Travellers Essentials
Health Regulations
Generally visitors to South Africa do not need immunization.
However, if you have recently traveled through the Yellow
Fever zone in Africa, vaccinations against Yellow Fever is
required before arriving in South Africa.
A certificate of proof of this vaccination must be produced
on arrival. Malaria is endemic in certain parts of the country
and it is vital that necessary precautions are taken. If you
are travelling to neighboring countries like Zimbabwe, Mozambique
or Botswana, anti-malaria tablets are also crucial.
Consult a doctor or pharmacist as to which prophylactics are
the most suitable. Some need only to be taken at least a week
beforehand. Prophylactics must continue to be taken for at
least 4 - 6 weeks after leaving the area.
Facilities for the Disabled
Although South Africa does cater for people with disabilities,
the facilities are limited. To attain the most of your holiday,
much preparation must be done to ensure your requirements
are met. Some hotels have specially adapted accommodation,
but youre advised to phone beforehand to confirm precisely
what is available.
Visas
Most passport holders need visas to enter South Africa. A
multiple entry visa is needed if you intend to travel in and
out of South Africa during the period which the visa is valid.
Upon arrival you must be able to provide proof that you have
enough money to support yourself during your stay. You must
also have a valid return ticket.
Customs Regulations
Apart from personal possessions, when entering South Africa,
you are restricted to 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 250g cigarette
or pipe tobacco,2 litters of wine, 1 litter of spirits, 50ml
of perfume, 250 of eau de toilette and other gifts, souvenirs
and clothing(new and used) up to the value of R500. No person
under 18 is entitled to a tobacco or alcohol allowance.
Certain goods, for example, seeds, flowers, fruits, honey,
margarine, vegetable oils, animals, birds , poultry, dairy
products and endangered species of wildlife are restricted
unless you have obtained the necessary permits.
A permit is required if you plan to bring a firearm into
the country. Before any pets may be brought in, an import
permit must be obtained from the Director of Veterinary Services.
Tipping
A 10 % tip is customary, but this depends on the standard
of service youve received. Restaurants do not usually
include a service charge in the bill.
Communications
Post Offices are open during the week between 08.30 to 16.30
(Wednesdays 09.00 to 16.30). They are open from 08.00 until
12.00 on Saturdays. Pay phones is found in most public areas,
while some accept coins while others accept phone cards. Phone
cards can be purchased from all post offices and most stationary
stores. Cellular phones are available for hire.
Public facsimiles are readily available, specifically in chemist
and hotels.
Banking
There are major banks in main centers. They are open 09.00
to 15.30 weekdays and 08.30 to 11.00 on Saturdays. Automatic
teller machines (ATMs) are widely available 24 hours a day.
Getting Around
By Air: After years of isolation, both Johannesburg
and Cape Town now have an international Airport. The countrys
official airline, South Africa Airline (SAA), now bustles
with international tourists. Besides SAA, dozens of international
airlines now serve the country.
There are regular air services that fly to all the major
cities. The nine major airports operating in South Africa
includes Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, East London, Johannesburg,
Kimberly, Port Elizabeth and Upington.
Apart from SAA, several other smaller airlines also operate
the major routes within South Africa. There are also charter
companies that can take you to inaccessible destinations and
distant neighboring countries.
Bus services: Each city has its own commuter
bus service. Long distance intercity coaches run daily.
Trains: There is no better way to see the
breath taking expanse of South Africas countryside than
by train. Regular passenger services run between the major
cities. The most luxurious are the Blue Train and Rovos Rail.
South Africa has a number of steam train ,and many of them
travel on scenic routes.
Car Rental: International car hire companies
are well represented in all the main cities. Two important
things to remember in South Africa are that the cars travel
on the left hand side of the road, and the legal limit for
drinking and driving is 0.08mg of alcohol in the blood stream.
Value Added Tax
Value Added Tax (VAT) is included in the price of most goods
and services. Visitors are required to pay VAT on purchased
goods. VAT refunds may be claimed at airports, harbours and
customs offices on items taken out of the country when the
total value exceeds R250.00
Foreign Exchange
Travellers cheques and currency notes of all major currencies
can be exchanged at airports, commercial banks as well as
major hotels. American Express, Diners Club and Thomas Cook
operate in South Africa.
Currency
The currency is the South African Rand (R) and the international
symbol is ZAR. R1 = 100 cents.
Credit Cards
Most Credit Cards are accepted in the major cities.
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