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What to Bring You need to pack the following to make the most of your holiday: Sunscreen Please note that, to visit South Africa, you will need a valid Visa and 6 months left on your passport. Contact the SA Embassy for your travel requirements. Banking Most international currencies are favourable in South Africa, making it an inexpensive destination. Banks are world-class and easily accessible from the Lifestyle Afrika properties and activities. Auto Banks /auto tellers are plentiful and accept most banking cards. Most of the larger towns and tourist areas have a Bureau de Change. Please protect your PIN number and only draw money in safe, well-lit areas. Telephoning Telephones are equipped for direct-dial to most international destinations. Telephone directories provide dialling codes, special services, time differences and more. The dialling code for South Africa is +27. Cell phones generally have good reception. You may use your cell phone or buy a local SIM card for a few Euros. Transport All major cities are serviced by a number of airlines. Allow at least 2 hours between international arrivals and domestic flight arrivals and departures. Bus transport between cities and towns is well serviced and efficient on all national routes, as well as to neighbouring countries. There are a number of companies operating. Taxis are freely available in most towns and all cities. You can negotiate a fixed fee or a lower rate. Taxis often have 2 rate structures. When going out at night, it is advisable to take a taxi to ensure that you can enjoy our excellent wines. The legal alcohol limit for driving is low. Driving in South Africa Driving in South Africa is on the left hand side, the same as in the United Kingdom. Cities have good road infrastructures, but it is advised that driving be avoided during peak hours. Speak to your hosts in this regard. Regional, district and national roads are generally very good and carry far less traffic than most countries. Self-drive holidays are to be recommended. The speed limit on all national roads is 120 km per hour, unless otherwise indicated. When touring, you can average an estimated 100 km per hour (excluding stops). Filling stations are usually open 24 hours a day, except in suburbs. Time South African Standard Time is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (Universal Time) and 1 hour ahead of Central European Wintertime. South African time does not change during the year. Tipping In most restaurants and bars, a tip of around 10% is acceptable when good and efficient service is rendered. This can be included in the credit card payment. Some restaurants apply a standard service charge instead of a tip, especially if the group is of 6 or more people. It is important to check your bill to ascertain if this has been applied. Porterage should be between R5 and R10, depending on the distance and assistance. Car guards are stationed in the parking lots of shopping centres. An average tip of R2 to R5 is acceptable, and should only be paid on your return to the car. Smoking Smoking is prohibited in public buildings, including stations and airports. Most restaurants and bars have designated smoking areas. The laws are similar to most western countries. Seasons Summer: Mid October to end February: 25C to 30C Health and Medical Most tap water is safe and hygienic, according to World standards. Tap water is generally mineral-rich and may take a day or two to get used to. Drinking bottled water in remote areas is recommended. It is advised that you contact the South African Embassy and visit a travel clinic before embarking on your holiday, as certain areas of the country require anti-malaria medication etc… Personal hygiene is always recommended when travelling. Most towns and villages have private and government hospitals and clinics. The medical standards in private hospitals compare with the best in the world. Medical insurance is advisable. Western medicines are freely available, and the reputable international pharmaceutical companies supply most of these. The local pharmacies in South Africa can assist with most minor ailments, and can give you the similar, if not the same, medication to what you use at home. They will also assist you with information regarding local doctors. HIV infection levels in South Africa are some of the highest in the world, and adequate precautions must be taken. Sun South Africa is a sunny country and generally enjoys less cloud cover than most. The sun is harsh from 10h00 to 14h00, and suitable sun protection must be used. For the first few days of your visit, a high-factor sunscreen (SPF 15 to 30) should be applied and the sun should be avoided over midday. Once you have acclimatised, you may reduce the protection level. Persons with a fair skin must be particularly cautious. Sunstroke will cause headaches and nausea, and medical advice should be sought if symptoms occur. Important Documents Ensure that you have the following documentation in a safe place during your stay: It is advisable to make copies of these documents and leave them with a friend so that they can be faxed to you in case of losing the originals. Electricity Electricity in South Africa is 220/230 volts, 15 amps. South Africa uses a 2-pronged 5 amp plug and a round 3-pronged 15 amp plug. Travel electrical adapters are readily available at airports and travel shops. Duty Free What you may bring duty free:
Most of the above items are cheaper in South Africa than in the airport’s duty-free shops in Europe. VAT Value Added Tax on any unused goods over R250 might be reclaimed at the airport on departure. To get your VAT back, you require the following:
Please remember to claim before you check your luggage in. Safety and Security The laws in South Africa are similar to all western countries. Do not challenge the law. Airport regulations are international. Treat all cities in South Africa as you would treat cities in the rest of the world. Smaller towns and rural areas generally enjoy less crime than Europe. Ask you accommodation host about the local security situation. When driving, lock your car doors to prevent being a snatch-and-grab victim. While driving, be especially aware of minibus taxis – they do not generally make use of designated stops and tend to stop at any location. Drivers are, however, generally courteous. |
