F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
Climate:
As the country lies in the southern hemisphere, the seasons in South Africa are the
reverse of those in the northern hemisphere. December and January are the main summer
holiday months, and people flock to the beaches in droves. In May and June, Autumn brings
warm days and cool nights. The climate is at its best at this time in most parts of the
country. Autumn and Spring are the best seasons for hiking. From the beginning of July to
the end of September, you can expect cold conditions in most of the country, and rain in
the Western Cape. Snow sometimes falls on the Natal Drakensburg and the Cape mountains in
winter.
Communication
Services:
A direct dialing service connects all centres' except for villages in the more rural
districts. The international telephone service links south Africa with countries around
the world. Cellular phones can be hired on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
Credit Cards:
Major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa
and their affiliates are accepted in South Africa
Currency:
The currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R1. R1 = 100 cents. Foreign currency
can be exchanged at commercial banks, American Express and Rennies Travel.
Health Hazards:
Malaria regions include Northern Province and Mpumalanga and the north of KwaZulu Natal.
Preventative medication is obtainable at all South African pharmacies. It's important to
consult a pharmacist for advice on the best drug or drug combination you should take. In a
malaria region, you should avoid wearing perfume or aftershave lotion, and it's advisable
to wear long sleeves and long trousers at night. The bilharzia (shistosomiasis)
parasite is present in streams, rivers, lakes and dams in some of the northern and eastern
parts of the country, and vistors should therefore avoid contact with the water in these
regions. The Eastern Cape is bilharzia free.
Sun Protection:
The South African sun is strong with a high ultraviolet rating, so screening products with
sun protection factors of 15 and over are recommended.
Visas:
Passport holders from more than 80 countries, including the USA, Canada, Japan and the
European Union countries can visit South Africa without visas. For further information
contact your local office of the diplomatic or consular representative of the South
African Government.
Water:
In the major cities and towns and most game reserves, tap water is purified and 100% safe
to drink.
Time Differences:
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.
Immunisation:
People arriving in South Africa from a Yellow Fever Zone, must have a valid international
yellow fever inoculation certificate. Infants under the age of one year are exempt.
Immunisation against cholera and smallpox is not required.
Languages:
South Africa currently has 11 official languages. English is spoken throughout the
country. French, Italian and German are spoken by staff members in many of the larger
hotels and shops.
Medical
Services:
South Africa has no national health scheme. It's advisable to purchase travel insurance
which covers medical expenses during the period of your stay.
Shopping:
Local manufacturers set a high premium on workmanship, and at the current Rand value, you
can afford to be really extravagant. Shopping hours are generally 08:00 to 17:00 on
weekdays, and 08:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays. Many shops in cities are open Sundays.
Rules
of the Road:
An excellent road network links the largest metropolitan areas with the smallest villages.
South Africa drives on the left. The speed limit in urban areas is usually 60 km per hour,
and on freeways 120 km per hour unless otherwise indicated. Wearing seat belts is
compulsory; driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence and traffic laws
are strictly enforced.
A valid driver's licence, provided
the photograph is an integral part of the document, and provided it is printed in English,
is accepted. If your licence does not comply with these requirements, you should obtain an
International Driving Permit before your departure for South Africa.
Religions:
Most denominations are represented. Churches, Mosques, Temples and Synagogues are located
in most major cities.
Wining
and Dining:
South Africa is acclaimed for its top quality fresh produce and culinary excellence. In
most cities and towns, menu's feature French, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Greek, Mexican,
Cape Malay and every other type of cuisine imaginable. the standard ranges from the
unexceptional to the sublime. this country is also internationally renowned for its fine
wines. Many estates have been producing world-class wines for years - and they're
improving all the time. Most unlicensed restaurants invite patrons to bring their own
wine. Restaurant guides are available from publicity associations in major cities.
VAT (Value Added Tax):
Currently set at 14%, VAT is included in the marked/quoted price of most goods and
services.
Foreign visitors
are not exempt from paying VAT on purchased goods. They may, however, claim back VAT paid
on items taken out of the country when the total value exceeds R 250.00. |
