General Information

Time differences

South Africa operates two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time throughout the year, making it an hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Winter Time and seven hours behind Australian Central Time.

Getting there

Johannesburg International Airport is the major airport in South Africa and is the hub for 45 airlines from all five continents. Flights from Europe are generally overnight and just a sleep away – an aperitif, dinner, sound sleep, and a good breakfast – and voila, you’re in South Africa! The direct flights between the USA and Johannesburg or Cape Town are about 15 hours, and flights between London and Johannesburg is about 12 hours.

The following Airlines fly in directly to Cape Town

- Virgin Atlantic

- KLM

- Air Malaysia

- Turkish Airline

- Qatar

- Emirates

- Singapore Airline

- British Airways

- Delta Airlines

- South African Airline

Passports and visas

All visitors to South Africa must be in possession of a valid passports required to enter South Africa, and in some cases a visa. However, it is important to note that under South Africa’s Immigration Act of 2002 ( Act. 13 of 2002) in force since 7 April 2003, (a) Immigration Act, 2008 the passport shall contain at least ONE unused page when presenting the passport for endorsements. Failure to have a clear page can result in entry being refused.

To determine whether you require a visa to enter South Africa, visit the comprehensive South African Home Affairs Department website at: www.home-affairs.gov.za.

Clothing

The seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are directly opposite to those of the Northern Hemisphere. For summer months, lightweight (cottons and Linens), short- sleeved clothes are best, although a light jersey/jumper might be needed for the cooler evenings. Umbrellas and raincoats are essential for the summers and the Western Cape winters. Warmer clothes are needed for the winter months.

Banks and Money

The currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R, with 100 cents making up R1 (one Rand). Foreign currency can be exchanged at the local banks and Bureaux de Changes. Most major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and their affiliates are widely accepted.

Tipping

Most restaurants do not add a service charge to bills- thus it is customary to leave a 10-15 % tip. Parking and petrol station attendants should be given whatever small change you have available. This is always appreciated, even though it may seem a small amount.

Tax

Value –added –tax (VAT) is charged on most items. Foreign tourists to South Africa can have their 14% VAT refunded provide that the value of the items purchased exceeds R250.00. VAT is refunded at the point of departure provided receipts are produced.

Physically challenged travellers

An increasing number of accommodation establishments have wheelchair ramps and bathrooms facilities for the physically challenged. Almost every national park has at least one accessible chalet and many accommodation establishments have one or two wheelchair-friendly rooms. Most of our sports stadiums have accessible suites, stand or areas for the wheelchairs near accessible parking as well as special toilet facilities. Most public buildings also cater for wheelchair access.

Health and safety

Many foreigners are unaware that South Africa has a well-developed infrastructure, high standards of water treatment and medical facilities equal to the best in the world. Here we address any health and safety question you may have.

Hospitals and medical care

Malaria - Note that  Cape Town is Malaria free 

Malaria is found in the far north-east of the country.  Malaria is more of a risk in the winter months from May to July. Although the incidence of malaria is rare, it would be best to take adequate precautions if you choose to visit these areas. The cheapest, safest and most effective measures against malaria are physical barriers such as a mosquito net, and the use of the good insect repellent. If you decide to take malaria prophylaxis, it is essential that they take the drugs according to the directions on the package insert. It is advisable to consult a medical professional before embarking on a course of malaria prophylaxis. Note that expectant mothers should avoid malaria medications

Personal safety for tourists

South Africa is as safe as any other destination in the world. South Africa boasts a vast array of cultures, communities, sites and attractions. Most parts of the country can be safely visited by tourists provided they take basic common-sense precautions (for example not walking alone in deserted areas at night and being circumspect about how many photographic equipment of flashy jewellery you carry). Basic Safety tip guidelines will be available at hotels and tourism information offices.

Food and water

As a rule, tape water in South Africa is safe to drink as it is treated and is free of harmful micro-organisms. In hotels, restaurants and nightspots, the standards of hygiene and food preparation is top-notch. It is safe to eat the fruit and salads and to put as much ice as you would like in you drinks – a good thing, too, after a day on the beach or on the bush.

Road safety

Our transport infrastructure is excellent and out roads are in good condition. We have very strict drinking and driving laws – with a maximum allowable alcohol blood content of 0.05%. Translated that means about one glass of wine for the average woman and perhaps 1.5 or two for the average or large man. Our speed limits are 120kmph of the open road, 100kmph on smaller roads and between 60 and 80kmph in town.

Driving

All visitors intending to drive are required to obtain an international drivers permit. Visitors found driving without a permit will be fined and not permitted to continue on their journey. Visitors will also not be able to rent a car without a valid driver’s permit. The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory and strictly enforced by law.

Vaccinations

Visitors who are entering South Africa from a yellow fever zone much have a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate. Only infants under the age of one year are exempt. Immunisation against cholera and small pox are not required and no other vaccinations are required when visiting South Africa.

South Africa has the luxury of world class tourist infrastructure and excellence in service and hospitality alongside authentic and unique African experiences and learnings – a m�lange of African culture and ancient wisdoms, cutting –edge insights, spectacular wildlife and scenery and a very wide variety of travel experiences and options