Travel Tips in South Africa

It is vital that you have travel insurance before travelling (if you are not a South African resident).

Travelling Safely in South Africa

There are some precautions to ensure that your stay in the country is as safe as possible:-

• Never leave your luggage unattended at the airport.
• Store valuables in a safe where possible.
• Keep your room, house, guest room locked whether you are in or not.
• If someone knocks on your door ensure you ask who it is and look through a window where possible. If in doubt do not open.
• When leaving property, leave outside lights on where possible for your return after dusk.
• When driving ensure doors are locked and the windows are closed. Do not leave valuables on car seats.
• It is compulsory to carry a translation of your driver's licence if it's not in English.
• Never pick up strangers.

On The Street Safety

• Avoid displays of wealth for example expensive jewellery, cameras, camcorders, mobile phones, these should be stored discreetly.
• Do not carry large amounts of cash with you.
• At night avoid dark isolated areas.
• Explore in groups in well lit areas which are busy.
• Have a phone number of your hotel and destination details handy in case you get lost.
• Do not walk in the bush after dark.
• Plan your trip before hand to avoid standing on a street corner with a map which can distract you and cause safety issues.
• Be wary of children or vagrants who approach you on the street.
• If you are mugged do not resist, hand over what is requested and when your assailant is out of sight telephone the police.
• Go to the nearest business or petrol station to ask for directions if you get lost or ask a police offer or traffic officer for help.

Emergency Contact Numbers

Police assistance is 10111 from any call box.

Fire 1022 (Ask for Fire).

Ambulance 1022 (Ask for Ambulance).

Electricity

Voltage is 220 - 230 AC 50 Hz

Sockets are three round pins, adapters are available to purchase for square plugs however they can be hard to find in South Africa. Power is reliable in main towns but can be unreliable in more remote locations. In these areas it is advisable to take a torch. Residents from the US may need a transformer.

Driving in South Africa

• Vehicles drive on the left hand side of the road.
• All distances, speed limits (and speedometers) are in kilometres.
• Speed limit on motorways - 100 - 120kmh.
• Speed limit on rural roads - 80 - 100kph.
• Speed limit in built up areas - 60kph.
• It is illegal to use a hand held mobile phone when driving.
• Seat belts compulsory for drivers and passengers both in the front of the car and the back of the car.
• Leaded, unleaded and diesel petrol is available every where in South Africa. It is cheaper than Europe, however credit cards are not accepted.
• If you are issued with a citation for any traffic violation, you are not required to pay over any amount of cash directly to the Officer.
• Police carry out random breathalysers on drivers and the punishment is severe.
• Most national roads are tarmac and in good condition, the more rural the road, the more likely it is to be pot-holed and poorly surfaced.

National Holidays

Holiday Name	Date of Holiday
New Year's Day	1st January
Human Right's Day	21st March
Good Friday	March / April
Family Day	March / April
Freedom Day	27th April
Workers Day	1st May
Youth Day	16th June
National Woman's Day	9th August
Heritage Day	24th December
Day of Reconciliation	16th December
Christmas Day	25th December
Day of Goodwill	26th December