South Africa Travel Guide
The Bare Bones: Stuff You Need To Know
Language: Zulu, Xhosa, English and Afrikaans plus 7 other tribal languages all equal under law.
Currency: Rand
Politics: Democratic Republic
Population: 40.6 million
Area: 1.2 million km2
Getting Through Customs
UK, US Commonwealth and Western European nationals are issued with entry permits, free of charge, on arrival. There is no need for a visa, just a current passport. You will need to demonstrate sufficient funding and an onward ticket.
Health & how to maintain it
Allow at least two months before departure to discuss with your doctor what immunisations you may need.
Ensure that you have sufficient medical insurance to cover any eventuality including being evacuated by air.
If you are in need of treatment, some places may want to charge 'up front' for their services. If so, ensure you keep all documentation in order to claim the money back later.
Take the normal precautions with regard to the sun.
Some parts of the country are prone to malaria make sure you are immunised but also employ anti mosquito tactics.
HIV AIDS is a huge problem so be very careful and do not expose yourself to risk.
Bilharzia is a very unpleasant parasite that live s in water check before bathing in lakes and streams that they are not affected.
Driving and Getting Around
Car hire is costly and the roads can be very dangerous. However, travel by car is a good way of covering the huge distances involved with South Africa. There is a comprehensive network of roads of varying quality. Drive on the left.
South Africa is well served for train connections; tickets can be reasonably priced. There are also good internal air links.
Keeping out of Trouble
Don't do drugs. Being caught in possession of, or using drugs may make an individual liable to heavy fines or seizure of belongings. Dealing in narcotics carries much heavier penalties.
Be careful of personal possessions at all times. The crime rate is high and violent crime is prevalent.
Common sense is the best protection. Don't go on the streets waving a camera about. You may as well wear a huge banner saying 'please rob me'. Only carry enough cash to get by and leave all tickets, passports and other paperwork in hotel safe deposit boxes. If you do have to carry them make sure you at least have a photocopy stored separately.
Take local advice about where to avoid. Try not to travel alone or at night. Try to stay on the beaten track.
Be sensible and you probably won't encounter any trouble at all.
The good news is that South Africa is a very cheap place to visit.
Customs
UK and US citizens are advised to contact the South African Embassy in Washington DC/London to verify restrictions on import/export of goods to and from South Africa. With regard to alcohol and cigarettes, the normal duty free allowances are in place.
Cash and Plastic
Exchange of traveller's cheques is easy and all the 'big' credit cards are readily accepted as are ATM cards from the major providers.
Beware when using ATM machines money and cards may be stolen or you may find you are duped in other ways. Always try to have someone accompany you when making these kinds of transactions.
The Best Time to Go?
Anytime is a good time to visit South Africa. An icy sitting-by-a-log-fire-night high in the Drakensburg Mountains in mid winter can soon turn into a shorts and tee-shirt day come lunchtime.
Winter temperatures are lower and Cape Town can get wet and a little chilly at this time.
Jo'Burg is mainly hot and dry most of the year whilst Durban can get very sticky during mid summer.
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