Travel tips

Best Time to Visit
South Africa is famous for its sunshine and mild winters and offers a range of activities throughout the year. For those wanting a safari holiday, consider visiting in July and August during birthing season, and when visibility is at its best For those interested in wild flowers, visit the Cape and West Coast after the winter rains in August and September. Outdoor activities abound and can be enjoyed in the sunshine from September to April. The KwaZulu-Natal Province, including Durban, has a warm favourable climate during the winter months from June to September, and remains a good choice for a beach holiday during this season. The southern coasts are best visited during the summer months from October to March. If you are considering a holiday to co-inside with a sporting event, for example, cricket season is during the summer months, rugby is during the winter months and golf is all year round!

Getting to South Africa
The country has 3 international airports, that being Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. O R Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg is the hub and accommodates the most international airlines, followed by Cape Town International Airport. All 3 airports are managed by the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) and are undergoing extensive upgrades. South Africa is also accessible by sea and many cruise itineraries include calling at Cape Town and/ or Durban ports. Domestically, there are more than 100 airports offering scheduled and chartered flights.

Visa Requirements
Some nationals require visas for South Africa. If you are a national of a country that requires visas, you must make application ahead of your departure, as visas are not issued on arrival. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate. Entry requirements for Americans: United States nationals need a valid passport, but no visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days. Entry requirements for UK nationals: British nationals need a valid passport, but no visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days if passport is endorsed British Citizen including Guernsey, Jersey and Isle of Man, British Dependent Territories Citizen, or British Overseas Territories Citizen (Virgin Islands). Those whose passports state British National (Overseas) may stay up to 30 days without a visa. All others require a visa.

Office, Banking and Shopping Hours
Business hours are generally during the hours of 09h00 - 17h00 with one hour lunch break, Monday to Friday. Shopping hours vary and are generally the same as business hours, with shopping malls being open for extended hours, some until 21h00. Government Departments and post offices are open from 08h00 - 16h30 Monday to Friday. Postnet offers a postal system in some shopping malls nationwide. The four main banks are ABSA Bank, First National Bank, Nedbank and Standard Bank. Banking hours are 09h00 - 15h30 during weekdays, and 08h30 - 11h00 on Saturdays.

Telecommunications
The international access code for South Africa is +27. For outgoing international calls, dial 00 plus the country and area codes of the destination concerned (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Refer to telephone directories for international dialing codes, or obtain 24-hour assistance by calling 10903. For incoming international calls, the code is +27 followed by the city code or cell phone code, dropping the first 0 (area code). Mobile phone networks serve the country and providers offer "pay-as-you-go" Sim cards, which is a good option for visitors intending to stay for some time. Internet cafes are widespread and can be found in most urban areas. Card and coin operated pay phones are also widespread.

Electricity
Electrical current is 220/ 230 volts, 50Hz. Round, three-pin plugs are standard. An adapter is required for most foreign equipment and can be purchased at airports and supermarkets. Adapters are also available in most hotels/ lodges and guest houses.

Tipping
Tipping is customary in South Africa and is greatly appreciated. Waitering is a livelihood and a tip of 10% is expected for good service, if a service charge is not included in the bill. Tipping for services rendered is expected by porters, taxi drivers and petrol attendants. In South Africa petrol stations are not self-service; rather, a petrol attendant will fill up your vehicle tank, check the oil, water, tyre pressure and offer to clean the windscreen. Please be so kind as to tip from R5 for this service. 'Car guards' operate in the city centres, tourist areas and parking areas and will offer to look after your parked car. They will expect anything from R2 upwards on your return. You will soon find that your generosity is well received.

Language
South Africa has 11 official languages. English is widely spoken. Foreign languages such as German and French are spoken in international hotels, lodges and guest houses.