Here's all the practical information you need to know to enjoy a smooth visit to South Africa!

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.

Getting there
Johannesburg International Airport is the major airport in South Africa and is the hub for 45 airlines from all five continents. Flights from Europe are generally overnight and just a sleep away - an aperitif, dinner, sound sleep, and a good breakfast - and voila, you're in South Africa! The direct flights between the USA and Johannesburg or Cape Town are about 15 hours, and flights between London and Johannesburg take about 12 hours.

Passports and 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.

Travelers 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. For South African missions abroad, visit http://www.dfa.gov.za/foreign/sa_abroad/index.htm.

Banks and Money
The currency unit 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.

Tipping
It is customary, but not obligatory, to tip to 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. 

Tax
Value-added-tax (VAT) 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 provided receipts are produced.

Disabled Travelers
Generally speaking, our facilities for disabled visitors can be improved, and this is an area our government is working on. An increasing number of accommodation establishments have wheelchair ramps and bathroom facilities for the disabled. Almost every national park has at least one accessible chalet and many accommodation establishments have one or two wheelchair-friendly rooms. Most of our sports stadiums have accessible suites, stands or areas for wheelchairs near accessible parking as well as special toilet facilities. Most public buildings also caters for wheelchair access.

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.

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 but may be in short supply. US-made appliances may need a transformer.

Health and Safety
Many foreigners are unaware that South Africa has a well-developed infrastructure, high standards of water treatment and medical facilities equal to the best in the world. Here we address any health and safety questions you may have. Hospitals and medical care: In a great many medical disciplines, South Africa is a global leader. In fact, South African trained doctors are sought after all over the world, so this should give an indication of the standard of medical care available. There is a large network of public and private hospitals countrywide, offering excellent service. However, clients must have adequate health insurance to cover the fees private hospitals charge.

Malaria
Malaria is found only in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo and on the Maputaland coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Malaria is not much of a risk in the winter months. Although the incidence of malaria is rare, it would be best to take adequate precautions if you choose to visit these areas.
Our government has embarked on an extensive anti-malaria programme (in co-operation with Swaziland and Mozambique) and the incidence of malaria is decreasing. One reassuring thing about malaria is that there is absolutely no way at all that you can contract it unless you are bitten by an infected mosquito. And with modern insect repellents and some common sense one can reduce the chances of being bitten to close to zero.
The cheapest, safest and most effective measures against malaria are physical barriers such as a mosquito net, and the use of a good insect repellent. If you decide to take malaria prophylaxis, it is essential that they take the drugs according to the directions on the package insert. You will need to start a week or two before entering a malaria-endemic area and should continue taking the drugs for four weeks after leaving the malaria risk area. It is advisable to consult a medical professional before embarking on a course of malaria prophylaxis. Note that expectant mothers should avoid malaria medications.
Malaria is a health threat in various parts of Southern Africa, and precautions should be taken when traveling to any of the risk areas. Anti-malaria drugs are available over the counter at pharmacies, and these should be taken to minimize the risk of infection. Mosquito repellant should also be used. There are also hot climate dangers, such as sun-stroke and sunburn, and cold climate dangers in the Drakensberg mountain area.
In general, the health services in South Africa are comprehensive and quality medical treatment is widely available. Medical insurance is a necessity however, as the government health facilities are often overcrowded and under-equipped. Private clinics are therefore the preferred option for those who can afford them.

Personal safety
For tourists, South Africa is as safe as any other destination in the world. South Africa boasts a vast array of cultures, communities, sites and attractions. Most parts of the country can be safely visited by tourists provided they take basic common-sense precautions (for example not walking alone in deserted areas at night and being circumspect about how much photographic equipment or flashy jewellery you carry. Most of the crime that takes place in South Africa is between people who know each other and random acts of violence are the minority of cases. Most major cities run organized crime prevention programme. Basic Safety Tip guidelines will be available at hotels and tourism information offices
If you are in doubt as to the safety of a particular area or attraction, contact the National Tourism information and Safety Line on 083 123 2345. This number may also be used for practical assistance in replacing lost documents or reporting incidents.

Food and water
As a rule, tap water in South Africa is safe to drink as it is treated and is free of harmful microorganisms. In hotels, restaurants and nightspots, the standards of hygiene and food preparation top-notch. It is safe to eat fresh fruit and salads and to put as much ice as you like in your drinks - a good thing, too, after a day on the beach or in the bush.

Road safety
Our transport infrastructure is excellent and our roads are in good condition. However, the distances between towns are significant, so if you're planning to self-drive, it is a good idea to plan your itinerary to ensure they don't drive long distances as fatigue is a major cause of road accidents. Avoid long car journeys that necessitate driving at night as it always carries more risk. Also, in some of the more remote rural areas, the roads are not fenced so there may be stray animals on the road - which could be very dangerous at night. (Cows don't have headlights.)
We have very strict drinking and driving laws - with a maximum allowable alcohol blood content of 0.05%. Translated that means about one glass of wine for the average woman and perhaps 1.5 or two for the average or large man. Our speed limits are 120kmph on the open road, 100kmph on smaller roads and between 60 and 80kmph in towns. Be aware that even major national roads cut through residential areas so there may be a speed limit of 80 or 60kmph on a road that looks like an autobahn. This is to protect pedestrians, especially children, so
we really do encourage people to comply.

Driving
All visitors intending to drive are required to obtain an international drivers permit, visitors found driving without a permit will be fined and not permitted to continue on their journey. Visitors will also not be able to rent a car without a valid driver's permit. The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory and strictly enforced by law.

Vaccinations
Visitors who are entering South Africa from a yellow fever zone must have a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate. Only infants under the age of one year are exempt. Immunisation against cholera and small pox are not required and no other vaccinations are required when visiting South Africa.

Shopping
Most major shopping centres and malls operate 7 days a week, but you will find that in the smaller towns and rural areas that shops are closed on a Sunday.
Monday - Saturday: 09:00 to 17:00
Sunday: 09:00 - 14:00

Currency 
The currency in South Africa is the Rand. The Rand is divided into 100 cents. Notes that are issued are R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10.
Coins are available as R5, R2, R1, 50c., 20c. 10c, 5c, 2c and 1c. 
Travelers Cheques and Overseas currency can be exchanges for South African Rands at travel agency offices, banks and some businesses. Various rates of commission are charged. Banking hours are generally from 09h00 to 15h30 on week days and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays. Banks are closed on Sundays. 

Language and Culture 
Afrikaans and English were the official languages prior to the 1994 elections, and are very widely spoken amongst all population groups. 
There are now 11 official languages, although some of the African languages are regional. Of the African languages, Zulu and Xhosa are the most widely spoken. Xhosa is more prominent in the Western cape, while Zulu is the language most used Kwazulu-Natal. 
Business is conducted in English, and so the majority of the city-dwelling population has a fair to good command of everyday English. In smaller towns and rural areas, regional languages may dominate, but English will also be understood by some residents. 

Traveling in Southern Africa 
Most of the major international airlines fly to Johannesburg and Cape Town, and travel over land from neighboring countries is possible as there are good road and rail links between the Southern African countries. Within South Africa, domestic flights between the countries major centers (Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and Durban) are conducted several times per day, on a daily basis. There are also flights to smaller airports around the country on specific days of the week. 

Travel by bus is a popular alternative to air travel. There are several types of service, ranging from luxury coach to basic economy bus trips. The routes are comprehensive and many bus service run daily. Car rental agencies can be found in most towns, and the major international companies usually permit one-way rentals, although an additional fee may be levied. 

Spoornet, which runs the railway system, has a number of passenger routes. Sleeper cars must be booked at least 24 hours in advance for overnight trips on 1st and 2nd class. Meals and bedding are provided for an additional fee. There are two luxury rail services available in South Africa, and one in Namibia. The Blue Train and Rovos Rail both provide luxurious inter-city travel options within the borders of South Africa, and between South Africa and other countries. The Desert Express offers inter-city trips in Namibia. 

Security 
Because of the high crime rate in South African cities, it is unwise to travel alone at night and caution should be exercised during the day as well. Avoid deserted areas, and don't display valuables such as cash, jewelry or photographic equipment which will make you a target.

Travel Advisor
• General Safety Tips  •If you're on a guided tour, your chances of encountering problems are minimal - tour operators make it their business to know the areas they travel to so you are never at any undue risk.
If you're travelling alone, keep up-to-date with local news so you know about potential "hot spots". http://www.africanews.org/ carries top stories from most of Africa's local newspapers, and is updated daily.
Get a local perspective - ask someone where you're staying to give you a run-down on any unsafe areas, and codes of dress and behavior.
As with anywhere in the world, when you're in a city err on the side of caution. Don't openly carry valuables. If you must carry your passport and money, keep them in a buttoned-down pocket or well-concealed on your person. Driving in Africa can often be a pretty adventurous undertaking. In many countries, and particularly in rural areas, roads are often poorly maintained and it's not unusual to come across large domestic animals such as sheep and cattle. The best advice: stay alert, use your seatbelts and avoid travelling at night. Avoid deserted areas, particularly at night. If you're in a car, try and park in well-lit populated areas; always keep it locked - even when you're in it; and don't leave valuables where they can be seen. If you're thinking of hitchhiking, you'll need to understand the high risks involved. It is often exciting, always potentially dangerous - particularly in around urban centres or after dark - and isn't advised if safety is a priority. The best advice for security when you travel: simply stay aware of what's going on around you. If you do this, you have a good chance of enjoying a problem-free holiday.
• Safety on Safari  •All reserves have a set of rules that you need to follow to ensure your safety. Many of the animals you'll come across, particularly lion, hippo, elephant and buffalo, are dangerous. Stay in your car and keep a reasonable distance - especially with elephant - in case you need to beat a hasty retreat!Africa has its fair share of poisonous snakes - though they are rarely encountered and, when they are, will more often than not try to get away as quickly as possible. However, if you plan on doing any walking, take along boots, socks and long trousers as a precautionary measure (which also helps with ticks) - and always look where you're going.
Avoid swimming in rivers that have hippos and crocodiles.
• Weather •Because the weather in Africa is often unpredictable - the rains can sometimes be heavy one season, sometimes they can fail altogether - this information is a rough guideline only. You can find more detailed weather information on a particular country under Country Information.Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe - summer rainfall from late October to early April; cool to warm dry sunny winter days from May to early October
Lesotho - summer from November to January and winter from May to July, with predominantly summer rainfall from September to April
Kenya - summer from December to March and winter from July to September, with long rains from March to May and short rains between November and December
Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia - summer from around December to March and winter in Malawi from June to July; in Tanzania from March to May; and in Zambia from April to August. All three countries have long rains from November to April
Mozambique - summer from October to March and winter from April to September, with high summer humidity and showers between September and April
South Africa - summer from September to April and winter from May to August, with summer rainfall in the north and winter rainfall in the south
Swaziland - summer from September to April and winter from May to August, with predominantly summer rainfall.
• Malaria •If you're travelling to a malaria area, you'll need to take the following precautions:Apply insect repellent to exposed skin - recommended repellents contain 20%-35% DEET, and there are a number of brands on the market.
Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants if you're outdoors at night.
Use a mosquito net if your tent or room isn't screened or air-conditioned; and spray insecticide or burn a mosquito coil before going to bed.
Take the malaria tablets recommended for the region you're travelling to, and keep taking them until the course is complete.
British Airways Travel Clinics provide a comprehensive malaria avoidance programme. You can contact them in Johannesburg at +27 11 807 3132, and in Cape Town at +27 21 419 3172. You can also visit http://www.malaria.org.za/risk.htm.
If you come down with flu-like symptoms either during, or within four to six weeks after, your visit to a malaria area, seek a doctor's advice immediately.
• Health Precautions • Besides malaria, there are other insect-borne diseases such as dengue and sleeping sickness. However, these are less common and using the same precautions as you would against mosquito bites, namely long-sleeved clothes and trousers, repellents and mosquito nets, will help prevent them.
In countries where drinking water isn't properly regulated, stick to bottled or boiled water and avoid tap water, water fountains and ice cubes. Ask your travel consultant about the safety of drinking water in the areas you'll be visiting.
Use common sense when it comes to food and beverages. If you're unsure of their origin, don't touch them.
If you're walking, it's best to wear shoes at all times.
AIDS is rife throughout Africa, so if you're planning to have intimate contact with the locals always use condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Avoid handling strange animals, especially monkeys, dogs and cats.
Avoid swimming in stagnant water.
The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following vaccines. See your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to allow time for them to take effect:
Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)
Hepatitis B if you might be exposed to blood (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, stay longer than 6 months, or be exposed through medical treatment
Rabies, if you come into direct contact with wild or domestic animals
Typhoid, particularly if you are visiting developing countries
Booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria, measles and a one-time dose of polio vaccine for adults, as needed
A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required for entry into certain African countries, particularly if you are coming from a country in tropical South America or elsewhere in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, there is no risk for of yellow fever in Southern Africa.
• What to Bring •If you're going on safari, pack comfortable walking shoes and khaki, brown or beige casual clothes. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers will help protect you against the sun and insect bites. Take a warm jacket for game drives; and, if you're going in summer, make sure it's water-proof.Smart-casual clothes for eveningwear, although a few up-market destinations will expect something more formal - check with your travel consultant if you're not sure.
Malaria tablets, insect repellent and (if necessary) a mosquito net (see Malaria above)
Sun block, sunglasses, hat

Prescription medications: make sure you have enough to last during your trip, as well as a copy of the prescription's
Over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medicine (just in case!) if you think you'll have trouble finding a pharmacy on your trip
Visa or MasterCard credit card and/or Travelers Cheques - Diners and American Express are not always accepted. Keep travel documents in a safe place - many airlines no longer resubmit lost tickets and require a police affidavit if you want to avoid paying the full fare for their replacement.