Tips
for the Traveller
 Every
person wishing to enter South Africa must be in possession
of a valid passport for travel to South Africa and, where
necessary, a visa (click here for more
info on visa requirements). Visitors who intend travelling
to South Africa's neighbouring countries and back into South
Africa, are advised to apply for multiple-entry visas. Tourists
must satisfy immigration officers that they have the means
to support themselves during their stay and that they are
in possession of return or onward tickets.
 South
Africa's transport infrastructure allows for visitors to travel
comfortably and quickly from their port of entry to any other
part of the country. A number of international airlines, including
SAA
 (click
here to go to the SAA website), operate regular scheduled
flights to and from South Africa. Several domestic airlines
operate in the country. There is also an extensive rail network
in South Africa that includes two of the ten most luxurious
trains - or hotels on rails - in the world. Find out more
about the "Blue
Train" (click
here to go to the "Blue Train" website) and
"Rovos
Rail" (click
here to go to the "Rovos Rail" website).
Currency
The currency is the South African Rand, which is divided into
100 cents. Coins come in denominations of 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c,
20c, 50c, R1, R2 and R5, and notes in denominations of R10,
R20, R50, R100 and R200.
For current exchange rates - click
here.
Language
South Africa has 11 official languages. English is understood
and used by most people.
Health
Medical facilities in cities and larger towns are world-class.
Trained medical caregivers are deployed around the country,
so help is never far away.
For more information on Health issues, you can visit: SAA
Netcare Travel Clinics
Water
High-quality tap (faucet) water (currently rated the third
cleanest in the world) is available almost everywhere in South
Africa, free of harmful micro-organisms. Bottled mineral water,
both sparkling and still, is readily available in most places.
For more information on Water Affairs, you can visit: Rand
Water
Temperature/Climate
South Africa is famous for its sunshine. April and May are
perhaps the most pleasant months. The rainy season over the
summer-rainfall region has then ended, while it has not yet
really started in the winter-rainfall area. Midsummer occurs
in December and January, and temperatures average around 32oC;
during midwinter in June and July it could drop to 8oC,
on average.
For up-to-date weather in South Africa - click
here.
• Click here
for more links on Travel and Tourism.
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