With proper precautions, such as avoiding areas that are known to be dangerous, and travelling with others or engaging a guide, a visit to South Africa can be a rewarding experience and one not soon forgotten. Safety: crime is a major problem in South Africa, and many areas are not safe for tourists to visit on their own. In particular, visitors are advised to pay close attention to their surroundings and to be especially vigilant of their personal safety and their belongings. When to go: South Africa’s climate overall makes it an ideal destination at most any time of the year. During the winter (June to September in the southern hemisphere), the weather is at its coolest and driest, making it the perfect time to enjoy hiking and visits to the country’s many nature preserves – to experience the abundance of wildlife here. The springtime is ideal for touring the Northern Cape, as it is filled with the colour of wildflowers then. School holiday times can be more of a consideration than the weather in timing your visit, in that locals leave the cities in droves – typically at the same time that the majority of tourists come from North America and Europe. Hotel rooms can be hard to find during school holidays, and prices can as much as double what they are normally. Money: the currency of South Africa is the Rand, which comprises 100 cents. Bank notes of R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10 are in circulation; with those of higher value slightly larger in size than those of smaller value. All bank notes contain both a metallic security strip and a watermark. Coins are minted in R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c denominations. Two types of R5 coins are in circulation: one is a silver coin, and the second type is silver with a circular copper insert. Minting of 2c and 1c coins was discontinued in 2002, but many are still in circulation and remain legal tender. You’ll find that transactions are rounded down to the closest 5c, to avoid having to use the 2c and 1c coins. Travellers’ cheques can be used for payment at restaurants and shops and can be cashed at banks and many hotels. It’s best to carry cheques denominated in US dollars or Sterling, to avoid transaction fees. Language: South Africa has 11 official languages. You’ll find that most people will speak English, as a second language, with the exception of blacks living in rural areas. Afrikaans is widely spoken, especially by the white population and many urban residents. Afrikaans has its roots in Dutch, and can be reasonably well understood by Dutch speakers and sometimes by German speakers as well. Emergency: 107
Ambulance: 10177
Police: 10111
Tourist police emergency hotline: 10111 Recommended hospitals: it is advised that you avoid the use of public hospitals unless there is no other option available. Private hospitals, however, such as those belonging to the Netcare Group, are of world-class standards.
Cape Town - Groote Schuur Hospital +27 21 404 9111
Durban - St Augustine's Hospital +27 31 268 5000
Johannesburg - Milpark Hospital +27 11 480 5600
Pretoria - Eugene Marais Hospital +27 12 334 2777 It is recommended that you dress somewhat formally and conservatively, at least for initial meetings. Generally, though, you will find that South Africans are relaxed and informal when it comes to introductions and the exchange of business cards; and shaking hands on meeting is general practice with both men and women. Giving of gifts in a business context is not commonly done. Typical business hours:
- Government departments: 07:30 to 16:00, Monday to Friday.
- Retail: 08:00 to 13:00, and 14:00 to 16:30, Monday to Friday; and 08:30 to 13:00 on Saturday.
- Banking: 09:00 to 15:30 Monday to Friday; and 08:30 to 11:00 on Saturdays. Banks are closed on public holidays.
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