Q: How long is the travel time to South Africa ?
A: South Africa is served by more than 70 international airlines and our national carrier, South African Airways, flies to many destinations in Europe , North and South America , Asia , Australia and New Zealand . Direct flights between the USA and Johannesburg take about 15 hours, and flights between London and Johannesburg take about 12 hours.
Q: Do visitors need a visa to travel to South Africa ?
A: Visitors from most Western European countries, Japan and the USA don't require visas. If you aren't entitled to an entry permit, you'll need to get a visa before you arrive. Click on the link provided to view the list of passport / travel document holders who are exempt from visas for South Africa : http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/visa_schedule.asp. Citizens of countries that require visas for South Africa should obtain these beforehand at the appropriate South African diplomatic or consular missions. Click on the link provided to view a list of South African embassies and missions abroad: http://www.dfa.gov.za/foreign/sa_abroad/index.htm. What is required is a valid passport with a minimum of two blank pages and a validity of six months past your intended return date from South Africa .
Q: How much does one tip in SA?
A: 10-15% if the service fee is not included. It is customary to tip porters, waiters, taxi drivers, caddies, tour guides, hairdressers and room service. By law hotel rates do not include a service charge.
Q: Are credit cards accepted?
A: In South Africa the most popular credit cards are Visa and MasterCard, which are honoured almost everywhere. Petrol purchases must be paid for in cash. Cirrus and Maestro ATM cards are honoured, and it is usually possible to withdraw up to 2 000 ZAR per day from ATMs, but the transaction fee can be quite expensive. A convenient option is to withdraw money from ATMs using an approved credit card instead.
Q: How strong is the sun?
A: Everywhere in South Africa the sun is very strong all year round. Travellers are advised to wear sunblock with an SPF of at least 15 and more if you sunburn easily.
Q: What are the medical facilities like?
A: As with all international travel, it is strongly advised that you are adequately covered by international health insurance for the duration of your stay in South Africa .
The private hospitals in South Africa are some of the best in the world. In fact, doctors at the Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town performed the world's first heart transplant in 1967. Private hospitals are more advanced than public hospitals and tend to be less crowded. Tourists are advised to visit private hospitals in the event of an emergency and are expected to pay cash for medical services rendered.
Q: Should I get travel insurance?
A: Yes. We would strongly advise you to ensure that you have sufficient medical insurance before departing for South Africa , as most medical facilities require cash for services rendered.
Q: What is a township?
A: During apartheid, black South Africans were forced to live in areas set apart from whites. These areas, which came to be known as townships, remain today even though apartheid has disappeared, and many are struggling to overcome poverty, poor housing and overcrowding. Soweto , which is an acronym for “ South Western Township ”, is home to an estimated two to four million people and is by far the largest township in South Africa . It is also the most developed, boasting 48 high schools, the largest hospital in the world, and a thriving middle class. Other townships throughout South Africa may not be as large as Soweto , but they still have the same warmth, spirit and vibrancy that make a visit unforgettable.
Q: Can you book a rental car in South Africa or should you arrange car hire in your own country before departure?
A: If you plan to extend your stay in South Africa and would like to rent a car, it is advisable to book car rental prior to departing from your own country, as car rental companies might be fully booked when you get here. However, there are a number of well-known car rental companies to choose from at international airports and in locations across the country, so on-the-spot bookings should generally not be a problem.
Q: Does one need an international driver's licence for South Africa ?
A: Foreign driving licences are valid in South Africa for up to six months, but must be printed in English. However, if you don't have such a licence, you'll need to get an international driving permit.
Q: How are the roads?
A: All major roads and highways in South Africa are excellent and typical of any first-world country. Some of South Africa 's back roads aren't as well maintained, so care should be taken while driving on them. South Africans drive on the left-hand side of the road, and the speed limits are indicated in kilometres per hour.
Q: What can I expect at the airport when I leave?
A: Upon departure, you may want to claim your VAT refund. You can do this at the airport as long as you have the receipts and the merchandise you purchased with you. You will also have to go through customs again.
Q: What's the weather like?
A: The seasons of the southern hemisphere are the opposite of those in the northern hemisphere so the summers run from November to February, when most of the country is characterised by hot weather with afternoon thunderstorms. South Africa enjoys one of the world's highest average daily hours of sunshine – 8.5, compared with 3.8 in London , 6.4 in Rome and 6.9 in New York . South Africa has an average annual rainfall of 464 mm, compared to a world average of 857 mm. Overall South Africa enjoys a temperate and pleasant climate, with lovely warm sunny days most of the year.
Q: Is South Africa a country or a province?
A: South Africa is a republic with an elected president. After the 1994 elections, it was divided into nine provinces: Western Cape , Eastern Cape , Northern Cape , Free State , North West , Gauteng , Limpopo , Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal .
Q: Do I need any vaccinations for South Africa ?
A: No vaccinations are required when visiting South Africa , but in some areas malaria is endemic. Those visiting the Kruger National Park and Zululand may consider a mefloquine hydrochloride-based malaria prophylaxis if recommended by their physician, especially in the period from November to April. All visitors over one year of age, who travel through or disembark in yellow fever endemic areas on their way to South africa , must carry valid certificates of vaccination against yellow fever (for further information, see the section on health requirements).
Q: How do I make international calls to and from South Africa ?
A: To call from South Africa , use the international dialling prefix of 00, followed by the international dialling code and full phone number including area code.
To call South Africa , the international dialling code is 27 followed by the number.
In South Africa the charges levied by hotels on international telephone calls are usually very high, so it is more convenient to use a phone card at a public phone.
For all those who have a GSM mobile phone, coverage is usually guaranteed in all cities and on main roads. If you wish to use your cellphone while in South Africa , please ensure that your international roaming function is activated before you depart. The South African Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-related Information Act (RICA) requires the compulsory registration of all SIM cards, which could lead to a time-consuming process when you want to purchase airtime or a SIM card.
Q: Will I be able to get my medication in South Africa ?
A: The same drugs found in Europe in all practicality may be found in South Africa , but possibly under a different name. However, many drugs are only available on prescription.
Q: Is it safe to drink tap water?
A: The city of Johannesburg has been granted Blue Drop status by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. This status indicates the efficacy of a municipality and water services provider in the overall management of drinking water quality. This prestigious award is only granted in the case of at least 95% compliance with the Blue Drop Compliance Programme criteria. Tap water in Johannesburg is therefore perfectly safe to drink.
Q: Can I make use of a laundry service?
A: Most establishments have in-house laundry services and most towns have self-operated launderettes where you can do your laundry at a very reasonable cost.
