General Information

Time Differences

South Africa operates two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time throughout the year, making it an hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Winter Time and seven hours behind Australian Central Time.

Getting There

Cape Town International Airport offers direct flights to a number of centres in Africa, Asia, Europe and the USA via major airlines.  Should you fly into Johannesburg, Cape Town is only a two-hour domestic flight away, and on average there are flights every half hour between the two cities with a variety of domestic carriers. Cape Town International Airport is just 20 minutes from the city centre. On arrival, access to ground transport is simple and convenient with metered taxis, Ubers and the MyCiti bus service.

Passports and Visas

All visitors to South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport in order to enter the country, and in some cases, a visa. However, it is important to note that under South Africa's Immigration Act of 2002 (Act. 13 of 2002) in force since 7 April 2003, (a) Immigration Act, 2002 the passport shall contain at least THREE clean unused pages when presenting the passport for endorsements. Failure to have a clear page can result in entry being refused.

Please apply for your visa timeously, as many of the Embassies are backed up as a result of all the applications post-Covid.

Passports need to be valid for a minimum of 6 months after your departure date from South Africa.

To determine whether you require a visa to enter South Africa, visit the comprehensive South African Home Affairs Department website at: Click here

For South African missions abroad:  Click here

Clothing

The seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are directly opposite to those of the Northern Hemisphere. For summer months, lightweight (cottons and linens), short-sleeved clothes are best, although a light jersey/jumper might be needed for the cooler evenings. Umbrellas and raincoats are essential for the summers.

Banks and Money

The currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R, with 100 cents making up R1 (one Rand). Foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks and Bureaux de Change. Most major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and their affiliates are widely accepted. Forex exchange facilities are located at international arrivals and the duty free mall at international departures (click here). 

Click here for currency converter.

Electricity

The electricity supply in South Africa is 220/230 volts, AC 50 Hz. Please ensure that you bring the correct converter for your electrical equipment.

Tipping

Most restaurants do not add a service charge to bills - thus it is customary to leave a 10-15% tip. Parking and petrol station attendants should be given whatever small change you have available. This is always appreciated, even though it may seem a small amount.

Tax

Value-added-tax (VAT) is charged on most items. Foreign tourists to South Africa can have their 15% VAT refunded provided that the value of the items purchased exceeds R250.00. VAT is refunded at the point of departure provided receipts are produced.

Travellers with Disability

An increasing number of accommodation establishments have wheelchair ramps and bathroom facilities for the disabled. Almost every national park has at least one accessible chalet and many accommodation establishments have one or two wheelchair-friendly rooms. Most of our sports stadiums have accessible suites, stands or areas for wheelchairs near accessible parking as well as special toilet facilities. Most public buildings also cater for wheelchair access.

Health and Safety

Many foreigners are unaware that South Africa has a well-developed infrastructure and medical facilities equal to the best in the world. Here we address any health and safety questions you may have. It is advised to check with your travel insurance provider that medical insurance is included in your policy. 

Hospitals and Medical Care

In a great many medical disciplines, South Africa is a global leader. In fact, South African trained doctors are sought after all over the world, so this should give an indication of the standard of medical care available. There is a large network of public and private hospitals countrywide, offering excellent service. However, clients must have adequate health insurance to cover the fees private hospitals charge.

Malaria

The Western Cape region is a malaria free area. Malaria is found only in the far north-east of the country. Malaria is not much of a risk in the winter months from May to July. Although the incidence of malaria is rare, it would be best to take adequate precautions if you choose to visit these areas. The cheapest, safest and most effective measures against malaria are physical barriers such as a mosquito net, and the use of a good insect repellent. If you decide to take malaria prophylaxis, it is essential that you take the medication according to the directions on the package insert. It is advisable to consult a medical professional before embarking on a course of malaria prophylaxis. Note that expectant mothers should avoid malaria medications.

Personal Safety

South Africa boasts a vast array of cultures, communities, sites and attractions. Most parts of the country can be safely visited by tourists provided they take basic common-sense precautions (for example not walking alone in deserted areas at night and being circumspect about how much photographic equipment or flashy jewellery you carry).

Food and Water

Please use bottled water for consumption only. In hotels, restaurants and nightspots, the standards of hygiene and food preparation is top-notch. It is typically safe to eat fresh fruit and salads.