| Currency |
One Rand (R) = 100 cents (c)
Notes issued R200, R100, R50, R20, R10
Coins issued R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c & 1c
Currency exchange rates are available at banks and published daily in the
press
Banking Hours:
Monday to Friday : 09h00 to 15h30Saturday : 09h00 to
11h00
Autobanks (ATM's, automated teller machines) are found mostly in the town area and operate on 24 hour basis
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| Electricity |
220/230 volts AC at 50 cycles per
second.
Three pronged plugs are universal, pack in an adaptor.
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| Languages |
Nine of the country's 11 official languages are African, reflecting a variety of ethnic groupings which nonetheless have a great deal in common in terms of background, culture and descent. Afrikaans (13.3 %), English (8.2 %), isiNdebele (1.6 %), isiXhosa (17.6 %), IsiZulu (23.8 %), Sepedi (9.4 %), Sesotho (7.9 %), Setswana (8.2 %), siSwati (2.7 %), Tshivenda ( 2.3 %), Xitsonga (4.4 %)
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| Standard Times |
Standard Time is two hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time, one hour in advance of central European winter time and seven hours in advance of United States eastern standard time throughout the year.
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| Visa Requirements |
Every person seeking to enter South
Africa must be in possession of a valid passport for travel in South Africa and, where necessary, a visa. Enquiries can be direct to the South African diplomatic representatives aboard or the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria. Visitors who intend travelling to South Africa's neighbouring countries and back in South Africa are advised to apply for multiple entry
visas.
In terms of existing arrangements, passport holders of certain countries are exempted from visa requirements. Tourists must satisfy immigration officers that they have the means to support themselves during their stay, and that they are in possession of return or onward air tickets. They must also have valid international health
certificates.
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Tipping |
Is customary in South Africa. A guideline for visitors is the following : Porter R2 per item, taxi’s 10 % of total fare, waiters/waitresses 10-15 % of total bill, dependant on quality of service.
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| Travellers Cheques |
Most international traveller's cheques are accepted provided they are in an acceptable currency and may be cashed at most banks. Many hotels and shops also provide this service.
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| Vat/Tax refunds |
Foreign tourists visiting South Africa can have their value-added tax (VAT) refunded provided the value of the items purchased exceeds R250.00 VAT is refunded on departure at the point of
departure.
VAT of 14 % is levied on nearly all goods and services. Foreign tourists may claim back VAT paid on items that will be taken out of the country. For further information contact VAT Refund Administrator (Pty) Ltd, 0800 119 868 (toll free number)
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Security & Safety |
Information for foreigners : As South Africa is a developing country, crime does exist, so we would advise you to take a few basic precautions. All valuables, passports, cameras etc. should be locked in a safe or lockable cupboard. Public transport is available, so there is no need to hitch-hike. If driving, do not pick up hitch-hikers and ensure that your vehicle doors are locked at all times. The South African Police are easily recognised in their blue uniforms and white & blue patrol vehicles.
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| Immunisations |
No international immunisation is needed when entering South Africa. The only inoculation requirements is a yellow fever vaccination certificate from travellers over one year of age entering South Africa within six days of leaving an infected area.
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| Malaria |
This disease is to the larger extend under control in South Africa. Regions that are affected are the Northern Province and Mpumalanga, northern Natal and Zululand. The risk of contracting the disease is negligible provided that you take the standard precautions. Malaria tablets, a good insect repellent particularly in the evenings, long-sleeved shirts and mosquito coils are advisable precautions.
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Phoning overseas from South Africa |
If you wish to make a call overseas, you must first dial 00, which is South Africa's international access code. You then dial the country code, area code of the city or region and the number of the person you wish to call. For example, if you make a call to Sydney, Australia, telephone number 123 4567. you must dial 00 61 2 123 4567
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| Travel Insurance |
It is highly recommended that all travellers take out sufficient travel insurance. There are many affordable packages on offer with high limit accident insurance for all nationalities, with customized plans designed to cover domestic and international school trips, corporate and non-profit trips, incentive trips, conference & convention travel, travel to perform in musical & theatrical events, travel to participate in amateur & professional sports, including high risk activities & adventure sports, such as scuba diving, mountain climbing, white-water rafting, parachuting, bungee jumping, snow sports, motor sports, and more. Also available is group travel insurance when at least 5 travellers on the same itinerary apply for travel insurance coverage on one application, with substantial savings for larger groups.
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Car Hire / Transfers |
Numerous suppliers offering competitive rates and cost effective advice to meet individual requirements. Also on offer at most car hire outlets are airport transfers, day tours and campers. These you can either be booked prior to your departure through your local travel agents or on arrival at most airports.
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