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Geographical Features

With an area of 1 227 200km² (472 359 miles²), South Africa is situated at the southern most tip of Africa. South Africa's West coast borders the Atlantic Ocean and the Eastern coastline runs along the Indian Ocean. On the North, South Africa borders Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe and in the North-East Mozambique and Swaziland. Completely enclosed by South African territory in the South-East, is the Kingdom of Lesotho.

South Africa is divided into nine provinces: Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, Northern Province, North West and Western Cape.

Climate

In general, South Africa has a perennially sunny climate, but the sun can be extremely fierce. The use of a hat and sun screen is recommended.

Midwinter occurs in June and July, midsummer in December and January. In April it is still autumn and altough the days are pleasant in Gauteng, the nights can be chilly so bring a jacket. Climate ranges from Mediterranean in the Cape Peninsula to sub-tropical on the KwaZulu-Natal coast and in the North-Eastern interior, temperate conditions prevail on the highveld. Days of sunshine range from 265 days a year in Johannesburg to 197 days in Durban.

Languages

South Africa has 11 official languages: Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, Sepedi, Sesotho (Southern Sotho), siSwati, Xitsonga, Setswana, Tshivenda, isiXhosa and isiZulu. However, English is understood and spoken by most people.

Places of Worship

Although the majority of South Africans practise Christianity, South Africa caters for most religious denominations.

Entry Documents and Customs Regulations

All visitors require a valid passport for entry into South Africa. Entry is regulated by the Department of Home Affairs.

Enquiries regarding visas and customs regulations may be directed to South African Missions or travel agents.

Department of Home Affairs:
Tel: +12 327 3500
Fax: +12 314 8516

Visa requirements etc for South Africa:

http://www.southafrica.info/travel/documents/visas.htm

Immunisation

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers one year and older entering South Africa within 6 days of leaving an infected country.

Foreign Representation

South Africa currently has relations with 171 countries and hosts representation from 128 countries and 16 international organisations.

More information can be obtained by contacting the nearest South African Missions or the Protocol (Administration) Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs at
tel: +12 351 1000.

Medical Care

Medical services in South Africa are readily available. Certain pharmacies and hospitals render a 24 hour emergency service in most towns and cities. Major hotels have contacts with physicians and dentists.

In telephone directories medical facilities are listed as follows:
a.. Doctors are listed under "MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS,"
b.. Dentists are listed under "DENTAL SURGEONS" and
c.. Hospitals are listed under "H".

Visitors on special medication are advised to bring a reserve supply and/or their prescriptions. It is recommended that medical insurance be obtained for the period of visitors' sojourn in South Africa.

Currency

The currency is the South African Rand (R) and the international symbol is ZAR.
R1 = 100 cents.

Foreign Exchange

Travellers cheques and foreign currency notes of all major currencies can be exchanged at airports, commercial banks as well as major hotels. American Express, Diners Club and Thomas Cook operate in South Africa. Fluctuations in foreign exchange markets are reflected in rates quoted on a daily basis.

Banking Hours

Monday to Friday 08:30 - 15:30
Saturday 08:30 - 11:00

Johannesburg International Airport offers a 24 hour banking service.

Value Added Tax

Value added tax (VAT) is included in the price of most goods and services. Visitors are required to pay VAT on purchased goods. VAT refunds may be claimed at airports, harbours and customs offices on items taken out of the country when the total value exceeds R250,00.

For more information contact:
Tel: +12 422 6817
Fax: +12 422 5182

Credit Cards

Most credit cards as well as travellers cheques are accepted:

American Express Tel: +11 358 5000
Diners Club Tel: +11 358 8400
Master Card Tel: 0800 990 418
Visa Card Tel: 0800 990 475

Fuel cannot be paid for with standard credit cards.

Water

South African tap water is extremely palatable and perfectly safe to drink. Bottled water is also available at most retail outlets.

Electricity

The electricity supply in South Africa is 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz. Appliances of lesser voltage require a transformer. Adapters are obtainable locally.

Public transport

Taxis are available at airports and on call. Most major centres have train and bus services. However, taxi and bus services in smaller towns are limited and it is advisable to make use of car rental facilities.

Gratuities

In restaurants 10% of the bill generally applies, depending on the standard of service. Restaurants usually do not include the tip in the bill.

Provided the service is satisfactory, it is usual to tip porters, waiters/waitresses, taxi drivers, room attendants, golf caddies and petrol attendants.

Telecommunications

South Africa utilises the GSM system for cellular phones thereby enabling foreign visitors to use their cell phones in the country. Cell phones can be rented through various outlets and at major airports.

Toll Free Cellular Helplines:
a.. MTN: 0800 111 0070
b.. Vocadom: 0800 111 234

International dialling codes can be found in all local telephone directories.

Coin and card operated public phones are readily available throughout South Africa. Phone cards to the value of R10, R20, R50 and R200 are available at airports, shops or post offices.

Computicket

Computicket is a national electronic booking service with over 300 branches which caters for over 40 000 events in South Africa. In addition to theatre, cinema and sporting events, reservations can also be made for lotteries, bus tours, accommodation and cultural festivals.

For more information contact: Tel: +11 445 8445

Shopping

South Africa has a wide range of shops, malls as well as informal street vendors and fleamarkets.

Shopping hours are generally:
a.. Weekdays 08:00 - 17:00
b.. Saturdays 08:00 - 13:00

Many shops in metropolitan areas are open on Sundays from 09:00 - 13:00.

Public Holidays

a.. Good Friday March/April
b.. Family Day March/April