Travel Tips for Traveling To South Africa
Posted by Mau Mau
Useful travel information if your considering South Africa as your next travel destination...
South Africa is a relatively large country. Its is five times the size of Britain, twice as big as France and about one eighth the size of the United States of America. Climate South Africa ranks high in the world as far as sunshine days are concerned and the climate is generally mild throughout the year. Refer to the temperature charts for each region. Safety As in most countries in the world, travelers are advised to take the necessary safety precautions. Do not walk alone in unpopulated streets after dark or draw unneces-sary attention to money or jewellery on your person. Please make copies of passport and travel documents and keep in safe place. Only keep sufficient cash on your per-son for the days activities. Police emergency no is 10111 Dress Light cotton clothing is normally the most comfortable in summer. Warm clothing is required for winter. South Africans dress casually on most occasions and for visits to theatres and restaurants smart casual dress is quite acceptable. Evenings can be cool pack accordingly. Credit Cards Most major credit cards are accepted, as well as traveller's cheques in major curren-cies. Please note fuel cannot be purchased with standard credit cards. Shopping There are plenty of shopping opportunities. Centres such as the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town and Sandton City in Johannesburg offer first world shopping expe-riences. Shops are generally open in major centers on Sundays and shopping hours are from 8.30am till late. Price indicators Cool drink – R5.00, Bottled Water – R5.00, Bottle red wine – R40.00, White Wine – R30.00, Beer – R9.00, Draught – R12.00, Spirit – R8.00 per tot, Shooter – R10.00, Cigarettes – R13.00, Steak – R60.00, Pizza – R40.00, MacDonalds meal – R23.00, Movies – R30.00, Game of Pool – R5.00, Milk – R5.00 per litre and loaf of bread R4.00. Dining and entertainment These facilities are good and you can choose from international standard cuisine in top class hotels and restaurants or try one of the smaller bistro restaurants found all over the country. Dining out would cost on average R100.00 per head Tipping Tipping for foodservice and guides is standard practice and while any tip is nor-mally welcome a good guideline is a 10% gratuity. Immunisation No international immunisation is needed when entering South Africa. Malaria though is a risk, which is predominant in the malignant form P. Falciparum, and exists through the year in certain areas of the country, mainly northern Kwazulu Natal and Mpumalanga (Kruger National Park). Resistance to Chloroquine has been reported. Medical care Medical services are readily available from Doctors in private practice and private hospitals. It is very important for visitors to have taken out travel insurance which incorporates medical cover. Medicine may be purchased at pharmacies and emergency pharmacies are open at night. Language Although there are 11 official languages, English, Afrikaans and a variety of African dialects. The English-speaking visitor will have no problem while traveling through the country. Taxation Tourists can have sales tax refunded at a port of exit, provided the value of each invoice for goods purchased exceeds R50.00 and the value of the total items purchased exceeds R250.00. Tax of 14% is normally included in the quoted price of goods and services. Your passport, invoices and goods purchased must be available when claiming the refund at the departure lounges of Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban International Airports Electricity The standard power source is 220volts AC. Most foreign appliances will need an adaptor or transformer to link with local electrical power. Driving in South Africa We drive on the left hand side of the road. The roads are generally good and most National routes have toll fees. The cost varies from R7.00 to R40.00 The speed limit in built up areas is 60km per hour and varies from 100 to 120km on national roads. Fuel Many fuel stations throughout South Africa are open 24 hours a day and all with leaded and unleaded petrol and diesel. Fuel will cost approximately R4.8O per litre. Seat Belts It is compulsory to wear seat belts, both front and rear. Small children and babies must be restrained in an appropriate child seat or carrier. Child seats should be ordered when you book your car. Drinking and Driving You are strongly advised not to drink and drive. Penalties are severe. Public Transport Public Transport is not up to international standards. One needs a vehicle to get around effectively. Taxis are available but are quite expensive. How fast by road? (hours) Cape Town to Johannesburg – 16 hours
Cape Town to Port Elizabeth – 8 hours
Cape Town to Plettenberg Bay – 5 hours
Johannesburg to Nelspruit – 4 1 hours
Durban to Johannesburg – 5 hours
Durban to Port Elizabeth – 10 hours
Johannesburg to Sun City – 2 hours Sun Protection The sun in Africa is harsh. Sun protection is strongly recommended. Water The water in most areas is drinkable however a wide range of still and sparkling water is sold throughout the country. Mau is an editor for http://www.HolidaysInAfrica.co.za, an online African holiday planner featuring information on African desitinations, activities and accommodation facilities
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