SOUTH AFRICA
USEFUL FACTS AND FIGURES
29/10/04

 South Africa is truly a remarkable country and a wonderful holiday destination.  It is a land synonymous with a rich historical heritage, magnificent natural beauty, abundant wildlife and a unique spirit and energy that exudes from a multi-cultural nation, of people who pride themselves in calling South Africa “home”.

 With its total land coverage of 1 221 040 square kms, (471 444 square miles), South Africa is three times the size of Texas and five times larger than Great Britain, yet it only occupies four percent of Africa’s total land mass.

 South Africa is ranked among the world’s most biologically diverse countries – South Africa has more kinds of wild animals than North and South America or Europe and Asia together.  It has one sixth of the world’s marine species and the world’s richest floral kingdom.

 South Africa has eleven official languages – English, Afrikaans and nine black languages of which Zulu and Xhosa are the most widely spoken.

 South Africa has some of the earliest evidence of the emergence of the human species.  The Sterkfontein Caves is called the “Cradle of Humankind”, and is the place where the most complete skull ever found of humanity’s ancestor was found – that of a young boy Master Ples.

 Essential Information 

 Airlines :  Most international airlines are represented in the country as well as our national carrier South African Airways.  There are also a number of smaller independent airlines that operate within the country and regionally.

 Banking :  Banks are open from 09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays.  ATM’s are readily available in cities and towns.

 Conversions :  Distances are given in kilometres (1 mile = 1,62 kilometres).  Temperatures are given in degrees Celsius (Centigrade) (20 deg C = 68 deg F)

 Credit cards :  Most major credit cards are accepted (Amex, Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club).  These may be used in the ATM’s.  Petrol may only be purchased with a special card or cash. 

 Currency : The currency unit is the rand, denoted by the R symbol.  R1 = 100 cents.

 Customs : Personal effects are allowed into the county duty free.  Visitors are also entitled to bring in goods worth R500-00.  Duty is leveled at 20% thereafter.

 Driving : South Africa’s roads are good and well signposted.  Drivers must have a valid driving licence (which carries a photograph and is either printed or authenticated in English) or an international driver permit.  Driving is on the left.  Petrol (gasoline) filling stations are conveniently situated throughout the country.  Unleaded petrol is available and most filling stations are open 24 hours a day.

 Electricity : Current is 200/240 volts at 50 cycles per second.  A three-point round-pin adaptor is required for razors and hairdryers.

Food & Drink : South Africa’s many nationalities and cultures are reflected in its cuisine, from spicy Indian curries in Kwa-Zulu Natal to Cape Malay dishes in the Western Cape and the traditional Afrikaans fare such as boerewors (spiced sausage), biltong (dried meat) and koeksisters (sweet, plaited dough).  Wine is made from imported grape varieties grown in the Western Cape – chenin blancs, chardonnay, merlot and shiraz and our own unique cultivar known as pinotage.  Beer is locally produced and also imported.  Liquor stores are open during the week and Saturday but alcohol is not for sale on Sundays (except in hotels and restaurants).

 Foreign exchange : Can be converted into rands at commercial banks, bureaux de change and most hotels.  Do not exchange money on the street.

 Health/Medical : Check with your nearest travel clinic on the medical requirements to enter  South Africa. Visitors to game parks must take anti-malarial tablets – please consult your local physician on the best available medication.  Medical and hospital charges should be paid for immediately.  Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

 Passports / visas : Check with your travel agent on the requirements to enter South Africa.

 Safety Tips : Visitors are advised to take the same precautions as elsewhere in the world in cities where crime is more prevalent.

 Shopping : Hours are generally 08h00 to 17h00 on weekdays and 09h00 to 17h00 or Saturdays and 09h00 to 14h00 on Sundays.  There are many large, modern shopping malls in the main regional cities.

 Sun Protection :  The South African sun is strong, with a high ultraviolet rating.  Screening protection factors of 15 and over are recommended.      

 Sport : The nation is passionate about sports, in particular soccer, rugby, cricket and golf.  South Africa, because of its temperate climate has a vast array of sports facilities from challenging golf courses, state of the art sports stadiums and gymnasiums, world famous road and cycle races, beaches for wind surfing, surf boarding and volleyball, and for the wildlife enthusiasts - 4 x 4 trails, camping, wildlife walking trails, snorkelling and scuba diving. 

 Taxis : Telephone for a taxi or go to a taxi rank as taxis do not cruise.  Only take taxis with a working meter.  Cab services do not always accord with international standards, so be cautious.  It is best to arrange taxis through your hotel.

 Telephone : A direct dialing service connects all local centers except for the very remote rural areas.  The international dialing codes may be found in all SA telephone directories.  Cellular telephones are widely used and may be hired on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.  Telephone cards can be used at green public telephones and are obtainable at post offices, airports and certain stationers (eg CNA).

 Time difference : Throughout the year Standard Time in South Africa is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean time, one hour ahead of Central European Winter time, and seven hours in advance of Eastern Standard Winter Time in the USA .

 Tipping : Waiters and taxi drivers generally expect 10% of the bill.  Porters expect from R5 per bag.   

 Transport : There are three International Airports in the country – Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.  Many of the smaller cities and regional towns also have airports.  There is a comprehensive rail and coach network linking all the major tourist attractions as well as the more remote places. 

VAT (Value Added Tax) : Currently set at 14% and is included in the price of most goods and services.  Foreign visitors may claim back VAT paid on items taken out of the country when the total value exceeds R250-00 (subject to change).   The refund may be claimed at the airport of departures, various harbours and at customs offices.    Information leaflets on the procedure to follow are available from VAT Refund Administration offices at Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town International Airports.

 Water : Tap water is safe to drink throughout South Africa.

 Weather : Generally temperate.  The Western Cape enjoys a Mediterranean type climate with winter rains and hot summers, other coastal areas enjoy rainfall throughout the year, but 80% of the country’s rain falls during the summer months of October to March.    Sunshine is plentiful varying from 7,5 to 9,5 hours daily.

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