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South African Practical Travel Tips

Getting There
Johannesburg and Cape Town are South Africa’s primary international gateway cities, serviced by hundreds of international flights daily.

South Africa boasts Africa’s most advanced infrastructure. Road coverage is excellent and (with the exception of rural areas) road quality is good. In the cities however, suitable public transport is scant. Buses and taxis are limited and Journeys2 Africa recommends booking transfers, hiring a car or joining a guided tour.  Domestic flights are widely available between South Africa’s major cities.

Telecommunications are similarly advanced. Internet access is widely available, and will cost in the region of R20 per hour at an Internet Café.

Climate
South Africa is generally sunny and pleasant, with usually mild winters. The South African seasons are the reverse of those of the Northern Hemisphere. Snow occasionally falls on the high mountain peaks of the Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Despite regional climate differences, South Africa generally enjoys a mild climate throughout the year.

The areas with the most significant differences in climate are the Western Cape with its Mediterranean climate (warm, dry summers and wet, cold winters), the northern areas (hot summer days and frequent thunderstorms) and the coastal areas of KwaZulu-Natal (subtropical, all year round beach weather and high humidity).

Average temperatures in South Africa can vary widely.

Summer: October to March, 15° C (60° F) to 35 ° C (96° F).

Winter: April to September, below 0° C (32° F) to 20° C (68° F).

Exposure to the sun
South Africa has one of the world’s highest daily sunshine rates and visitors, who are not used to the sun should take extra care, especially between 11:00 and 15:00. Sunscreen lotion with a protection factor of at least 15 is advised against the high UV rating of the South African sun. A variety of good quality products are available throughout South Africa.

Language
13 official languages – English is widely spoken.

Currency
South African Rand (ZAR) – ZAR 1.00 (US 0.13) = 100 cents

Notes are in denominations of R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200

Download the American Express Foreign Exchange outlets in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana PDF

Local Time
GMT +2

Electricity
The South Africa electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz.

Exceptions: Pretoria (230 V) and Port Elizabeth (200/250 V).

Most plugs have three round pins but some plugs with two smaller pins are also found on appliances. US-made appliances need a transformer, also available in South Africa. International plugs sold in other countries do not work in South Africa, including those stating Africa.

Plugs and adapters are obtainable at general supermarkets, hardware and luggage stores in South Africa.

Photo Tips
South Africa has a great selection of photographic equipment, whether it be top of the range digital cameras, handi-cams, underwater cameras, ordinary point & click gadgets, or disposable cameras you’re looking for.

Camera film, batteries, memory cards, chargers, adapters and USB cables are readily available in all major cities and at shopping malls in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, near the Kruger Park and along the Garden Route.