Accommodation in South Africa | Südafrika Reise | Places | Travel and Stay in South Africa | Where to stay in Zuid Afrika

South African Standard Time is:

There are no time zone differences within South Africa itself.

Every person seeking to enter South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport for travel to South Africa and, where necessary, a visa. Enquiries can be directed to South African diplomatic representatives in the tourist's home country or whatever country they find themselves in or the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria. Multiple entry visas are advised for visitors who intend travelling to South Africa's neighbouring countries and back into South Africa.

Currently, passport holders of certain countries are exempt from visa requirements. Tourists must satisfy immigration officers that they have the means to support themselves during their stay, and that they are in possession of return or onward air tickets. Valid international health certificates are also required.

For more information regarding visa requirements visit the Department of Home Affairs Visa Section

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.

This disease is to the larger extent under control in South Africa. Regions that are affected are the Northern Province and Mpumalanga, northern KwaZulu-Natal and Zululand.

The risk of contracting the disease is very rare, provided that you take the standard precautions. Malaria tablets, a good insect repellent, particularly in the evening, long-sleeved shirts, mosquito nets (whilst sleeping) and mosquito coils are advisable precautions.

As South Africa is a developing country, unfortunately crime does exist, and a few basic precautions are necessary when visiting South Africa.

Most hotels have safes on the premises and it is advisable that all valuables, passports, cameras (when not in use), should be locked away. When walking in cities, valuables should be carried discreetly. Also when walking in our urban areas, try to do so during the day and don't become isolated from the general public.

Public transport, although not as advanced as first world countries, is available in South Africa, so there is no need to hitch-hike. If driving, do not pick up hitch-hickers and ensure that your car doors are locked at all times.

If you are in doubt as to the safety of a particular area or attraction, 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. The South African Police are easily recognisable in their blue uniforms and white & blue patrol vehicles.

All tourists intending to drive on South African roads are required to obtain an international drivers permit, if tourists are found driving without a permit they will be fined and not permitted to continue on their journey. Renting a car without a valid driver's permit is also not allowed. Wearing of seatbelts is compulsory and strictly enforced by law.

Drinking and driving laws in South Africa are very strict - with a maximum allowable alcohol blood content of 0.05%. Translated that means about one glass of wine for the average woman and perhaps 1.5 or two for the average or large man.

Our speed limits are 120kmph on the motorways, 100kmph on smaller roads and between 60 and 80kmph in towns. Be aware that even major national roads cut through residential areas so there may be a speed limit of 80 or 60kmph on a road that looks like a motorway. For the protection of pedestrians, especially children, tourists are really encouraged to comply. Need to hire a car.

For travellers wanting to make a calls overseas, they need to first dial 09, which is South Africa's international access code. They can then dial the country code, area code of the city or region and the number of the person they wish to call. e.g. a call to London, England with the following telephone number 456 1234 would need to have the following number dialled 09 44 20 456 1234.

Up to date information on the latest weather conditions in the following areas can be obtained by dialling the numbers indicated below. Under extraordinary conditions these reports are updated four times a day. (Calls to these numbers are free)

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 but some plugs with two smaller pins are also found on appliances. Adaptors can be purchased but may be in short supply. US-made appliances may need a transformer.

Most hotel rooms have 110 volt outlets for electric shavers and small appliances.

English, isiZulu, isiXhosa, isiNdebele, Afrikaans, siSwati, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Tshivenda and Xitsonga

One Rand (R) = 100 cents (c).

Notes issued R200, R100, R50, R20, R10;

Coins R5, R2, R1, 50c 20c, 10c & 5c.

Currency exchange rates are available at most banks and can be found in most daily publications (newspapers etc.)

Monday to Friday: 09h00 to 15h30
Saturday: 09h00 to 11h00

Automatic Teller Machines (ATM's) are found in most towns and operate on a 24 hour basis. Be vigilant and cautious at these machines though especially after dark.

Most international traveller's cheques are accepted provided they are in an acceptable currency and most banks as well as many hotels and shops will cash these as a service for the traveller.

Most towns in South Africa have a Post Office and have the following opening hours: Monday - Friday 08h00 - 16h30 and Saturdays between 08h00 - 12h00. If you wish to receive mail Post Restante, most of the main post offices have special counters for this purpose. Postage stamps are widely available from many stores (particularly branches of the Central News Agency - CNA).

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 R250.00. VAT can be claimed back at the point of departure provided tourists produce their receipts.

Tipping is customary in South Africa. As a guideline for visitors - Porters should be tipped R5 per item, Taxis 10%, Waiters and Waitresses in restaurants 10 - 15% of the bill. Parking and petrol station attendants can be given whatever small change you have available, any amount will be appreciated.