Travel Tips

Johannesburg's Oliver Tambo Airport is the major international airport in South Africa for flights from all five continents. There are also direct international flights to Cape Town International. Flights from the UK or Europe are usually overnight, with a flight from London to Johannesburg or Cape Town taking approximately 12 hours. Direct flights between Sydney and Johannesburg take approximately 15 hours. South Africa has an excellent network of domestic carriers, offering flights to all major city centres throughout South Africa. A flight between Johannesburg and Cape Town takes 2 hours.

Some useful information...

Click on the links below for useful information on various topics.

• Travelling round South Africa
• Passports and visas
• Tax
• Currency and banks
• Petrol/gas stations
• Tipping
• Electricity
• Public holidays
• Smoking

Travelling round South Africa

South Africa is a vast country and areas of interest are widespread. It is often best to combine both flying and driving to make the most of your time. Public transport is not reliable, and it is advisable to hire a car to get around cities and to attractions. If you'd rather not drive long distances, you might consider one of the excellent bus companies offering cost-effective deals for people to travel around the country. Look out for the Greyhound, TransLux and InterCape buses, amongst others. These luxury buses will transport you from one major city centre to another at a very reasonable cost - tickets can be booked at Computicket. The Baz Bus is an affordable hop off option for backpackers. Alternatively, join an organised tour that suits your interests and your schedule.

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Passports and visas

Travelling to South Africa is fairly easy. All foreign nationals must be in possession of a valid passport, and in some instances, a visa is required. Travellers from Europe, most Commonwealth countries, the USA, Scandinavia and Japan do not need a visa for vacation purposes. A free entry permit for a period of up to 90 days will be issued on arrival. For visitors wishing to stay longer, an official visa needs to be applied for.

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Tax

Value Added Tax (VAT), at the rate of 14%, is charged on most items. Foreign tourists to South Africa can have their 14% VAT refunded provided that the value of the items purchased exceeds R250.00. VAT is refunded at the point of departure and receipts from purchases must be kept and produced. Ask shop assistants for a VAT invoice.

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Currency and banks

The South African currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol "R." One hundred cents makes up R1 (one Rand). Currently, the Rand is weaker than many European currencies, as well as the US$, making travel to South Africa affordable by international standards. Visitors will more than likely find eating out and shopping particularly affordable and excellent quality. Foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks and Bureaux de Change. Credit cards are widely accepted, including American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 15:30 and on Saturdays, from 8:30 to 11:00. Autobanks (ATMs, Automatic Teller Machines) are found in most towns, and operate on a 24-hour basis.

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Petrol/gas stations

Petrol (or gas) stations are widespread throughout South Africa, and many are open 24 hours a day. However, if you are planning a long-distance trip through a remote area, ensure the tank is full to avoid running low. A petrol attendant will fill your tank for you, and will wash your windscreen. Petrol stations do not accept credit cards and petrol must be paid for in cash or with a local petrol card.

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Tipping

As a rule, South African restaurants do not include a service charge in the total bill. It is customary to leave a 10% tip for good service, or more for excellent service. At petrol stations, an attendant will fill your tank for you and will offer to wash your windscreen - whatever small change you have available will be appreciated - R1 or R2. In many areas, attendants will offer to assist you in finding a parking space for your car and to watch over it while you shop - again, on your return to the car, a tip of R2 or so will be appreciated.

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Electricity

South Africa's electricity supply is 220/230 volts, AC 50Hz. Most plugs have three round pins but some plugs with two smaller pins are also found on appliances. Adaptors can be purchased. US-made appliances will need a transformer.

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Public holidays

Public holidays are listed below. In major areas, shops, restaurants and cinemas will be open on public holidays (except for Christmas Day and New Year's Day). If the holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will be a holiday.

• 1 January - New Year's Day
• 21 March - Human Rights Day
• 9 April - Good Friday (the Friday before Easter Sunday)
• 12 April - Family Day (the Monday after Easter Sunday)
• 27 April - Freedom Day
• 1 May - Worker's Day
• 16 June - Youth Day
• 9 August - Women's Day
• 24 September - Heritage Day
• 16 December - Day of Reconciliation
• 25 December - Christmas Day
• 26 December - Day of Goodwill

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Smoking

The law prohibits smoking in most public spaces, including airports and railway stations. Most restaurants have designated smoking and non-smoking areas.

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