A wide range of accommodation is available in South Africa, from affordable backpacker lodges, self-catering facilities for the shoestring budget or family traveler right up to luxury resorts and hotels for those lucky ones not worrying about cost.
The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) provides star ratings ranging between 1-star (fair to good) and 5-star (exceptional, luxurious) to suit your needs. If the accommodation facility has a star rating you should have a fairly good idea of what to expect.
Banks do business from Monday to Friday between 09:00 and15:30. On Saturday it's between 08:30 and 11:00. No Sunday banking.
ATM’s are open 24/7 and are usually located outside banks or around shopping centers and other busy public areas. Be wide awake when withdrawing cash at an ATM and do not accept help from strangers. Criminals are sly and will steal your PIN code or bank card before you can say 'Welcome in Africa'. Report stolen cards immediately at the nearest bank or call the toll-free numbers listed at all ATM machines.
Summers are hot to sweltering, so light cotton clothing during the day and a light jersey for cool evenings is advisable. Do not forget descent sunscreen protection. Africa's sun is harsh! Hats, sunglasses, insect repellant and rainwear for the rainy season are essential. Winters require sweaters and jackets for chilly mornings and evenings.
Most major credit cards (such as Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express) are accepted almost anywhere in South Africa. These cards can be used the withdraw cash from ATM’s countrywide.
The local currency used is the RAND, which is divided into 100 cents (R1.00 = 100 cents). Notes are in denominations of R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200 and each of these have a different member of the Big 5 printed on the front (in order from lowest to highest you'll see the rhino, elephant, lion, buffalo or leopard). Coins are divided into 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and R5.
Visitors may bring in goods to the value of R3 000 into South Africa. Duty is leveled at 20% up to R12 000. All personal effects are allowed in free of duty. Also see Value Added Tax (VAT) below.
Most restaurants, shopping centres, accommodation and public amenities are wheelchair-friendly. Wheelchairs can be hired in most cities.
South African tap water is safe to drink but bottled water is available almost everywhere where refreshments are sold. Only buy commercial drinks and ensure that the safety-seal on the cap is not broken. Alcohol is not for sale to any person under the age of 18 years and may not be consumed in public. Drinking and driving is a serious offence. The legal blood/alcohol limit is 0.05mg per 100ml. Police roadblocks are frequent in all major cities.
The local current is 220/230 volts AC and wall outlets take three round-pronged plugs, so and adapter is necessary. Most backpacker lodges and hotels will have adapters available. If you bring your cell phone (mobile) along remember the charger and – if necessary – a connection plug.
Backpackers wanting to exchange foreign currency to Rand can go to any of the listed banks, Foreign Exchange Bureaus (FEB's), most of the bigger hotels or exchange it at the airport exchange counter on arrival in South Africa. Your Identification Document (ID book) will be required as well as proof of return to your country. Remember to exchange back to your currency before you depart. All banks, FEB's and travel agents list the current exchange rate. Rates are also available in local newspapers or on the Internet.
We strongly recommend travel insurance when visiting Southern Africa. Medical and hospital charges must be paid for on the spot. Travelers from a yellow fever zone must have a valid certificate to prove they have been vaccinated. We advise backpackers visiting malaria-prone areas (such as game parks) to take anti-malarial tablets well in advance. It is available at pharmacies and clinics. For more information visit www.malariahotspots.co.za
Internet cafés and/or stations are widely available across South Africa. Most hotels and backpacker lodges offer this facility. Charges depend on the time spent online, so find out the cost involved before you connect.
South Africa has no less than eleven official languages but English is widely spoken and used almost everywhere.
To enter South Africa you must be in possession of a valid passport for travel and, where necessary, a visa. Contact the South African diplomatic representatives abroad before you book your flight. Backpackers planning to travel to neighbouring countries (such as Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia or Zambia) and then back to South Africa are advised to apply for multiple entry visas. Passport holders of certain countries are exempt from visa requirements. Contact the South African Embassy in your country to establish whether you need a visa or not.
Petrol (gas) stations are easily accessible throughout South Africa – next to highways, main roads, in city centres, towns and business and residential areas. You can choose between leaded and unleaded petrol or diesel. If you are not sure which (most new models refill with unleaded) refer to the car manual or ask a petrol attendant, they usually know. The price of fuel often fluctuates but expect to pay anywhere between R8.00 and R10.00 per litre. It is customary to tip the attendant (see Tipping) for services such as cleaning the windscreen, checking the oil and tyre-pressure or filling up the tank.
Plan ahead! As in other countries most South African shops are closed on public holidays and accommodation and leisure facilities may be fully booked. South Africa has the following fixed public holidays:
Also keep in mind that School Holidays mean one thing: crowded shopping centres, restaurants, fast food outlets, leisure facilities, accommodation, beaches and cinemas. So be prepared for the onslaught if you are traveling during these times and make sure your backpacker accommodation and activities are booked in advance - especially in the silly season from mid-December till the end of January.
In South Africa the road signs with lettering are in English and Afrikaans. Most signs without lettering are pretty straightforward and very similar to those you'll find anywhere across the globe. Two signs to look out for is the ‘Hijacking Hot Spot’ and the ‘High Accident Zone’ signs, which are self explanatory. Another sign that you should be aware of is one that reads 'Potholes’ (or ‘Slaggate’ in Afrikaans).
In the Car:
At the backpackers or hotel:
In the Street:
Emergency Numbers
When you arrive at your backpackers or hotel ask the front desk which areas to avoid – they will know. For further confirmation contact the nearest police station and ask them about the no-go areas. Important things to ALWAYS remember:
Smoking is not allowed in enclosed public areas. Most restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels and backpacking lodges have clearly demarcated smoking and non-smoking sections.
Meter taxis (or cab services) do not operate unless you phone them for a pick-up or go to a taxi rank. Try to negotiate a fixed fee before you get in. A small tip is expected (see Tipping). For inner city transport most locals use minibus taxis. They usually cruise the busy centres and are easily flagged. It is the cheaper way to get from point A to B but not always safe as they sometimes overloaded and not necessarily 100% road worthy. Practice caution.
Public phones are coin or card operated. The green coloured public phones use telephone cards in denominations of R10 to R200. These cards can be bought at hotels, post offices and supermarkets. Cellular phones (mobiles are widely used and could be hired at airports.
Directories:
South Africa's international dialing code is +27. Numbers that start with the code 012 (+27 12) are located in Pretoria/Tshwane and surrounding areas, numbers starting with 011 (+27 11) are in or around Johannesburg, 013 (+27 13) is for Durban and surrounds and 021 (+27 21) will hook you up in and around Cape Town. For further local dialing codes contact Telkom (1023) or inquire at a post office or your hotel. If you want to call overseas, first dial 09 (South Africa’s international access code), then your country's code (phone 0903 if you are not sure), followed by the area code of the city/region you are calling and the number of the person you wish to contact. The cellular (mobile) phone companies in South Africa are Vodacom, MTN, and Cell C. They offer quality services with good reception in most areas. You can hire a cell phone (mobile) from any of these providers when you arrive. Costs are reasonable and insurance against theft is included in the cost. Some car rental companies also provide phones for hire.
Tipping a person who provides a service is customary in South Africa. The following people are usually tipped but use this as a broad guideline – feel free to give more if you think the service was great:
Visit www.aasa.co.za for information.
Certain buildings (especially shopping centres) charge for undercover and/or open-air parking. On driving in you will receive a ticket from the dispenser at the boom gate entrance. Keep the ticket in a safe place. Remember to first pay the ticket at any of the paying stations situated inside or close to the exit to the shopping centre after you've done your shopping. This would set you back anything between R5.00 and R50.00, depending on how long your car was parked. On driving out insert the paid ticket at the boom gate exit receiver.
All motorists driving on South African roads must have a valid drivers license. If you are visiting from overseas you can use your regular drivers license as long as a photo of you is displayed on the card. Otherwise apply for an international drivers license before visiting here.
Value Added Tax (VAT) applies to international tourists (any person who does not intend on staying permanently) who would like to export certain items (movable goods only) back home. It is currently levied at 14% for most goods and services. You may however reclaim the VAT at international departure points on purchases exceeding R250.00. This of course only applies to legal goods. By reclaiming, the VAT charged for the item is deducted, as this form of taxation is only payable by South African residents. This can be done up to 90 days from date of purchase. Contact the VAT Refund Administrator for more information: +27 (0) 11 394 1117
The Automobile Association (AA) is South Africa’s main support centre for recovering vehicles, so if you experience car trouble contact their Customer Service Centre at 082 16 111. If you are a member they will help you immediately, and if you are not a member you can sign up over the phone. As soon as they have all required information a vehicle will be sent out to assist you. Most care hire companies however do offer roadside assistance.
South Africa has an excellent climate all year round. Summers are generally hot and thunderstorms (especially inland and the along the East Coast) can be expected. Winters are dry and mild with occasional cold spells. The Western Cape has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and rain in winter. For more detailed information contact the South African Weather Services (www.weathersa.co.za).
t +27 (0)21 447 88 55
Unit 413
Old Castle Brewery
Beach Road
Woodstock
Cape Town
