Travel Information - South Africa

Bank Hours

Monday to Friday: 09h00 to 15h30 Saturday: 09h00 to 11h00. Auto Banks ATM's (automated teller machines) are found in most towns and operate on a 24 hour basis.

Electrical Current

The standard is 220 volts 50~ and hotels usually have 220/110 sockets for razors. It is a good idea to have an adapter or converter.

Driving

Drive on the left and give way to traffic approaching from the right.

Passports

Make sure that your passport is current and does not expire within 6 months of your return. It is advisable to carry a copy of your passport, packed separately. Citizens of United States, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand do not normally need a Visa. Tourists must satisfy immigration officers that they have the means to support themselves during their stay, and that they are in possession of return or onward air tickets.

Immunizations

No international immunization is needed when entering South Africa. The only inoculation requirement is a yellow fever vaccination certificate from travelers over one year of age entering South Africa within six days of leaving an infected country. Visitors who travel through or disembark in these areas are advised to be inoculated against the disease before visiting South Africa. Malaria This disease is to the larger extent under control in South Africa. Regions that are affected are the Northern Province and Mpumalanga, northern KwaZulu Natal and Zululand. On our typical tours only the Kruger Game Park area is in the affected region. The risk of contracting the disease is negligible provided that you take the standard precautions. Malaria tablets, a good insect repellent particularly in the evening, long-sleeved shirts and mosquito coils are advisable precautions.

Security & Safety

As South Africa is a developing country, crime does exist, so we would advise you to take a few basic precautions. All valuables, passports, cameras, should be locked in the safe of your hotel. Valuables should be carried discreetly when walking in cities. Gold and other expensive items offered for sale by street vendors are likely to be fakes or stolen property. Do not participate in pavement games as they are operated by well organized gangs and money can be stolen while you are distracted.

Languages

There are 11 official languages - including English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda and Zulu.

Tipping

Tipping is customary in South Africa. A guideline for visitors is the following: Porters R5 per item, taxis 10%, waiters and waitresses in restaurants 10 - 15%.

Insurance

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Make sure that you have travel insurance that covers medical treatment, air ambulance and repatriation, loss of luggage papers or money and travel delays or cancellation.

Drugs

If you are using prescription drugs carry a letter from your doctor. Narcotics and habit forming drugs are prohibited.

Money and Credit Cards

Visa and MasterCard are the major credit cards, American Express and Diners are accepted widely. The unit of currency is the Rand, one Rand 'R'= 100 cents 'c'. Notes issued R200, R100, R50, R20, R10; coins R5, R2, R1, 50c 20c, 10c and 5c. Currency exchange rates are available at banks and published daily in the press.

Traveler's Checks

Most international traveler's checks are accepted provided they are in an acceptable currency and may be cashed at most banks. Many hotels and shops also provide this service.

Time

South Africa is 7 hours ahead of Eastern time and two hours ahead of the UK.

Value Added Tax

(VAT) is levied on most goods and services.

Vat / Tax Refunds

As a visitor to South Africa, you can spend as little as R 250.00 on goods intended for export, and claim a VAT refund. The user-friendly procedure allows you to claim your money before you even leave South African territory. Non-residents on a temporary visit to South Africa are eligible to claim a VAT refund in respect of movable goods exported through a designated point of departure within 90 days from the date of purchase.

Maximum payment by check will be for an amount of R3000.00. Claims exceeding this limit or claims requiring further audit, will be posted. Goods consumed in South Africa or services rendered in the country do not qualify for VAT refunds. Only original Tax Invoices will be considered for refunds. The goods must be presented for inspection on departure. Goods must be exported within 90 days of the date of purchase and the claim lodged within 3 months from the date of export. An administration fee of 1.5% of the inclusive value of the claim will be deducted, subject to a minimum of R 10.00 and a maximum of R 250.00. Special provisions apply to antiques, 2nd hand goods and registerable goods. How to Claim your Tax Refund: Simply identify yourself as a tourist to shop assistants, and request a Tax Invoice for the goods you have purchased. A valid Tax Invoice must contain all the following information: The words "Tax Invoice". A Tax Invoice number. The seller's VAT Registration number. Date of Issue of the Tax Invoice. The seller's name and address. The buyer's name and address. A full description of the goods purchased. The cost of the goods in Rands. The amount of VAT charged or a statement that VAT is included in the total cost.

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