Visas
Credit cards and currency
Electricity
Language
Local Time Zone
Tipping
Climate in South Africa
South Africa has a mild climate throughout the year. Temperatures vary from cold mild winters between 0 – 15 degree C (32 – 59 degree F) to warm, hot summers between 20 – 40 degree C (68 – 104 degree F). Summer is from October to March and winter from April to September which is a welcome winter getaway for visitors from the Northern Hemisphere.
Gauteng region has hot summers with occasional thunderstorms and frosty winters during the early mornings and evenings.
Mpumalanga Eastern Lowveld region enjoy mild winters and hot summers.
The coastal area of Kwa-Zulu Natal are subtropical (year around beach weather) climate with high humidity in summer and balmy winter conditions.
The Cape interior and Free State have similar weather conditions to Gauteng.
The Western Cape has warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.
Snowfall is limited to the high mountain regions in South Africa.
Visas
Most passport holders need visas to enter South Africa. Visas must be obtained before leaving your home country as they will not be issued on arrival in SA. A multiple entry visa is needed if you intend to travel in and out of SA during the period for which the visa is valid. Upon arrival you must be able to provide proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay. You must also have a valid return ticket.
Credit cards and currency
The unit of currency is Rand in South Africa. Most major credit cards and traveller’s cheques in major currencies are accepted at all commercial banks. Most hotels, shops and businesses also accept credit cards, traveller’s cheques and foreign currency.
Johannesburg International airport and other major airports have 24 hour service banking and currency exchange facilities available. Banking facilities are open Monday to Friday from 09h00 to 15h30 and on Saturday from 08h30 to 11h00.
Most automatic teller machines for credit cards are available 24 hours.
Electricity
The standard power source is 200/230 volts AC in South Africa. It would be advisable to purchase an adaptor or transformer to link in with local electrical power. (Adaptors and transformers available in South Africa.)
Language
South Africa has 11 official languages: English, Afrikaans, Ndebele, North Sotho, South Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu. English is widely spoken throughout the country.
Local Time Zone
Standard time is two hours ahead of GMT.
Tipping
This is standard practice in South Africa and is generally between 10% and 15% depending on the service you receive.
Safety
South Africa is a developing country and crime does exist. Don’t let this put you off from visiting this wonderful country, it happens all over the world. South Africans are just more aware of this and we take extra precautions to prevent these unpleasant happenings. Your stay and travel with Africa Explore Tours and Safaris is a guaranteed safe time and you will not even notice that we have crime in this country while with us.