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Travel & Tourism . Tourist Guide to the Country

South Africa Travel Requirements




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 you’re 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 you’ve 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 country’s 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 Africa’s 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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