Major Airports in South Africa
Johannesburg International Airport - JIA
Cape Town International Airport - CPT
Kruger, Mpumalanga International Airport – MQP/KMIA
Port Elizabeth Airport - PLZ
George Airport - GRJ
Durban International Airport - DUR
Richards Bay Airport - RCB

Other Entry /Border Posts of South Africa
Namibia Vioolsdrift - Open 24 hrs
Botswana Tlokweng - Open from 0700 hours to 2200 hours
Zimbabwe Beitbridge - Open from 0700 hours to 2000 hours

Mozambique Komtiepoort - Open from 0700 to 2200 hours

Banking South Africa
South Africa has a modern banking system. The major banks are Bank of Athens, First National Bank, Mercantile Lisbon, Natal Building Society, Nedbank, Standard Bank of South Africa, The Perm and ABSA Bank. The banks with major networks are First National Bank and Standard Bank. Most international credit cards are accepted at automated teller machines (ATMs) and you can easily get cash if you are a holder of an international credit card. However, while travelling in the country, you will not see a lot of cities and banks and it is therefore advisable to get cash from the major cities or from the airports, where all major banks are represented. Most commercial banks are open from 09h00 - 15h30 on Monday to Friday and from 08h00 -11h00 on Saturday.

Climate of South Africa
South Africa is renowned for almost seven months of sunshine (give or take a few chilly spells). From May to August, temperatures drop. However, generally speaking, April and May are the most temperate months. The wide expanses of ocean on three sides of South Africa have a moderating influence on its climate. More apparent, however, are the effects of the warm Agulhas and cold Benguela currents along the east and west coasts, respectively.

While Durban (east coast) and Port Nolloth (west coast) lie more or less on the same latitude, there is a difference of at least 6 degrees centigrade in their mean annual temperatures.

The Western Cape, in winter, experiences Mediterranean-type winter rains - chilly, windy and wet - brought by strong north-westerly winds. Other Costal areas enjoy rainfall throughout the year, but 80% of the Country’s rain falls during the summer months, often accompanied by hail and thunderstorm.

Overall, South Africa is a dry country with annual average rainfall of 464mm, against the world average of 857 mm. About 60% of the country receives less than 500 mm annually, the usual minimum of dry-land farming.

Despite regional differences, the winters are predominantly mild, and snow is limited to the high mountain peaks. Winter is the dry season in the north and therefore the best season to spot animals in game reserves and National Parks. In certain areas, notably the hot, humid KwaZulu-Natal coast, Mpumalanga and the Limpopo (Northern) Province, June and July are the ideal holiday months.

The seasons are as follows:-
Spring: September, October
Summer: November to March
Autumn: April, May
Winter: June to August

Clothing for South Africa Travel
Casual and comfortable clothing is recommended. Jackets and ties are not required in city hotels and restaurants. Some of the most practical items to pack are: Shorts and cotton tee-shirts, swimming suit, comfortable walking shoes, safari clothes - casual, light and neutrally coloured cotton clothes. A jersey and a warm jacket is recommended for evenings and early mornings, as it can be quite cold especially in winter.

For open-air vehicle game drives, warm clothes are highly recommended.
A hat, sunscreen, lip balm, a pair of binoculars, a camera and a decent pair of sunglasses, are all reasonable items to bring along.

Use of Credit Cards in South Africa
Master Card, Visa, American Express, Diners Club, and their affiliates are widely accepted. Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are situated outside many banks and operate 24 hours a day. Note that credit cards are not accepted at petrol stations as payment for fuel.

Currency of South Africa
The official currency is the Rand (ZAR) which is divided into 100 cents (c).
Bank notes currently available are R200, R100, R50, R20, and R10 - all bearing the effigy of the “Big Five”.
Coins are R5, R2, R1 - (antelopes) in silver; 50c, 20c, 10c - (flowers) in bronze; and 5c, 2c and 1c - (birds) in bronze.

Visa Requirements and passport Requirements
All visitors require a valid passport, and those from certain countries may also require a visa. Information on visa requirements can be obtained from travel agents, a South African Embassy or Trade Mission abroad or the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria.

It is very important to check what the requirements are for each nationality at the time of travel. Most itineraries in South Africa involve crossing Swaziland, Lesotho or even Zimbabwe. This could necessitate a double- or multiple-entry visa. Visas are NOT issued at South African border posts. Visa extensions may also be obtained from the Department of Home Affairs.

Customs and Excise Regulations in South Africa
Personal effects are duty free and all valuables must be declared on entry. Duty free allowances are: 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 250 g cigarette or pipe tobacco, 2 litres of wine, 1 litre of spirit or other alcoholic beverages, 50 ml perfume, 250 ml Eau de Toilette, and gifts, souvenirs and other goods with a value of R500 or less.

On arriving in the country, visitors should enter the green channel at customs if the goods in their possession are within the duty free customs allowance and are not for commercial purposes, prohibited or restricted. Custom charges are payable before leaving the customs hall.

Disabled Travelers to South Africa
Various areas of interest and accommodations are designed to cater for the needs of the disabled traveller. However, always enquire about the facilities available beforehand.

Drinking Water in South Africa
Tap water is safe to drink everywhere. If not, you will be systematically warned and bottled water is available for buying. Exercise extra caution in rural areas. Never drink water from rivers or streams. Tourists travelling by road are advised to carry sufficient water at all times.

Driving and Road Travel in South Africa
Vehicles are available for hire at all major airports. Visitors must be in possession of a valid international driver’s license.

Traffic laws are strictly enforced. Seat belts must always be worn. Driving is on the left side of the road, and one always gives way to vehicles approaching from the right. Traffic lights are on the other side of the road and the ones concerning you are the ones facing you.

The speed limit is 120 km/h on freeways and 60 km/h in residential areas. Always drive with a map as suburbs are huge and distances are long. It can take a while to realise that you have taken Road signs and directions are in English or are bilingual - English and Afrikaans.

Electricity in South Africa
The voltage is 220/250 volts, but a special adapter for video camera chargers and hairdryers is required. Most hotel receptions can supply these. Generally speaking, Universal Adapters do not work in South Africa.

Emergency Numbers in South Africa
Ambulance: 1022
Fire Brigade: 1022 (ask for fire)
Police: 10111

Foreign Exchange in South Africa
Although you will need some cash with you on arrival for travel costs and to cover general expenses during the first few weeks, it is wise to bring most of your money in traveller’s cheques. There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency being brought into the country, provided it is declared to the Customs/Excise officers on arrival.

You are advised to purchase traveler’s cheques in Sterling, US Dollars, Euros or Rand. Also keep in mind that traveler’s cheques should be exchanged at banks, rather than hotels or shops, as the exchange rate is more favourable. The exchange rate offered by the banks is clearly indicated and tellers are professional and are accustomed to performing international transactions. Commercial services at the major airports are open to accommodate all international flights.

Health issues for South Africa Travel
No immunization is required for visitors entering the country. However, for those coming in from a yellow fever endemic area, a valid international yellow-fever vaccination certificate is required.

Visitors to Mpumalanga and KwaZulu Natal are advised to have the necessary malaria medication or prophylaxis and also to carry insect repellents and sprays. Consult your doctor or pharmacist on the appropriate courses to take.

The African sun is hot and visitors should not over-indulge. Wear a good hat, lots of sunscreen and take time to acclimatize.

Medical Facilities in South Africa
Medical services are good throughout South Africa, especially in urban areas. If you require your own personal specialized medication, you should bring it with you on your trip. Medical treatment and hospital fees must be paid direct. Special travel insurance is recommended. Most hotels have a list of doctors, whose names may also be found in the medical section of telephone directories. Some of the hospitals and clinics are Sunward Park Hospital, Arwyp Clinic (Johannesburg); Louis Pasteur hospital, UNITAS Hospital (Pretoria); St. Aidans Mission Hospital (Durban); Greenacres Hospital (Port Elizabeth); and Durbanville MediClinic (Cape Town).

Languages in South Africa
South Africa has 11 official languages, namely - Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Pedi, Sotho, Swati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu. English is widely spoken everywhere except in rural areas where it can be very basic.

Photography in South Africa
If you use slides, you are advised to buy all films before coming to the country as they are not easily available. Otherwise, you will find all standard films in cities and in hotel shops, and you can have your pictures processed in 1 hour in major cities. The quality is acceptable.

Public Holidays in South Africa
If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following day (Monday) will automatically be a public holiday as well.
Jan 01 New Year’s Day
Mar 21 Human Rights Day
Friday before Easter Sunday Good Friday
<Variable Holiday> Easter Sunday
Day after Easter Sunday Family Day
Apr 27 Freedom Day
May 01 Workers’ Day
Jun 16 Youth Day
Aug 09 National Women’s Day
Sep 24 Heritage Day
Dec 16 Day of Reconciliation
Dec 25 Christmas Day
Dec 26 Day of Goodwill

Public Transport in South Africa
Trains and buses operate between the towns and cities, and all the major cities have bus services. Blue Train & Rovos Rail also offers an excellent opportunity to see the Southern African region in the comfort and elegance of the age-old tradition of rail travel.

Safety and Security in South Africa
As in most countries of the world, travellers are advised to take the necessary safety precautions. Crime is present in the big cities and in many coastal towns. Don’t walk alone in deserted areas, especially after dark, and don’t carry - at least not conspicuously - large sums of money or expensive cameras in city centres.

As much as possible, traveler’s cheques or credit cards should be used. Use the hotel’s safe deposit box for valuables. At night, only use taxis booked through a reputable taxi company. By exercising reasonable care, visitors can ensure a relaxed and pleasant stay in the country.

Shopping in South Africa
The cities and larger towns have numerous shopping malls with department stores and speciality shops. The main attractions are jewellery, leather goods, African curios, antiques, ceramics and clothing. There are arts and craft markets throughout the country.

You will find very high quality handicrafts covering the tradition of South Africa and even other African countries as well known as gold and diamonds.

Shopping hours are generally from 08h30 to 16h30 - on Monday to Friday, and from 08h30 to 12h30 - on Saturdays. However, in the metropolitan areas, many shops are open all day - Monday to Saturday, and even on Sunday - as well as later in the evenings.

Telecommunications in South Africa
South Africa has a sophisticated telecommunications system. The country is well serviced with coin- and card-operated public telephones. Most national routes are covered by South Africa’s cellular phone networks, and cellular phones are available for hire at the major airports.

When calling international to South Africa, dial +27 followed by the area code prefix (the first 0 in the area code should not be dialled) and then the local number. For calls from South Africa, the international access code is 09.

South African area codes and other country codes can be found in South African telephone directories
The major area codes are listed below:-
Johannesburg: (011)
Pretoria: (012)
Cape Town: (021)
Durban: (031)
Port Elizabeth: (041)

Timezone
Johannesburg time is GMT + 2 hours.

Tipping in South Africa
As service is generally not included in prices, travellers can add 10% to 12% to the total bill, if the service has been satisfactory.

For porters, R5 to R10 per suitcase is a reasonable tip. For tour guides and/or drivers, the average is between R15 and R20 per person per day, which is shared between the guide and driver.

It is customary to tip caddies, taxi drivers, hotel and railway porters, room maids, stewards, waiters/waitresses, tour guides and game rangers at 10-15%. Tips are often relied on by staff and many hotels have an “envelope system” with tips distributed evenly among staff.