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SOUTH AFRICA - TOURIST INFORMATION
BANKING HOURS
Banks in South Africa are usually open between 09h00 and 15h30 weekdays, and 08h30 to 11hOO on Saturdays. Automatic teller machines are open 24 hours and are located in most towns and cities.
CURRENCY
The currency unit is the Rand - denoted by the symbol R, and RI=100 cents. Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and stores throughout the country.
DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS
US and Canadian citizens do not need visas for travel to South Africa.
ELECTRICITY
Current is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second.
EMERGENCIES
In dire need, dial 10111 for the Flying Squad.
HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Vaccinations for cholera and smallpox are not required, but travellers from a yellow fever zone must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Visitors to game parks must take anti-malaria tablets which are available across the counter at any pharmacy.
LANGUAGE
Although the new South Africa boasts 11 official languages, the major languages spoken are still English and Afrikaans. The other 9 languages are African, the most common being Zulu and Xhosa.
LOCAL FOOD AND WINE
Most of the dishes served in restaurants are similar to those of Europe and America, but typical South African dishes include sosaties (a type of Kebob), bobotie (a curried dish), various bredies (meat and vegetable casseroles), crayfish (or block lobster), and many other seafood dishes traditional to the Western Cape produces very fine wines, ranking among the world's best.
SHOPPING HOURS
Most shops are open from 08h30 to 17h00 Monday through Saturday and on Sundays until 13h00. Most major cities boasts magnificent Flea Markets over weekends.Check with your hotel's concierge desk.
TIME DIFFERENCE
Throughout the year Standard Time in South Africa is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, one hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, and seven hours in advance of Eastern Standard Winter Time in the USA.
TIPPING
If not included, it is customary to tip 10% to taxi drivers, waitresses, waiters, stewards and delivery persons. Porters at hotels and stations are usually given R3.00 per bag. On safari, approximately US $5.00 per person per day, or more if service is above-average.
TAXES
There is currently a 14% VAT levied on all goods and services manufactured or rendered within South Africa. On goods only where the total value exceeds R250, you may reclaim the 14% VAT on departure from Johannesburg International Airport, provided you show the goods purchased and the receipt.
WATER
Tap water is purified and safe to drink throughout South Africa.
WHAT TO PACK
Dress for outdoor comfort during the day. Comfortable walking shoes, subdued-coloured safari outfits and sun hats are recommended for those visiting game parks. Take with you swimsuits and sunglasses, A light sweater for evening wear when temperature may drop. In the game reserves, binoculars are also useful and a torch essential at night, although most game lodges provide them.
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