General Information
BANKING HOURS
08h30-15h30 Monday -Friday | 08h00-11h00 Saturday
Closed Sunday
Automatic teller machines (ATM) are situated outside most banks in towns and cities and operate 24 hours a day
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
1 January New Year’s Day
21 March Human Rights Day
10 April Good Friday
13 April Family Day
27 April Freedom Day
1 May Workers Day
16 June Youth Day
9 August National Women’s Day
10 August Public Holiday
24 September Heritage Day
16 December Day of Reconciliation
25 December Christmas Day
26 December Day of Goodwill
BORDER POSTS
Motorists who wish to travel from South Africa to neighbouring countries should contact the Department of Home Affairs website (http://home-affairs.pwv.gov.za/) for details of the opening and closing times of the relevant border posts.
CLIMATE
The climate is generally sunny and pleasant. Winters are usually mild although snow falls on the mountain ranges of the Cape-Kwazulu Natal and occasionally in lower lying areas when cold spells can be expected throughout the country. Since South Africa lies south of the equator, the seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere. South Africa is sub-tropical warm and generally dry. January temperatures on the central plateau reach 20 – 25 degrees Celcius. In winter they fall to a 15 degrees Celsius or lower. Much of the area is dry. The plateau is semi-arid with meagre summer rains and the western coast is a cool desert with only patch and irregular rainfall.
CREDITS CARDS
Major international credit cards such as MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Visa are widely accepted.
LOCAL TIME
GMT +2
CURRENCY
Rands = 100 cents
CUSTOM ALLOWANCES
400 cigarettes, 250 grams of tobacco and 50 cigars, one litre of spirit, two litres of wine, 50 ml of perfume and 250 ml of toilet water. Also, gifts, souvenirs and all other goods to the value of R 500.00. No person under 18 is entitled to the alcohol or tobacco allowance. Duty is levied at 20% thereafter.
DRINKING WATER
Tap water is safe to drink in most areas
TRAVELLER’S CHEQUES
Valid at banks, hotels and restaurants and shops.
WHAT TO WEAR
In the South African summer, lightweight clothing is warn, in winter a jacket, jumper or coat are needed, particularly in the evenings. Many establishments stipulate “smart casual”- a collard-shirt and slacks or a blouse and skirt. At game reserves, neutral colours, such as browns, beige’s and khakis are preferred on game drives. Bright colours or white may disturb the animals. Pack a warm jacket or sweater, scarf and hat as the early morning and evening game drives become chilly. A sun hat is also required for the hot African sun. Take sensible shoes, as plenty of working will be done.
WHAT TO TAKE
A camera or camcorder is essential. Batteries and film are generally available in main centers. Insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes when visiting the game reserves.
TELEPHONE CODES
The international code for South Africa is 27, which should be preceded by your international prefix. When dialling from outside South Africa the ’0′ at the front of the local area code should be omitted, but should be used when dialling within the country. When dialling international numbers from within South Africa the international dialling code should be prefixed with ’09′.
