Travel Tips.
Time Differences, Getting to South Africa, Passports & Visas, Banks & Money, Tipping, Tax, Disabled Travelers, Clothing, Electricity, Public Holidays, Smoking

 
Bullet2 Time Differences:
  South Africa operates two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time throughout the year, making it an hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Winter Time and seven hours behind Australian Central Time.
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Bullet2 Getting to South Africa:
  Oliver Tambo International is the largest airport in South Africa and is the hub for major airlines from all continents. Flights from Europe are generally overnight , while the direct flights between the USA and Johannesburg last about 15 hours and flights between London and Johannesburg take about 12 hours.

Lanseria International Airport, also easily accessible from Didiloni Lodge, provides another starting point for trips into Africa and is particularly popular for air links to the smaller towns and cities in South Africa, as well as to game lodges and places such as Sun City International Resort.
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Bullet2 Passports & Visas:
 

For the majority of foreign nationals who travel to South Africa for vacation, entry is straightforward and hassle-free. All visitors to South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport in order to enter the country, and in some cases, a visa. 

Travellers from certain regions of the world (Scandinavia, Japan, the USA, and most Western European and Commonwealth countries) do not need to formally apply for a visa. Upon arrival in South Africa, countries falling into this category will automatically be given a free entry permit sticker that outlines how long they may remain in the country. This automatic entry permit is usually for a maximum of 90 days, though the immigration officer may tailor the time period according to the airline tickets held. Foreign nationals from some other countries are offered this service, but for a maximum of 30 days. If visitors want to stay for a longer period, they will have to apply formally for a visa, as opposed to relying on the automatic entry permit.
To determine whether you require a visa to enter South Africa, visit the comprehensive South African Home Affairs Department website at:
 http://home-affairs.pwv.gov.za/visa_schedule.asp. Should you require a visa or have questions you can visit http://home-affairs.pwv.gov.za/visa_detail.asp - where for details and contact addresses.
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Bullet2 Banks & Money:
  The unit of currency is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R, with 100 cents making up R1 (one Rand). Foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks and Bureau de Changes. Most major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and their affiliates are widely accepted. ATM’s are also generally available.
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Bullet2 Tipping:
  It is customary, but not obligatory, to tip anyone who performs a service, such as waiters and waitresses, petrol pump attendants, porters, parking attendants etc. Tips for waiters and waitresses are usually 10% of the cost of the meal, or more if the service was excellent. Otherwise R2 - R5 is given depending on the service provided and the environment.
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Bullet2 Tax:
  Value-added-tax (VAT) of 14% is charged on most items. Foreign tourists to South Africa can have their VAT refunded provided that the value of the items purchased exceeds R250.00. VAT is refunded at the point of departure provided receipts are produced.
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Bullet2 Disabled Travelers:
  Generally speaking, our facilities for disabled visitors can be improved, and this is an area the government is working on. Almost every national park has at least one accessible chalet and many accommodation establishments have one or two wheelchair-friendly rooms. Most sports stadiums have accessible suites, stands or areas for wheelchairs near accessible parking as well as special toilet facilities. Most public buildings and shopping centres also cater for wheelchair access.
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Bullet2 Clothing:
  The seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are directly opposite to those of the Northern Hemisphere. For summer months, lightweight (cottons and linens), short-sleeved clothes are best, although a light jersey/jumper might be needed for the cooler evenings. Umbrellas and raincoats are essential for the summers and the Western Cape winters. Warmer clothes are needed for the winter months.
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Bullet2 Electricity:
  South Africa's electricity supply: 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz
Exceptions: Pretoria (230 V) and Port Elizabeth (200/250 V)
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 may need a transformer.
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Bullet2 Public Holidays:
Public holidays can be found on the Handy Links page. In major areas shops, restaurants and cinemas will open on public holidays, except for Christmas Day and New Years Day. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, the next day - Monday, will be a holiday.
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Bullet2 Smoking:
  Law prohibits smoking in most public spaces, including airports and railway stations. However, most restaurants have designated smoking and non-smoking areas.