at petrol stations.
Petrol and diesel are readily available and garages on main routes have a 24hr service.
PHOTOGRAPHY
The choice of the correct camera equipment will determine the quality of your photos on your trip. For good photography of birds and animals, a telephoto lens is necessary. Please remember to bring plenty of film and a spare battery.
RECOMMENDED READING
"Land Mammals of South Africa - A Field Guide" - Smithers.
"A Brush with the Wild" - Paul Augustinus.
"Birds of Prey of Southern Africa" - Peter Steyn
"Birds of Southern Africa" - Ken Newman
"Discovering South Africa" - T.V. Bulpin.
"Field Guide to the Natal Drakensberg" - Dave and Par Irwin.
"African Wildlife Safari" - Camerapix.
"Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa" - Readers Digest 4th Edition.
"Journey through South Africa" - Gerald Cubitt & Peter Joyce.
"South Africa the Beautiful" - Struik Publishers.
