FAQ South Africa

Climate

South Africa has a very good climate. On average the country has more than 300 days of sunshine. The Western Cape has a similar climate to that of the Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and rain during the winter months. In the northern part of the country it is hot in summer with summer rain and mild dry winters. The eastern coastal areas have a subtropical climate, with snow in the Drakensberg Mountains.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are accepted throughout South Africa. In major cities you are able to purchase almost anything by using a credit card. Take note that smaller towns and stores may not have credit card facilities. Contact numbers in case of lost cards:
American Express: 715 343 7977 (collect call)
MasterCard: 0800 990 418
Visa-Card: 0800 990 475

Culture & Traditions

South Africa has one of the most culturally diverse populations in the world. With eleven different official languages it is no surprise that South Africa is known as the Rainbow Nation. The varying ethnic and cultural groups of the country have their own customs, many of these influenced by European, Western and African elements. The majority of the South African population is Christian. Other major religious groups include Hindus, Muslims and Jews.

Currency

South Africa makes use of the South African Rand (ZAR). You are able to change money at any bureaux de change and Forex desks at all major airports and in city centres.

Driving

International visitors are permitted to drive in South Africa if they are in possession of a licence issued and valid in their own country, provided that it is in English and bears the photograph and signature of the holder. If however your driver’s licence does not meet these requirements, you have to apply for an international driver’s license. Take note that traffic drives on the left hand side of the road and the wearing of safety belts are compulsory.

South Africa has a very well developed road infrastructure, with national roads connecting all major cities. Car rental companies are found at all national airports. To rent a vehicle, you have to produce a credit card, passport and valid driver’s licence. Want to rent a vehicle? Contact Siyabona Africa Travel at +27 21 424 1037/ +27 21 422 3111

Duty-Free Gifts and Souvenirs

Soccer fans are allowed to bring in duty-free gifts and souvenirs to the value of R1250, together with 50 cigars, 250 grams of tobacco, 400 cigarettes, 2 litres of wine, 1 litre of other alcoholic beverages, 50 milliliters of perfume, and 250 milliliters of toilet water without paying duty. Duty is levied at 20% for any goods exceeding those limits. Fans are also not allowed to import or export more than R200 in South African bank notes.

Electricity/Plugs

South Africa’s electricity supply is provided at 230 volts 50 Hz. Wall plugs are manufactured locally and not compatible with foreign plugs. You will find adaptors widely available in all major supermarkets and electrical shops which are compatible with European, US and Asian appliances. Batteries for appliances such as digital cameras, IPods, flashlights and others are also widely available in AAA, AA, C, D and 9V varieties.

Entertainment, Nightlife And Bars

South Africa’s nightlife and entertainment is definitely not an experience to be missed! South Africa has some of the best party and nightlife venues in the world, with local and international DJ’s keeping the party vibe alive until the early hours, perfect for any victory bash! Exciting theater productions, comedy shows or music gigs allow for every day celebration, whether your team wins or not.

Take note that most venues call last rounds between 2 and 4am. It is illegal in South Africa to drive under the influence of alcohol.

Food

Most eateries in South Africa have a familiar global menu offering varied options of popular foods from pizzas and hamburgers, to sushi, Thai and pastas. For a more exciting traditional South African dinner, feast on crocodile or kudu sirloins, fried mopane worms or lamb tripe. Those less daring can try the range of local delicacies such as biltong (salted, dried meat), Melktert (a famous South African dessert) or boerewors (traditional farm sausages, grilled on an open flame) for a culinary experience you won’t regret!

Immunisations

There is no international immunisation required when entering South Africa. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is however required for all travelers over one year of age within six days of leaving an infected country.

International Phone Calls

It is not as difficult as you might believe!
1. Dial 00 (this is South Africa’s international access code)
2. Then dial your country code (e.g. UK: +44, Portugal: +351, Germany: +49, US +1)
3. Dial the area code of the city or region and the number of the person you wish to call
4. E.g. call to London, England, telephone number 123 654, dial: 00 +44 208 123 654